Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV November 19/02

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are ten times more common in women than men, mainly because of the way our bodies are made up. The urinary tract comprises the kidney, ureters, bladder and urethra and they function together to produce, store and excrete urine. Normally urine is sterile (does not contain bacteria) however, occasionally bacteria (E.coli) can enter the urinary tract from the rectum or vagina into the urethra where they cause irritation and inflammation. The most common type of UTI is cystitis, which is an infection of the bladder.

Symptoms

Burning sensation when urinating
Increasing urge to urinate
Frequent urination
Urine may have a strange odor and be cloudy or dark in colour
Urine may be blood tinged
Fever, chills and vomiting may indicate that the UTI is moving into the kidneys
Do not ignore these symptoms, see your doctor immediately as they can easily be resolved in a few days.

Treatment

Some UTIs will clear up spontaneously, others will require antibiotic treatment.

Prevention and Management of UTIs Through Diet

Cranberry Juice – Phytochemicals called proanthocyanins found in cranberries have been used to treat UTIs. Proanthocyanins prevent the adherence of bacteria (E.coli) to the wall of the urinary tract and the bacteria are then flushed out instead of sticking around to multiply. One glass per day may not only help prevent a UTI but may also help treat one. A cocktail of 27% real juice was used in studies, however an actual dose has not yet been established, but may be from 300-1000ml/day. Too much cranberry juice may aggravate kidney stones in some people. Cranberry extract can be used as an alternative to cranberry juice. 1000mg of dried cranberry powder is equivalent to 300mg juice, minus the calories.

Blueberries – also contain a high content of proanthocyanins. Try adding ½-1 cup of blueberries to your diet on cereal, in a fruit smoothie or cooked into a puree for a dessert topping or to add to yogurt. Use fresh in the summer and frozen in the winter.

Water – drinking plenty of water each day can help flush out the bacteria from your system. Bring a water bottle in your car, have one with you for your workouts, keep water at your bedside and drink water with every meal and snack.

Garlic – the allyl sulfur compounds in garlic have immune boosting powers that increase the activity of white blood cells that fight infection. Take ½-1 clove daily in salads, spreads, dips, salad dressings, pasta sauces and vegetable dishes. If you decide to take a supplement, use the aged garlic extract, which is odorless and won’t cause stomach upset. Take it with your meals. Discuss it with your doctor if you are taking Coumadin as the extract can thin your blood.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria supplements of 1-10 billion active cells each day can help maintain your body’s natural bacterial flora by preventing the growth and proliferation of infection-causing bacteria. If you are taking antibiotic therapy for your UTI you may want to consider taking probiotic supplements to lessen the chances of re-infection. Take the supplement with food. Foods that contain these bacteria include yogurt, kefir, and sweet acidophilus milks.

Limit foods that may aggravate your urinary tract such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods.

The bottom line: Drink plenty of water, including cranberry and blueberry juice and practice good personal hygiene.

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!