Increasing urinary infections and making it difficult to treat them: one of the keys is nutrition
Urinary infections are one of the most common health problems, especially in women, although they can also affect men and children. It is estimated that between 40% and 60% of women will have at least one urinary infection in their lifetime.
To understand whether urinary infections (UI) have increased, it is crucial to review the epidemiological evidence. In general, the number of medical consultations for UI has remained relatively constant over the last few decades in developed countries.
However, there is an increase in certain specific groups, such as older women and people with compromised immune systems, such as diabetics. The prevalence of urinary infections in these groups has increased, partly due to the ageing of the population and the increase in chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, an investigation published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that one of the most worrying factors is the increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics, which makes urinary infections more difficult to treat.
The main pathogen causing urinary tract infections, Escherichia coli (E. coli), has developed resistance to commonly used medications. This resistance could be contributing to the perception of an increase in infections, given that recurrent infections are more difficult to eradicate and may require more prolonged or aggressive treatments.
The role of nutrition in urinary infections
The relationship between diet and urinary infections has been the subject of study in recent years, but the results are not always conclusive. However, some dietary habits can influence the appearance or recurrence of these infections, whether directly or indirectly.
Hydration and fluid consumption
One of the most studied factors is hydration. Maintaining adequate water consumption is essential for the health of the urinary tract, as frequent urination helps to expel bacteria and prevent them from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.
A study published in 2018 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that women who increased their daily water consumption by 1.5 litres had significantly fewer recurrent urinary infections than those who drank less liquids. Therefore, hydration is an effective and simple preventive strategy. It doesn't necessarily have to be with water, it can also be served with fruit, soups...
Foods rich in antioxidants
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can also play a protective role against urinary infections. Fruits such as cranberries and grenades contain compounds such as proanthocyanidins and vitamin C, which can prevent the adhesion of bacteria such as “E. coli“ on the walls of the urinary tract.
Cranberries, in particular, have been studied for their potential to prevent urinary infections, but any increase in fruit and vegetable consumption would be welcome.
Food and microbiota
The health of the intestinal microbiota is also linked to the appearance of urinary infections. Dysbiosis, the imbalance in intestinal bacteria, can facilitate the migration of pathogenic bacteria from the intestinal tract to the urinary system.
We know that a diet high in fibre, fruits, vegetables and fermented foods can contribute to a healthy intestinal microbiota, which in turn can reduce the risk of infections. Probiotics, especially Lactobacillus strains, have been studied for their ability to restore the bacterial balance in the vaginal flora and prevent recurrent urinary infections, although further research is needed to establish definitive recommendations.
Food risk factors
There are factors within our eating habits that can contribute to the appearance of urinary infections.
Diets high in sugar
Excessive consumption of added sugars has been linked to a greater risk of urinary infections. Bacteria like E. coli thrive in environments rich in glucose, and high sugar intake could favour their growth. Furthermore, diets rich in sugar are linked to a greater risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, both conditions that increase the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.
Alcohol and caffeine
High consumption of alcohol and caffeine can also irritate the urinary tract, which in some cases could contribute to inflammation or irritation of the bladder, although there is no clear consensus on whether these factors directly increase the risk of infections.
Misuse of antibiotics
But we don't stop there, there is a determining factor that has led us here and will seriously affect us in the future: the misuse of antibiotics. Taking it when it is not necessary or when the treatments are not completely completed, it generates resistance in the bacteria and prevents the medication from being effective and can end them, causing a very serious public health problem.
So that we never take antibiotics unless a doctor prescribes it, we finish the treatments and insist on the case of recurrent infections so that the reason and the solution are found. Likewise, let's not wait too long after we notice the first symptoms to get treatment as soon as possible.