Have you ever experienced the burning misery of a bladder infection? Or what about the excruciating pain of kidney stones?
If you have, you’d probably do just about anything to avoid going through it again. And if not, count yourself VERY lucky.
Our bladders are one of those organs that we don’t think about very much. Well, that is unless something goes wrong. Or we’re stuck waiting in line in a crowded restroom.
Heading off agonizing infections alone would be enough of a reason to take some steps to boost your bladder health. But experts say maintaining a healthy bladder could also help us raise a roadblock against cancer too.
Better bladder health starts at the dining table
Get started today with these five bladder-supporting foods…
1. Cauliflower:
Cauliflower is finally starting to get some of the attention it deserves. This delicious cruciferous veggie is finding its way onto more dinner tables these days in the form of everything from delicious cauliflower “bread” to comforting mashed cauliflower.
And it turns out our bladders are loving it. The research is still emerging. But the National Cancer Institutes is already reporting that two chemical compounds found in cauliflower slow the growth of bladder cancer in animal studies.
And the good news is you don’t need to stick to cauliflower alone to get the cancer fighting benefits of cruciferous vegetables. Mix it up with other veggies such as kale, cabbage or Brussel sprouts. In fact, any of your favorite cruciferous vegetables will help support your bladder health.
2. Cranberry juice:
As the original healthy urinary tract food, cranberry juice has earned its reputation for a reason. Cranberries contain proanthocyanindins, a specific flavonoid that experts say may help safe-guard your bladder health.
Proanthocyanidins can help prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the walls of your bladder. This may mean fewer bladder infections, and less urgency and discomfort.
The key is to drink 100 pure cranberry juice. Avoid juice blends and cocktails which contain added sugars that can make bladder issues worse.
Is pure cranberry juice is too tart for your palette to handle? Try mixing it with some sparkling water to create a fun, easy to drink, “cocktail.” Aim to drink six to 16 ounces of the juice a day. Or try a cranberry supplement instead.
3. Watermelon:
Bladder health depends on keeping your bladder squeaky clean. But since your bladder stores urine—a waste product—bacteria, germs and toxins can build up and lead to infections.
Watermelon is a natural diuretic, which means it makes us urinate more often. In other words, treating yourself to watermelon when it’s in season is a great way to help keep your bladder flushed out and clean.
When watermelon isn’t available, you can try celery, parsley or asparagus instead. But keep in mind if you have urgency issues you might want to limit the amount of natural diuretics you’re eating.
4. Whey protein:
Milk protein is made of two parts: whey and casein. And it turns out whey protein, may be a nutritious way to help boost your bladder health.
In a recent meta-analysis researchers dug deeper into a stack of studies on whey protein. And the scientists found that folks who eat whey protein have a reduced risk of bladder cancer.
Experts say whey helps your body produce an antioxidant that helps protect your overall bladder health. Plus the milk extract can also boost your body’s immune response and natural cancer-fighting power.
Sprinkle two teaspoons of whey protein powder into your meals.
Need some inspiration for how to use whey? Try stirring it into your coffee, oatmeal of yogurt. If you’re making something like hamburgers or meatballs go ahead and mix it into the meat. Whey is also great in dips, dressing and desserts. And you can even sprinkle it on your fruit salad.
5. Greek Yogurt:
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate the most yogurt, or other cultured milk products, had the lowest rates of bladder cancer. Which makes treating yourself to more healthy Greek yogurt a no brainer.
It’s true, boosting your bladder health doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be delicious!
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