UTI as most of us know is Urinary Tract Infection, mainly a common infection in women. UTI is caused by a bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli that is found in the gut and can easily enter the urinary tract through the urethra, which is shorter for women than men reaching the bladder easier. It can affect the kidneys. It is the most common microbial infection globally, 10 people from 1,000 worldwide. Research indicates that vegetarian diet patterns can reduce the development of UTI by at least 16%.
The study (Scientific Reports) in 2020 followed the vegetarian diet of 9,724 Buddhists for 9 years. This research found that certain food reservoirs such as poultry or pork meat when avoided in a diet can protect against UTI. These food reservoirs carry certain bacterial strains of E. coli called extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), which accounts for 65–75% of all UTIs. Also, red meat and other animal proteins have high potential renal acid loads (PRALs), they make urine more acidic, however fruits and vegetables have low PRALs and contain phytochemicals, making urine less acidic. Therefore, a vegetarian diet also reduces acidic urine, by preventing the growth of bacteria. This study has limitations though, not being able to look at the impact of switching between diets. Dr. Yufang Lin adds plant-based foods, particularly herbs or bitter foods, have antimicrobial properties and are also antioxidants. A vegetarian diet is usually rich in antimicrobial components that fight the presence of microbes as well as the bacteria. These prevent bacterial growth in the food that we eat and suppress bacterial growth in the gut. Also, antioxidants will strengthen the immune system fighting off infections easier in the body. She also believes a vegan diet doesn’t mean better health as long as enough antimicrobials and antioxidants are received from consuming whole foods, vegetables and fresh fruits. Nutritious foods to improve resistance to infection:
Plenty of water to flush out bacteria.
Carrot juice is high in anti-inflammatory beta-carotenes. UTI soother recipe: blitz 2 carrots, either with 1 celery stick or 1 apple until smooth, recommended drink daily.
Live foods: yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh and kefir are all great support to repopulate the gut with good bacteria. Recommended to consume a portion daily.
Blueberries contain a high number of antioxidants, preventing bacteria sticking to the urinary tract wall. Take a handful regularly.
Kombucha drinks (we sell a few in our shop, check it out) and tea are rich in beneficial probiotics. Kombucha also contains antioxidants, can kill harmful bacteria and may help fight several diseases.
#infection #UTI #urinaltractinfection #guthealth #womenhealth #vegetariandiet #antioxidant #antimicrobial #freshfruit #wholefoods #vegetables #carrotjuice #kombucha #livefoods #water #drinkwater #blueberries #health #healthyurinarysystem #healinginfection #healthyliving Sources: Healthline, Can Your Diet Affect Your Chances of Getting a UTI? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/diet-and-utis-foods-to-avoid-with-a-uti#foods-and-drinks News Medical Life Sciences, Going vegan lowers risk of urinary tract infection https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200130/Going-vegan-lowers-risk-of-urinary-tract-infection.aspx
Scientific Reports, The risk of urinary tract infection in vegetarians and non-vegetarians: a prospective study https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-58006-6
Everyday Health, Vegetarian Diet Linked to Lowered Risk of Urinary Tract Infection https://www.everydayhealth.com/urinary-tract-infection/vegetarian-diet-linked-to-reduced-risk-for-urinary-tract-infection/
Neal’s Yard Remedies, Complete Wellness [Claire Cross, published in 2018]
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