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Nutrition and Bladder Health
Best Foods for Bladder Health
Your diet has an enormous effect on your health. For example, if you have kidney or bladder problems, certain foods are easy for your body to handle, while others can trigger your symptoms or make them worse.
Here are some of the best foods that you can eat for your bladder and overall urinary health:
- Cranberries: Everyone has heard that cranberry juice is a natural remedy for urinary tract infections — be careful, though, as most popular juices have high amounts of sugar. Cranberries can make your urine more acidic, which helps prevent bacteria build-up.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are another well-known superfood. Rich in antioxidants, blueberries are also rich in various nutrients but low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, which are hard for weak or damaged kidneys to remove from your blood.
- Green Beans: Green beans are another excellent option. You can eat them raw or cooked. They’re rich in nutrients and easy on your urinary tract.
- Winter Squash: Winter squash, like butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash, are available all year round. They’re full of nutrients and have anti-inflammatory compounds that enhance your whole body’s health.
- Sea Bass: Sea bass is a high-quality protein that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are excellent for your mental health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Skinless Chicken: If you have kidney health issues, you need to monitor your protein intake as too much protein can overtax your kidneys. Choose fresh, skinless chicken instead of precooked or options with skin to ensure you get all the protein you need without overwhelming your body with sodium.
- Whole Grains: While carbohydrates have a bit of a bad reputation these days, they’re an excellent source of fiber and other nutrients. Try oats, quinoa, bulgur wheat, and buckwheat.
- Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts have lower sodium and phosphorus levels than other nuts and are rich in B vitamins, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.
While you can choose urinary tract-friendly foods, there are also some foods and drinks that you should limit or avoid because they can irritate your urinary tract and bladder.
Some of the everyday products that can trigger your urinary symptoms include:
- Coffee and tea
- Carbonated beverages
- Acidic foods
- Spicy foods
If you have any signs of urinary or renal health issues, contact your primary care physician for help.
For more information on nutrition and bladder health, click here.
