Here are a few diet tips to tackle UTI

Aburning sensation while passing urine, the need to pass urine frequently, or blood spots in urine, are symptoms of urinary tract infections . Usually women are more prone to them than men.

Traditionally, bladder infections are treated with antibiotics, which usually work, but they also have their set of side effects. They kill the friendly bacteria in the intestines, which help the body make their own B-vitamins.

Those prone to UTI, can resort to these natural remedies for help:

Cherries: Eating one cup of fresh cherries every two hours helps ease the burning sensation while urinating

Garlic: Garlic is known to have antibacterial properties. Eating four to five cloves of raw garlic a day helps combat urinary infections. Chop it fine and gulp it down with warm water, or make garlic pickle in lime juice, and eat four to five cloves of the pickle every day for a week

Vitamin C: Taking high doses of vitamin C may also give relief to a person suffering from UTI. About 2000mg of vitamin C, two to three times a day is recommended. Since this is a very high dose, it must be taken under a doctor’s supervision. However, for those suffering from kidney stones must avoid these supplements

Water: Drink a lot of fluids as it dilutes the toxins in urine and flushes the system. Drinking one litre of water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and another six to eight glasses during the day will prevent recurrence of this problem

Alcohol: Alcohol is diuretic and promotes dehydration. This may amplify the problem. Chances of a reoccurrence of the infection may also increase if you consume alcohol

Herbal tea: Take one teaspoon each of grated lemon rind and cinnamon powder, and boil it in a litre of water for about five minutes. Strain it and sip the concoction piping hot

Diet: If the body starts showing symptoms of UTI, avoid eating any type of protein. Eat fruits and vegetables for about two days. This will take care of the digestion and will also direct the body’s energy towards fighting off the infection. It would also help detox the body.

ISTOCK Drink up to eight glasses of water daily to prevent UTIPHOTO: