We diet for holidays, we diet for events, we diet to detox, we diet to get our health in check.
And now, ladies, we diet for our vaginas.
Your trusty V puts up with a lot. Like, a lot a lot.
Just like period pain, UTI’s are another of life’s unfortunate occurrences. And before you ask, no they’re not just an after-effect of too much time spent in the sack.
UTI’s, or urinary tract infections are caused when bacteria gets into your urinary tract. This can be due to a myriad of reasons, including waiting too long to pass urine, certain forms of birth control and hormonal changes, wearing tight pants or staying in your wet cozzies for too long (although we think this may be a myth that stuck, but we’ll get back to you on that).
Either way, the fact of the matter is, UTI’s hurt. They cause pain or stinging when you pass urine, an urge to pass urine basically ALL of the time and intense pressure in your lower belly. Believe us, they ain’t fun.
If you feel the onset of a UTI, or know that you are prone; fear not! There are a number of foods out there that can help cure you, and protect you against future infections. Here’s our top picks for the ultimate ‘UTI-preventing-vagina-diet’ if you will:
1) Cranberry juice
This one’s probably the most well-known. Cranberries contain hippuric acid that helps prevent bacteria from clinging to the urethra, which is why you have definitely heard of them as a UTI cure. Previous studies have found that cranberry materials limit the movement of bacteria found in UTIs, and the movement of bacteria is a key mechanism for the spread of infection.
Cranberry juice works a charm and sort of feels like you’re drinking something fun #amiright? Add a squeeze of lime for added flavour and a cocktail umbrella to nourish your soul.
2) Blueberries
The blue, hunky cousin of cranberries — blueberries are also great at easing the symptoms and killing the bacteria that causes a UTI. Don’t be frugal, 100% blueberry juice could work wonders if consumed within the first 24 hours of symptoms occurring.
3) Probiotics and probiotic rich foods
Probiotics are not only helpful for urinary tract infections, but researchers found that they can help the body fight many other infections. Winner winner, gut-health dinner. A quality probiotic and probiotic rich foods like kefir, sauerkraut, yogurt and kombucha can work wonders on a UTI, and incorporating them into your diet regularly could lend a helping hand in preventing further infections.
4) Garlic and Onions
Which ain’t such a bad thing, ‘cause show us a better kitchen smell than sautéed garlic and onions — we’ll wait. Garlic and onions help fight urinary tract infections because of their antimicrobial activity that kills bacteria such as E. coli, and other microorganisms to prevent them from growing in the body. They are also super rich in anti-inflammatory compounds such as allicin, but they contain many other sulfur compounds that are ready and raring to wipe out the bad bacteria as well.
5) Grapefruit
…And other vitamin-C rich foods. These babies help to inhibit bacterial growth, so make sure you fill your boots with oranges, tomatoes, spinach, kiwi fruits and cabbage. (Oh, and don’t forget to eat them. They’re no good sitting in your boots, silly!)
And on a final note, The University of Michigan Health System recommends taking up to 4,000 mg of vitamin C per day to promote the healing process. Get downing that OJ girlfriend!
Keen for some more UTI reading? (Said no one ever) Check out the following:
How apple cider vinegar helps prevent a UTI.
Is toilet paper the cause of your UTI?
