DIET AND RENAL DISEASE
 1. URINARY TRACT INFECTION
-Also known as cystitis or a bladder
infection, a urinary tract infection ( UTI)
inflames the bladder or urethra ( the tube
that transports urine out of the bladder).
- Frequently affects females; in
fact one in five women suffers from UTI
at least once a year.
-These infections are best treated
promptly- and antibiotics may be
necessary because recurring UTI’s can
lead to potentially serious kidney
infections.
 WHAT CAUSES IT?
 - All UTI’s result from bacterial infection.
Normally, urine is sterile ( germ free) when
it is excreted by the kidneys and stored in
the bladder; it washes out the small amount
of bacteria in the urethra as it passes to the
outside. But sometimes, bacteria in the
urinary tract overwhelm the body’s immune
defences and multiply, causing an infection.
 - Ignoring the urge to urinate may increase
the likelihood of UTIs.
 -Improper hygiene maybe a factor, as well
as pregnancy ( the bladder can be
compressed by the fetus is unable to empty
completely.
SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION
 1. Frequent urge to urinate
 2. Voiding a small amount of urine
despite frequent urges
 3. Burning sensation or searing
pain when urinating.
 4. Foul-smelling, cloudy, or
unusually dark urine.
 5. Cramps or a heavy feeling in
the lower abdomen.
 HOW DIET, VITAMINS, MINERALS AND
HERBS CAN HELP
 Vitamin C helps acidify urine, making the
bladder a less inviting environment for harmful
bacteria to colonize. It strengthens the immune
system as well.
 Cranberry juice also acidifies the urine, but
more important, it prevents infectious bacteria
from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract.
 Try incorporating foods like plain greek yogurt,
pickles, sauerkraut into your diet since they
contain good bacteria that can help combat an
infection.
 High- fiber foods such as bananas, beans, lentils,
nuts, oats, and other whole grains – can help
remove bacteria from your body.
 If an infection is confirmed, your doctor will
likely to prescribe antibiotics. Unfortunately,
antibiotics kill harmful as well as healthy
bacteria, which normally help to protect the
digestive and urinary tracts. ACIDOPHILOS
( probiotics) is helpful specifically for those
taking antibiotics because it reintroduces
healthy bacteria.
 Blueberries, raspberries and other berries
promote urinary tract health and provide
protection against infection . One way to get a
large amount of berries into your diet is
through smoothies.
 Avoid consuming foods and beverages that can
irritate the bladder or worsen symptoms such
as caffeinated coffee, soda, alcohol, spicy
foods, acidic fruits, artificial sweeteners
 WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO
 - Drink at least one 8-ounce glass of
water every hour. Lots of water
increases urine flow, improving the
likelihood that harmful substances will
be flushed from your system. If you have
to urinate, do not hold it in.
 Keep genital and anal areas clean and
dry. Wash before and after intercourse.
 After eliminating, wipe from front and
back; wear cotton ( breathable)
underwear.
 Change into dry clothing after exercising
or swimming
 Avoid scented douches and feminine hygiene  WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR
sprays. These products can irritate the
urinary tract.
 If a burning sensation is accompanied by a
vaginal discharge or penile discharge.
 LATEST FINDINGS:  If fever, chills, or back pain are present.
 - Harvard researchers found that among
elderly women who had high levels of
 If there is blood in your urine.
bacteria in their urine, those who routinely
drank 10 ounces of cranberry juice a day
significantly reduced their risk of getting UTI
over a six month period.