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Foods to Avoid With a Bladder Infection

Bladder infections (also called urinary tract-infections or cystitis) are common urinary-system ailments that affect many people, especially infants, the elderly and pregnant women. They are so common that nearly everyone will experience at least one during his or her lifetime. Treatment for bladder infections is uncomplicated, but you can help your recovery along by avoiding certain foods.

  1. Causes and Symptoms

    • Bladder infections are caused when bacteria that may be present on the skin or in the intestinal tract are spread to the urinary tract. Your first symptom of a bladder infection can be difficulty urinating. On the other hand, if you find yourself with the urge to urinate more frequently than usual, that may also be a sign of a bladder infection. A bladder infection may even present itself through a burning sensation during urination or painful cramps in the pelvic area. Another symptom is a change in the appearance of your urine. If it is suddenly bloody, cloudy or smelly, you may need to see your health-care provider.

    Soda

    • When recovering from a bladder infection, you want to drink lots of fluids. Soda should not be one of those fluids. It is full of sugars, and excess sugar in your blood can overwork your kidneys, a major part of your urinary system. This can lead to even more bladder-infection problems. Instead of sugary sodas, drink lots of water to help flush the bacteria out of your urinary system and speed up your recovery.

    Jalapenos

    • Although spicy food can add flavor and excitement to your diet, it should be avoided while you are treating a bladder infection. Spicy foods can irritate the lining of your bladder. Combine this with the irritation that your bladder's lining is experiencing due to the bacteria, and you have a recipe for disaster. Eating spicy foods like jalapenos can make your painful cramps in the pelvic regions worse.

    Alcohol

    • Some people use alcohol to relax during stressful situations. Still, no matter how much stress your condition is bringing, you should avoid drinking any alcohol while you have a bladder infection. Alcohol is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration. Being dehydrated is very dangerous to bladder infections. When your kidneys filter your blood of waste products and excess water, it mixes them together to form urine. Without enough water, the waste products can form kidney or bladder stones. This can lead to more bladder infections or make the one you have develop complications.

    Chocolate

    • Chocolate is one of life's guilty pleasures. Unfortunately, chocolate contains caffeine, which should be avoided as you try to treat your bladder infection. Caffeine is a stimulant, and it can irritate your bladder even further than it already is. The painful burning and cramps you may experience in your lower back or pelvis will only be aggravated by it. Try a snack with low caffeine until your bladder infection has subsided.

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