Urinary tract infection or UTI can cause persistent itching, a frequent and strong urge to urinate, abdominal pain, cloudy urine, burning sensation, fever, and even leakage. These symptoms can interfere with the daily lives of those affected and make them extremely uncomfortable. One can get a UTI multiple times during their lifetime. However, adding certain food items to one’s meals and following an appropriate treatment plan can help fight the symptoms and prevent reinfection.

Cranberry
This is one of the most popular food items to combat UTIs. Doctors may recommend cranberry supplements to UTI patients as the fruit contains chemical compounds that keep bacteria from developing and accumulating in the lining of the urinary tract. Even after the infection has been treated, the berry can help prevent reinfection. The most effective way to utilize cranberries is to have the whole fruit instead of buying cranberry juice or drinks that contain a lot of sugar.

Cinnamon
This spice is loaded with antibacterial properties and so can help fight inflammation. Cinnamon is known to keep the bacteria E. coli from developing and sticking to the walls of the bladder and urethra. You can add this spice to many recipes or even use it in tea to make it a part of your daily routine. For instance, adding ginger and a pinch of cinnamon to a nice, warm cup of herbal tea could be an easy solution.

Foods with probiotics
Incorporating food items rich in probiotics like yogurt, pickles, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut in one’s meals can help fight infection. Probiotics are loaded with good gut bacteria, which can keep bad bacteria at bay. Plain yogurt is more effective than fruit yogurt, which contains flavoring and added sugar that can boost the growth of UTI bacteria.

Vitamin C
Foods such as papaya, broccoli, and leafy vegetables are rich sources of vitamin C that help increase the acidity of the urine, which can hamper bacterial growth in the urinary tract. However, one should avoid citrus as highly acidic fruits and vegetables — oranges, lemons, and limes — can aggravate the symptoms.

Garlic
This allicin-rich spice is loaded with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and can boost immunity. It also wards off E. coli bacteria. The allicin compound can easily be damaged by heat, so garlic in its raw form might be most effective.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Fish (salmon, mackerel, and tuna), olive oil, flax and chia seeds, and nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation. Alternatively, fish oil supplements can be taken.

Apart from foods, doctors may prescribe some treatment options for UTIs. One such popular prescription for complicated cases is Fetroja (cefiderocol), as it works on bacteria that are resistant to most other treatment options. While one may immediately feel better after starting the Fetroja course, that does not mean the bacteria has completely left the body. The course must be completed as instructed by the doctor to prevent reinfection.