Certain foods build immunity and fight infections of any kind. Others can trigger urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms like incontinence, the urge to urinate, or even cause pain while urinating. Only by trial and elimination and careful evaluation of what you eat can you find out what food prevents and what foods can trigger UTI. Here are some of the food and food groups that could make a UTI worse:

1. Caffeine
Caffeine is considered a diuretic, i.e., a substance that increases the production of urine. Caffeine can also impact the bladder muscles and lead to involuntary contraction of the bladder resulting in incontinence. Hence, avoid too many caffeinated beverages, including coffee, sodas, tea, dark chocolate, chocolate liqueur, and chocolate coffee.

2. Alcohol
Alcohol can irritate the lining of the bladder and also cause the urine to become more acidic. Both these, in the long run, can trigger an infection. If you are prone to frequent UTI, you should avoid alcohol. Regular drinking can also lead to dehydration which is a trigger for UTI.

3. Citric and Acidic Fruits
Although citrus-based fruits are generally recommended as immunity builders against infection, the acid content can increase the urge to urinate. Use them in moderation and make a note of which fruits work and which don’t. Oranges, lemons, limes, clementines, grapefruit, pineapples, peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, raw onions are acidic and should be avoided.

4. Sugary and Carbonated Beverages
Studies show that patients with UTI have the habit of drinking lots of sodas along with meals or throughout the day. The chemical additives and artificial sweeteners cause multiple health issues and should be avoided to prevent UTI infections.

5. Spicy Foods
Spice can irritate the bladder lining and trigger the urge to urinate often leading to UTI. Avoid extremely spicy curries and sauces. Replace chili and jalapenos with pepper or ginger for flavor. Replace spice with herbs for flavor as well as health benefits. Avoid ready-to-use spicy sauces and chutneys, and dips.

6. Rich Dairy Products
Milk products like sour cream, processed cheese, double cream, and butter can irritate the bladder. Too much of them can lead to urinary tract infections. Use low fat or skimmed milk and plant-based fats for cooking to avoid triggers of UTI symptoms.

7. Processed Foods
Processed foods are not recommended from any point of view except their convenience. They contain saturated fats, multiple preservatives, MSG and hidden sugars, salts, synthetic coloring, all of which can harm the organs in the urinary tract. Avoid packaged food to the maximum and resort to simple home-cooked meals at least twice a day.

Trial and elimination work best to identify the foods that trigger UTI for you. Maintain a food journal, and over time, you should be able to figure out trigger foods, and then you should avoid them.