Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection that affects women and men alike. UTIs are typically caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria that normally lives in the digestive tract. However, some strains of E.

coli can cause infections in the urinary tract, resulting in symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, and lower abdominal pain.

While there are many risk factors associated with UTI, such as sexual activity, certain medical conditions, and use of certain birth control methods, recent studies have found that consuming poultry may also increase the risk of UTI.

What is Poultry?

Poultry refers to any domesticated bird that is raised for its meat or eggs. The most commonly consumed poultry in the United States include chicken, turkey, and duck.

How Does Poultry Increase the Risk of UTI?

Recent studies have found that poultry may be contaminated with E. coli, particularly strains that are resistant to antibiotics. These bacteria can spread from the poultry to humans through handling and consumption of undercooked or contaminated meat.

Consuming contaminated poultry can increase the risk of UTI because the bacteria can travel from the digestive tract to the urinary tract through the urethra.

This is more likely to occur in women, who have shorter urethras than men, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and cause an infection.

The Importance of Proper Poultry Handling and Cooking

While consuming poultry may increase the risk of UTI, it is important to note that proper handling and cooking techniques can greatly reduce this risk.

To reduce the risk of contamination, it is important to practice good food safety habits when handling and preparing poultry.

This includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw poultry, using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods, and keeping raw poultry separate from other foods in the refrigerator.

Additionally, cooking poultry to the proper internal temperature can kill any bacteria that may be present. The USDA recommends cooking chicken and turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F and duck to an internal temperature of 170°F.

Alternatives to Poultry

If you are concerned about the risk of UTI associated with consuming poultry, there are many alternatives available. Some good options include:.

Lean cuts of beef
Pork
Fish and seafood
Vegetarian protein sources such as beans, lentils, and tofu

Conclusion

While UTI can be caused by a variety of factors, recent studies have found that consuming contaminated poultry may increase the risk of infection.

However, practicing good food safety habits and cooking poultry to the proper internal temperature can greatly reduce this risk. If you are concerned about the risk of UTI associated with consuming poultry, there are many alternatives available.