(^42) • JULY
eating4eating4HEALTHHEALTH//FOODS & MEALS THAT HEALFOODS & MEALS THAT HEAL
Seven Foods to Prevent UTIs
Fight back against invasive bacteria with these dietary remedies /// BY LISA TURNER
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are painful,
disruptive, and all-too-common: more
than half of adult women have had a UTI,
and many women have several recurrences
every year. It happens when bacteria travel
into the urethra, the duct through which
urine passes. Women are more susceptible
because the urethra is shorter than in men,
but guys can get them too.
Left untreated, UTIs can have serious
complications, including recurrent
infections, urethral narrowing, and
kidney damage. While UTIs may not be
completely avoidable, dietary choices can
reduce your risk. Drink plenty of water,
and try these seven anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, and immune-boosting
foods to protect your insides.
Cranberry juice
may help prevent UTIs
by keeping bacteria from
adhering to the lining of
the urinary tract. Though
study findings are mixed, many studies
show that cranberry juice can decrease
the recurrence of UTIs. And a meta-analysis
of seven clinical trials published in
the Journal of Nutrition found that
cranberry reduced the risk of developing
a UTI by 26 percent in healthy women.
Because most cranberry juice drinks are
loaded with sugar, stick to cranberry
concentrates mixed with water or use
the whole fruit.
Recipe Tips:
❱Sweeten cranberry juice concentrate
with a little honey or stevia, then mix
with cherry juice, sparkling water,
and a squeeze of lime.
❱ Chop whole cranberries with a food
processor, then combine with minced
red onion, mango cubes, cilantro,
and a squeeze of lime for a zesty salsa.
❱ Add chopped cranberries, pumpkin
seeds, and garlic to cooked brown rice.
Grilled Cinnamon Peaches
Serves
This simple, summery treat combines UTI-healing peaches and cinnamon with Greek yogurt—
rich in probiotics that can help prevent infections. To pit peaches, cut them lengthwise and
twist the halves, then use a melon baller to carefully remove the pit.
peaches, halved and pitted
Tbs. coconut oil, melted
Tbs. cinnamon, plus additional for garnish
cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
Honey (optional)
. Preheat grill to medium.. Lightly brush cut sides of peaches with coconut oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.
. Place peaches, cut side down, on grill. Grill for – minutes, depending on ripeness of
peaches, until just softened. Don't move the peaches during grilling, to keep them from
sticking and ensure good grill marks.
. Carefully flip peaches over and grill the other side for minutes, until tender.
. Remove from pan and arrange on a platter. Spoon Greek yogurt into centers of peaches and
drizzle with honey, if desired. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and serve hot.
Per serving: cal; g prot; g total fat (. sat fat); g carb; mg chol; mg sod; g fiber; g sugar
PHOTOGRAPHY: PORNCHAI MITTONGTARE; FOOD STYLING: CLAIRE STANCER; PROP STYLIST: ROBIN TURKBN0719_D_Eating4Health_JS.indd 42 5/30/19 2:01 PM