Yogurt can be effective for recurrent UTIs

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have had many urinary infections. My daughter-in-law told me to eat some yogurt every day to see if that would help. I haven’t had a bladder infection since. I hope this will help other women with this condition. -- L.E.P.

ANSWER: I appreciate your writing. Yogurt with live healthy bacteria sometimes can reduce recurrent urine infections: The healthy bacteria reduce the unhealthy bacteria that can cause disease. Many studies have been performed; some have shown benefit, while others have not. Probiotics (live cultures of healthy bacteria) also have shown similar mixed results. However, the downside of eating yogurt is small; it certainly is worth a try.

I often get asked for tips to reduce urinary infections, so I appreciate your writing and also hope someone is helped by your advice.