Fruits that Help Treat Urinary Tract Infections

Fruits are rich in vitamin C, which can help the body eliminate bacteria in the bladder. By increasing your consumption of citrus foods you also improve intestinal health.

Written and verified by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Last update: 27 May, 2022

Do you get a lot of urinary tract infections? Aside from taking medication your doctor prescribes, a balanced diet can also help prevent frequent UTIs. Including plenty of fruit is an easy and delicious way to protect your urinary tract. Want to know which fruits are the best?

Benefits of fruit for urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections are a common nuisance for women. UTIs cause inflammation of the bladder, a burning sensation when urinating, pressure in the abdominal area, and sometimes even a low-grade fever.

Doctors usually prescribe a course of antibiotics for these infections, but there are other things that can help for a quick recovery. Here are some guidelines on what fruits you should eat to help fight the infection and feel better more quickly.

The high content of vitamin C content and other compounds that fight bacteria found in the bladder make fruit a powerful weapon against UTIs. Before we talk about the most effective kinds of fruits to include in your diet, here are some tips that will enhance the effectiveness of your antibiotics to get rid of your infection. 

• Drink plenty of fluids. This will help clean out the bladder and the urinary tract.
• Teas made with chamomile, cinnamon, and rosemary are also great because they reduce inflammation.
• Eat foods with antibiotic properties. Some examples are garlic, ginger, parsley… You can make a ginger tea, or drink a parsley infusion. Just boil 5 sprigs of parsley in a cup of water, then filter the liquid and drink it warm or hot.
• Diuretic foods prevent fluid retention and promote urination. The best ones are asparagus, cucumbers, celery, and beets.
• Avoid foods that can irritate the bladder like coffee and green tea.
• Avoid foods made with refined flours, yeast, and sugars – these just increase the fluid retention and won’t help fight the infection.
• Drink a tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water every day. This will help get rid of your urinary tract infection.

Fruits that help cure your urinary tract infection

1. Cranberries

Cranberries work because they increase the acidity of the urine. That, in turn, helps eliminate bacteria by killing it or preventing it from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract.

Here’s a tip: don’t buy the pre-packaged cranberry juices in supermarkets. They don’t contain any of the active ingredients that promote healing and they also have a high sugar content. It’s much better to buy fresh cranberries and make the juice at home.

2. Papayas

Papaya is also good for you because it contains enzymes that reduce inflammation and promote healing. Don’t miss out on this nutritious and delicious way to prevent urinary tract infections, eat some papaya today!

3. Orange and lemon juice

4. Pineapple

5. Red grapes

Not only are they rich in antioxidants and vitamins, but they also reduce inflammation, are highly diuretic, and help you recover quickly.

Enjoy!