BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM

If you have ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know that this condition is painful, disruptive, and all too common. In fact, more than half of adult women have had a UTI, and many have several recurrences every year. Although female bodies are more susceptible because the urethra is shorter than in male bodies, anyone can be susceptible to UTIs.

You don’t want to mess with a UTI, so here are six food suggestions that will help you ward off bacteria and protect your insides from this uncomfortable condition.

Cranberry juice

Though research is mixed, many studies show cranberry juice can decrease the recurrence of UTIs. One meta-analysis of seven clinical trials in healthy women found that consuming cranberry juice reduced the risk of developing a UTI by 26%. 

Be mindful of the type of cranberry juice you choose, as this beverage can have a lot of added sugar. Consider opting for cranberry concentrate or juicing the fruit yourself.

Broccoli

Eating broccoli will give you a huge dose of vitamin C, which has been shown to boost immune function overall and help the body’s resistance to infection.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice rich in compounds that reduce inflammation and hamper the growth of bacteria and other pathogens. Some studies even show that cinnamon can help prevent the colonization of E. coli, the bacteria that are responsible for most UTIs.

Papaya

Like broccoli, papaya is loaded with vitamin C to support immune function and increase the acidity of urine, which hampers bacterial growth. 

Kefir

This fermented milk drink is rich in probiotics that may help prevent UTIs and improve the immune system’s ability to fight infection.

Garlic

Not only is garlic delicious, but it’s also high in allicin and other compounds with antibacterial properties. Because allicin is easily damaged by heat, raw garlic is more effective than when it’s heated.

This solution is an updated version of our 2019 article.