The bladder is an integral part of the body’s functioning that works hand in hand with the kidneys. Urine created by the kidneys is drained into the bladder and stored there until urination at a time deemed advantageous by the organism. Here are some foods that are great for bladder health.
Water
Water makes you pee which flushes bacteria out of the urinary tract which helps prevent infections. Nothing can replace water when it comes to the body’s overall health and bladder health too.
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Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that’s been used medicinally for centuries because of its wide range of health benefits. One of the ways it benefits bladder health is because it treats digestive issues and fends off UTIs. One study found that many bacteria strains that are drug-resistant when it comes to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) were susceptible to garlic extract.
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Berries
Berries including strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry are good for bladder health. All berries are loaded with a compound known as flavanol which helps fight bacterial infections like the ones that cause an irritating urinary tract infection.
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Cranberries and cranberry juice
Cranberry juice has long been used for urinary health and was assumed to be an old wives’ tale for a long time. However, scientific research has actually confirmed the connection between cranberries and bladder health to be strong. Cranberries contain antioxidants called proanthocyanins which reduce the ability of bacteria to stick to the wall of the urinary tract preventing infections.
Bananas
Bananas are potassium and fibre-rich which can help encourage regular bowel movements and flush out the urinary tract. Poor bowel movements can cause the intestines to be enlarged, causing pressure on your urinary tract. This added pressure can make urine flow more restricted and lead to urinary problems compromising bladder health.
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Cruciferous vegetables
Kale and cauliflower contain large amounts of vitamin C and calcium which are crucial to kidney function. Fibre contributes to bowel regularity thus benefiting bladder health.
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Yogurt
Yogurt is loaded with probiotics that can help build up beneficial gut bacteria that help the body break down food in an efficient manner. It helps fight urinary tract infections which can also help prevent the development of more serious urinary problems like bladder cancer. Choose low-fat yogurt without too much sugar for bladder health.
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Foods to avoid
Here are some foods that are known to irritate the bladder.
- Alcohol
- Apples
- Carbonated beverages
- Chocolate
- Citrus juice and fruits
- Coffee
- Sugar and artificial sweeteners
- Corn syrup
- Spicy foods
- Honey
- Milk
- Vinegar
- Tea
- Tomatoes
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