The holiday season is a time of celebration, and all that celebrating includes feasting on your favorite holiday dishes. However, it is important to consider the effects that certain holiday foods have on your urinary system. If you’re concerned about maintaining your urological health, we’re here to help you at Desert Sky Urology. We’ve compiled a list of foods to enjoy and avoid this season to keep yourself and your urinary system healthy.
Fruits and Vegetables
Green beans, onions, garlic, cauliflower, and mushrooms are all good for your urological health. They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent kidney stones from forming.
The arugula has vitamins C and K which helps prevent bladder infections by strengthening the immune system. Winter squash is also a good way to get more Vitamin C into your diet.
Pears contain vitamin B6 which helps reduce pain associated with kidney stones as well as bladder inflammation. Cranberries contain vitamin K which helps prevent infection in your urinary tract by preventing bacteria from sticking to it. Grapes are high in antioxidants which have been shown to reduce urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial growth while blueberries contain anthocyanins which have been shown to decrease inflammation in the intestines and possibly protect against inflammation of the bladder due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress on cells throughout the body including those in our urinary tract systems
The following foods contain irritants that may make your symptoms worse: spinach, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, olives, avocados, bananas, and oranges. Avoid these foods if they are causing discomfort.
Also avoid: dates and raisins because they contain oxalates which can worsen the symptoms of kidney stones; prunes because they contain sorbitol which is a laxative that can cause diarrhea in some people
Proteins
Chicken is a great source of protein and contains all essential amino acids. It’s also a good source of vitamins like B6, B9, B12, and A. Chicken also contains selenium which helps reduce inflammation in the prostate.
Eggs are rich in choline, which can help prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells and reduces inflammation in the prostate. Eggs also contain vitamin D which can help protect against urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Fish is another great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of developing UTIs.
Foods that contain a lot of saturated fat, like red meat products, have a negative impact on the functioning of the urinary system. The best foods for healthy urination are chicken, eggs, fish, and fresh vegetables.
Beverages
Drinking water is a good way to keep your urine healthy. You should drink about two liters of water per day to stay hydrated, but remember that you don’t have to drink plain water. You can make flavored water by adding fruits or herbs to the water, which will make it more enjoyable and flavorful.
Herbal teas are also a great way to keep your body hydrated and healthy because they contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are harmful molecules that damage cells and cause oxidative stress on the body, which leads to diseases like cancer.
Cranberry juice is another great choice because it contains vitamin C, which helps balance the acidity levels in your urine so its pH levels are not too high or low. Cranberry juice also helps prevent bacteria from sticking together on the walls of your bladder, which can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).
High-caffeine beverages, dark sodas, and alcoholic drinks are not good for urological health.
To find out how Desert Sky Urology can help you stay healthy this winter, or for more information about urological services, see our page. If you’re looking for a top urologist in Arizona, come and visit Desert Sky Urology. We wish you and your family a joyous holiday season!
