How Nutrition Can Help Reduce Urinary Tract Infections

·         Fatigue

·         Fever

·         Autonomic dysreflexia

·         Sepsis

·         Kidney failure

 

 

 

Nutrient deficiency is the most common cause of a low immune function. UTI’s occur more frequently when the body’s immune system is low.

 

What you can do:

·         Eat lots of foods rich in Vitamins A & C

·         Citrus fruits

·         Red & green peppers

·         Yellow & orange vegetables

·         Sweet potato

 

 

Cranberries produce hippuric acid in the urine making it more acidic which prevents bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder. Tannins found in cranberries also create an unfriendly environment for bacteria growth.

What you can do:

·         Drink 16 oz. of unsweetened cranberry juice a day

Probiotics is good bacteria that help keep bad bacteria at bay. It is also gives the immune system a boost.

 

What you can do:

·         Eat fermented foods such as

o   Yogurt

o   Sauerkraut

o   Pickled foods

o   Probiotic supplements

 

When the pH balance of urine increases, it creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria to live in.

 

What you can do:

·         Take Citrate tablets: dose 125-250 mg 3 to 4 times/day

Uva Ursi is an antiseptic herb, especially active against E. Coli

What you can do:

·         Drink as a tea or take in a supplement form

 

 

Eight cups of liquid/day helps flush out the bladder.

What you can do:

·         Drink water, eight cups would be ideal

·         Unsweetened cranberry juice and herbal teas are other healthy drink choices

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common and costly secondary health complications for people with SCI. Neurogenic bladders, resulting from spinal damage, require the necessary practice of intermittent catheterization, which can introduce unwanted bacteria into the bladder. The first essential step to help protect your body against infection is to build and maintain a strong immune system by eating a healthy diet.

 

1. Combine all juices in a pitcher and stir

2. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and blueberries

makes 2 servings

*recipe provided by Pascal Ribreau

Cranberries & Blueberries – contain compounds that counteract bacteria

Lychee & Limes –are great sources of vitamin C to help boost the immune system

Mint –has natural antimicrobial properties

 

 

*recipe provided by Sarah Dobec

Coconut Milk– contains two anti-microbial and antibacterial chemical compounds to help fight infections.

Bananas – this wonderfully sweet, tropical fruit is a good source of vitamin C to help boost your immune system. These delicious yellow gems are also loaded with fibre to help keep your digestive system moving, as well as potassium to help keep your heart pumping!

 

2 cups plain yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated
1 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Whole grain pitas or flat bread or veggies

2.      dip fresh pita or veggies into dip & enjoy!

makes servings

Yogurt– the good bacteria found in this fermented dairy product boost your immune system by helping to keep the bad bacteria at bay

Lemon juice – the Vitamin C in this citrus fruit is a great immune builder, as it helps activate the white blood cells which seek out and destroy unfriendly bacteria. 

Garlic- is a natural anti-microbial. It contains an active compound called Allicin, which helps fight bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.