Urinary infection is an inflammation of the bladder or lower urinary tract that is due to an infection, usually of bacterial origin and, less frequently, viral or fungal. According to research published by Dr. Juan Ignacio Alós, from the Macrobiology Service of the Hospital of Móstoles, it is estimated that between 50% and 60% of adult women will have at least one episode of urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. , and that the peak incidence of this type of infection without complications is between 18 and 39 years of age. This same article points out that “the most important risk factor for suffering from a UTI is having had recent sexual relations”, and that other risk factors are the use of spermicides or vaginal diaphragms, as well as genetic factors.
The bacteria responsible for this infection is, in 90% of cases, Escherichia coli. “This type of infection is contracted when any of these bacteria, which live on the skin or in the intestine, penetrates the bladder through the urethra, which is the channel through which we expel urine,” explains Eva Orta Hoyos. , nutrition member of the College of Pharmacists of Zaragoza. The fact that urine infection is more common in women than in men is due to the fact that “we have the anus closer to the urethra and our urethra is shorter than that of men, so the bacteria have to travel less.” distance,” says the pharmacist.
The symptoms of urinary infection are easily recognizable, and only some of them occur in more serious cases, when another organ is compromised. Frequent urination and the feeling of not having emptied the bladder after urinating, pain or stinging, altered urine color, and discomfort or cramps in the abdomen or back are some of them. “In their most severe forms, these symptoms can be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea and vomiting,” concludes Orta Hoyos.
Although eating a balanced diet and having adequate hydration can help combat both urinary infections and other pathologies, the specialist explains that “there are no miracle foods that alone can help improve the condition of a urinary infection.” although having a good immune system and intestinal transit “helps us to be protected.” For Orta Hoyos, “the basis of our diet should be fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains and legumes. Less frequently, but also present, will be dairy products, meats, fish and eggs.” Among the foods that we should avoid in case of urinary infection, we find the following.
According to a Cochrane Review, the consumption of blueberries reduces the number of episodes of cystitis suffered by half over a year. For this reason, the European Guide to Urology and the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Phytotherapy (SEGIF) recommend the consumption of this fruit to prevent repeated urinary infections. There are food supplements on the market to guarantee sustained consumption of this fruit, which also protects the cardiovascular and digestive system, memory and is effective in weight loss diets.
