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eating4HEALTH/FOODS & MEALS THAT HEAL<br />
Seven Foods to Prevent UTIs<br />
Fight back against invasive bacteria with these dietary remedies /// BY LISA TURNER<br />
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are painful,<br />
disruptive, and all-too-common: more<br />
than half of adult women have had a UTI,<br />
and many women have several recurrences<br />
every year. It happens when bacteria travel<br />
into the urethra, the duct through which<br />
urine passes. Women are more susceptible<br />
because the urethra is shorter than in men,<br />
but guys can get them too.<br />
Left untreated, UTIs can have serious<br />
complications, including recurrent<br />
infections, urethral narrowing, and<br />
kidney damage. While UTIs may not be<br />
completely avoidable, dietary choices can<br />
reduce your risk. Drink plenty of water,<br />
and try these seven anti-inflammatory,<br />
antibacterial, and immune-boosting<br />
foods to protect your insides.<br />
Cranberry juice<br />
may help prevent UTIs<br />
by keeping bacteria from<br />
adhering to the lining of<br />
the urinary tract. Though<br />
study findings are mixed, many studies<br />
show that cranberry juice can decrease<br />
the recurrence of UTIs. And a meta-analysis<br />
of seven clinical trials published in<br />
the Journal of <strong>Nutrition</strong> found that<br />
cranberry reduced the risk of developing<br />
a UTI by 26 percent in healthy women.<br />
Because most cranberry juice drinks are<br />
loaded with sugar, stick to cranberry<br />
concentrates mixed with water or use<br />
the whole fruit.<br />
Recipe Tips:<br />
❱ Sweeten cranberry juice concentrate<br />
with a little honey or stevia, then mix<br />
with cherry juice, sparkling water,<br />
and a squeeze of lime.<br />
❱ Chop whole cranberries with a food<br />
processor, then combine with minced<br />
red onion, mango cubes, cilantro,<br />
and a squeeze of lime for a zesty salsa.<br />
❱ Add chopped cranberries, pumpkin<br />
seeds, and garlic to cooked brown rice.<br />
Grilled Cinnamon Peaches<br />
Serves 4<br />
This simple, summery treat combines UTI-healing peaches and cinnamon with Greek yogurt—<br />
rich in probiotics that can help prevent infections. To pit peaches, cut them lengthwise and<br />
twist the halves, then use a melon baller to carefully remove the pit.<br />
4 peaches, halved and pitted<br />
1 Tbs. coconut oil, melted<br />
1 Tbs. cinnamon, plus additional for garnish<br />
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt<br />
Honey (optional)<br />
1. Preheat grill to medium.<br />
2. Lightly brush cut sides of peaches with coconut oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.<br />
3. Place peaches, cut side down, on grill. Grill for 4–5 minutes, depending on ripeness of<br />
peaches, until just softened. Don't move the peaches during grilling, to keep them from<br />
sticking and ensure good grill marks.<br />
4. Carefully flip peaches over and grill the other side for 3 minutes, until tender.<br />
5. Remove from pan and arrange on a platter. Spoon Greek yogurt into centers of peaches and<br />
drizzle with honey, if desired. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and serve hot.<br />
Per serving: 170 cal; 7g prot; 7g total fat (4.5 sat fat); 21g carb; 10mg chol; 20mg sod; 4g fiber; 17g sugar<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY: PORNCHAI MITTONGTARE; FOOD STYLING: CLAIRE STANCER; PROP STYLIST: ROBIN TURK<br />
42 • JULY <strong>2019</strong>