Most women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. However, for many ladies, these occasional infections can develop into chronic urinary tract infections. When dealing with chronic infections, you can employ several precautionary measures in your battle against UTI-causing bacteria.
If you let these bacteria continue to grow and fester, they will travel up the urinary system and infect the kidneys. A kidney infection is severe and almost always requires hospitalization. To prevent a routine urinary tract infection from spiraling into a life-threatening kidney infection, you’ll need to perform the proper wiping technique, urinate after sexual activity, and keep your vaginal area dry, as bacteria breed in moist environments. As an extra health precaution, you can incorporate supplements for UTI prevention into your daily self-care ritual.
What causes frequent UTIs?
A urinary tract infection forms when bacteria enter the urethrae. The bacteria attach to the wall of the urinary tract and multiply. Once this bacteria spreads, you may experience pain and discomfort when you urinate and when sitting in certain positions.
When the pain radiates to the back area, it’s usually an indication that the infection is moving towards the kidneys. Lower flank pain is a sign that you need prompt medical attention.
Bacteria are introduced to the urinary tract system via multiple different routes. The most common source of UTI-causing E.coli is fecal matter. Wiping from back-to-front is a surefire way to introduce these bacteria into the urethra and vaginal canal. To prevent recurring UTIs, be sure to wipe front to back to localize feces to the anal area.
Diet can also play a role factor in your susceptibility to UTIs. If you regularly drink soda and consume copious amounts of sugar, these substances may promote bacteria growth. Sugar feeds both bacteria and yeast in the body. Additionally, caramel-colored drinks are an irritant and can cause significant problems with the urinary tract system.
Interstitial cystitis
Interstitial cystitis or IC is a common condition that women face. In the case of IC, you may feel like you have a UTI, but it’s an irritation without infection. This discomfort is often triggered by the food you eat. Unfortunately, many women visit the emergency room with severe pain and are later misdiagnosed with a UTI and prescribed antibiotics to treat their pain.
Antibiotics don’t relieve symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis, as this condition isn’t bacteria based. IC is a disease that must be managed by diet. Women with this problem can mitigate symptoms by cutting out acidic foods such as soda.
Prevention is key
If you’re experiencing difficulties with recurring UTIs, then prevention is the key. There are many steps you can take to avert bacteria from growing in the urinary system. Here are the most common ways to combat frequent UTIs.
Cranberry
Cranberry has long been touted as a cure for UTIs. However, this household fruit can’t cure an infection, as it lacks the antibacterial properties necessary to treat urinary tract infections. While cranberry extract may not be able to cure an infection, it can prevent one. The cranberry prevents bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract wall, reducing the likelihood of developing an infection in the first place.
D-Mannose
D-mannose is a sugar monomer that lubricates the walls of the urinary system. Though it’s a form of sugar, it won’t raise your glucose levels like other varieties. Because D-mannose is naturally derived from fruit, this pure sugar can keep the urinary tract bacteria-free. Taking D-mannose every day can lessen the chances of developing an infection.
Lemon
Lemons are full of acid, which can help to prevent infections and the formation of kidney stones. Some studies suggest that the antibacterial and antibiotic properties of lemon can also cure urinary tract infections. Drinking lemon water every day can help reduce the frequency of UTIs.
Garlic
Garlic has been utilized as an antibiotic for centuries and is proven effective at treating infections such as urinary tract infections. Garlic is a potent plant in the onion family that is capable of burning out an infection.
Garlic is also a natural remedy for women suffering from IC, as its chemical compounds help reduce irritation in the bladder. To treat a urinary tract infection, smash 2-3 cloves and allow them to sit for ten minutes, which will activate the allicin. Consume up to ten cloves each day when you have an infection, and watch your UTI quickly subside. Along with garlic’s UTI-treating benefits, garlic contains many other health benefits the experts can’t deny.
Flush your system
If you experience frequent UTIs, it could be a result of insufficient water intake. Your body depends on water to flush bacteria and other harmful toxins from your body.
Substituting water for coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages could be causing these infections. Unlike water, the caffeine in coffees and carbonated beverages dehydrate you, as these beverages’ sugars feed harmful bacteria. Aim to drink a gallon of water each day to keep your urinary system functioning correctly.
Keeping UTIs at bay
No one wants to bear through an annoying and painful urinary tract infection. If you do suffer from recurring UTIs, experts advise you can incorporate a daily supplement. The key is to keep your system flushed and clean. However, if you notice signs of infection, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
Don’t let bacteria fester in your urinary tract system without the intervention of medication. Note that frequent infections can be a sign of diabetes or other severe medical conditions that need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
