Your diet has an enormous effect on your health.
For example, if you have kidney or bladder problems, certain foods are easy for your body to handle, while others can trigger your symptoms or make them worse.
Here at Urology of Greater Atlanta, we want to help you stay as healthy as possible, and helping you make nutritious choices that are good for your urinary health is part of our mission.
So here are 10 of the best foods that you can eat for your bladder and overall urinary health.
Best 10 Foods for Bladder Health
Cranberries
Everyone has heard that cranberry juice is a natural remedy for urinary tract infections — be careful, though, as most popular juices have high amounts of sugar.
Cranberries can make your urine more acidic, which helps prevent bacteria build-up. However, you don’t want to overdo it as the high levels of citric acid can also cause irritation.
Blueberries
Blueberries are another well-known superfood.
Rich in antioxidants, blueberries are also rich in various nutrients but low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, which are hard for weak or damaged kidneys to remove from your blood.
Green Beans
Green beans are another excellent option. You can eat them raw or cooked. They’re rich in nutrients and easy on your urinary tract.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower not only provides plenty of vitamin C and K, folate, and fiber, but it’s also an excellent source of anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, which can help control inflammation throughout your body and your urinary tract.
Winter Squash
Winter squash, like butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash, are available all year round. They’re full of nutrients and have anti-inflammatory compounds that enhance your whole body’s health.
Sea Bass
Sea bass is a high-quality protein that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are excellent for your mental health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Most seafood is low in phosphorus, but sea bass has less than most.
Skinless Chicken
If you have kidney health issues, you need to monitor your protein intake as too much protein can overtax your kidneys.
Choose fresh, skinless chicken instead of precooked or options with skin to ensure you get all the protein you need without overwhelming your body with sodium.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are an excellent source of low-fat protein.
Egg yolks have plenty of nutritional value, but they’re high in phosphorus, which can be hard on your kidneys and should be avoided if you have renal disease or need dialysis.
Whole Grains
While carbohydrates have a bit of a bad reputation these days, they’re an excellent source of fiber and other nutrients. Try oats, quinoa, bulgar wheat, and buckwheat.
Macadamia Nuts
When choosing nuts, you should opt for raw, unsalted options to limit your sodium intake.
Macadamia nuts have lower sodium and phosphorus levels than other nuts and are rich in B vitamins, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.
A Note on Bananas and Potatoes
Bananas and potatoes are rich in many nutrients but are high in potassium. You can eat them in moderation, but be careful to monitor your intake.
Foods to Avoid
While you can choose urinary tract-friendly foods, there are also some foods and drinks that you should limit or avoid because they can irritate your urinary tract and bladder.
Some of the everyday products that can trigger your urinary symptoms include:
- Coffee and tea
- Carbonated beverages
- Acidic foods
- Spicy foods
If you have any signs of urinary or renal health issues, our team of expert radiologists can help. Call us or schedule a consultation online for personalized patient-focused care.
