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Can Juicing Treat Your UTI?

A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection in any part of your urinary tract. A UTI can infect your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. However, most UTIs affect the bladder and the urethra. It’s important to know the facts about UTIs because if left untreated, you can suffer from serious complications if the UTI spreads to your kidneys. While anyone can get a UTI, women are more likely to develop them than men. This is likely due to the fact that women have shorter urethras then man.

In fact, about 50 percent of women will develop a UTI at some point in their life.

A UTI is caused by germs or bacteria that infect the urinary tract, as well as any part of the urinary system that is connected to it, such as the kidneys and the bladder. A UTI can often spread to the bladder, however they are usually not that serious if they are treated immediately. If the UTI spreads to the kidneys, the infection can become much more complication and make a person very ill.

Anyone who suffers from frequent UTIs could increase the consumption of liquids such as water, herbal teas, fresh fruit and vegetable juices diluted with water. They can help adequately flush out the bladder. 

Also avoid foods and drinks rich in sugar. No more table sugar, sodas, coffee or alcoholic beverages. Bacteria thrives in a sugar-filled environment. Say goodbye to spicy foods, fats, dairy products, red meats and shellfish for a bit to see if symptoms let up. Juices high in vitamin C can help combat the infection more effectively.  Eating foods high in vitamin A can help boost your immune system. 

It's important to check with your doctor before you start any type of juice diet. Those who are prone to UTIs, drinking these juices will help with recurrence. Start with fresh cranberry or blueberry juice in the morning and wait a half hour before you eat.