This root veggie can work as natural remedy for UTI

Sweet potatoes, a nutritious root vegetable rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, can serve as a natural remedy to help manage and potentially prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Their high content of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), fiber, and anti-inflammatory compounds supports the immune system and helps maintain urinary tract health, making sweet potatoes a valuable dietary addition in UTI care.Why this root veggie?Sweet potato is a starchy root vegetable distinguished by its sweet flavor and vibrant orange flesh, though varieties with purple, white, and yellow flesh also exist.

It is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamin A (from beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. These nutrients offer multiple health benefits, including immune support, antioxidant protection, and improved digestive health.How sweet potato helps in healing and preventing UTIsBoosting immunity with vitamin ASweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system by supporting mucosal surfaces, including the urinary tract lining, making it harder for bacteria to establish infections.Anti-inflammatory propertiesSweet potatoes contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that help reduce inflammation caused by UTIs. This can potentially ease symptoms such as burning sensation and discomfort during urination.Fiber for gut and urinary health The high soluble and insoluble fiber content in sweet potatoes promotes gut health by supporting beneficial gut bacteria and regulating bowel movements. Healthy gut flora can reduce the presence of harmful bacteria that might travel to the urinary tract, while regular bowel movements can prevent pressure and bacterial growth near the bladder.Diuretic effect and toxin flushingSweet potatoes, being rich in potassium, may help in flushing out excess sodium and toxins from the body through urine.

Increased urination caused by such diuretic effects can help clear bacteria from the urinary tract, thereby preventing and assisting in the management of UTIs. By being a source of antioxidants and essential nutrients, sweet potatoes fit well in a diet aimed at preventing UTIs. Their inclusion along with hydration and probiotic foods may enhance urinary and digestive tract health, enabling quicker recovery and reduced risk of recurrence.Why was it used as a remedy?In Ayurveda and traditional medicine, sweet potatoes are believed to prevent urinary tract infections, often recommended in diets or soups for those suffering from UTIs to help manage symptoms and support recovery. Modern nutritional science corroborates their benefits due to their nutritional value.What science saysPurple sweet potato anthocyanins (PSPAs), a group of natural flavonoids, have shown significant antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common pathogen linked to urinary and respiratory infections.

In mouse models of infection, PSPAs reduced bacterial loads, decreased inflammation, and improved survival rates by promoting mitophagy and regulating immune responses via the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

These properties indicate potential therapeutic use against bacterial infections.According to another study, sweet potato leaves and extracts contain polyphenols, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and other antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. These components inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory enzymes, which may help reduce infection-related inflammation in the urinary tract.