Practice These Healthy Habits
Preventing urinary tract infections starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, its important not to hold urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection .
Peeing after sexual intercourse can also reduce the risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria .
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs .
Finally, when you use the toilet, make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs .
SUMMARY
Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Spermicide use and wiping from back to front may increase the risk of UTI.
Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.
Here are a few supplements that have been studied:
- D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests its effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence (
Should Women Be Able To Treat Bladder Infections Themselves
Hooton says although it’s simplistic, drinking a lot of water helps flush out the bacteria that can cause an infection. “You’re basically clearing bacteria out of the bladder,” he explains, as well as reducing the concentration of bacteria in the urine. These two effects reduce the ability of the bacteria to stick to bladder cells, which is thought to cause infection, he adds.
If you end up with a urinary tract infection despite adding water and maybe cranberry juice to your diet, antibiotics can usually treat it. But the World Health Organization has warned that some types of bacteria commonly causing these infections is becoming resistant to antibiotics. The more you take antibiotics, the more likely bacteria in your body will become resistant to those drugs. It’s not uncommon to get UTIs multiple times, so the issue of antibiotic resistance is especially risky with this kind of infection.
Last year, U.S. scientists found a UTI-causing germ in a Pennsylvania woman that didn’t respond to an antibiotic commonly used as a last resort.
So, how much water should you drink to ward off urinary tract infections? Hooton says because they only looked at a 1.5 liter increase, he can’t say exactly.
And while “it seems likely that any increase in hydration would have a beneficial effect” for everyone, Hooton says, the study specifically focuses on women who get three or more urinary tract infections a year.
Do Spicy Foods Irritate A Bladder Infection
Whether you top your nachos with jalapeños, sprinkle your pizza with red pepper flakes, or love your curry chicken extra hot, you’ve got to skip the spice when you have a UTI. Spicy foods are known to irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms, so cool down your meals and opt for blander choices to treat a urinary tract infection.
Recommended Reading: Stage 3 Bladder Cancer Life Expectancy
Signs And Symptoms Of Cystitis
The main symptoms of cystitis include:
- pain, burning or stinging when you pee
- needing to pee more often and urgently than normal
- urine that’s dark, cloudy or strong smelling
- pain low down in your tummy
- feeling generally unwell, achy, sick and tired
Possible symptoms in young children include:
- pain in their tummy
- reduced appetite and vomiting
Cranberry And Pomegranate Juice For Uti:
Cranberry is the best natural remedies for urinary tract infection. It has been revealed that women who drink cranberries juice everyday have helped to cure UTI and prevent them from recurring. Pomegranate juice contains antioxidants and Vitamin C which prevents bacteria from latching to the bladder. Vitamin C helps to boost immune system which fights off infections
Process:
- Mix pomegranate juice with Cranberry juice and sip it up.
- Two to three glasses per day will help fight infection soon.
What Kind of Cranberry Juice is Good for UTI:
Cranberry contains hippuric acid which inhibits the growth of E. coli bacteria which is amongst the most common cause of UTI. This also keeps E. coli from complying with the bladder and adhering to the urinary tract walls, to the kidneys. You should therefore drink pure cranberry juice as it contains antioxidants that remove the bond between urethra walls weaken bacteria. If you wish to have a natural remedy, you should consume three/eight ounce servings of pure cranberry juice.
If you have had problems with your kidneys then you know how painful this condition is. You will obviously want relief fast as possible. Drinking cranberry juice will only relieve some of the pain of this condition and is not a cure. You will have to consult your doctor if the condition continues for and effective treatment and a cure.
Read Also:
Recommended Reading: Pumpkin Seed Oil For Bladder Control
Peppermint Teafor Bladder Issues And Infection
Peppermint is popular for settling stomach issues, improving digestion, and refreshing the appetite. The menthol in this tea slows down oil production, helps with hair loss, encourages cell turnover and hormonal issues. This is, therefore, acts as an excellent pacifier for any pain caused by bladder infections.
What Can I Do If I Have Bladder Pain From Foods
Living with bladder irritation can be uncomfortable. But you can take steps to remove irritants from your diet and reduce pain. Avoid foods that irritate your bladder, and remember that water is important. Drinking enough water helps you feel more comfortable after you eat foods that irritate your bladder.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Bladder discomfort can be frustrating and even embarrassing. Conditions like IC can make you feel like you need to pee even after youve already gone to the bathroom, and your bladder can hurt a lot. But you can get help to reduce irritation. Talk to your healthcare provider about your bladder irritation and possible food and drink causes.
Read Also: How Do Doctors Test For Bladder Cancer
Foods High In Vitamin C
During a UTI, your urine has a slightly higher pH than normal. In other words, it becomes more alkaline. Some studies have shown a correlation between higher intakes of vitamin C and lower risk of UTIs. When in prevention mode, eating ample amounts of vitamin C-rich foods, such as red and orange bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwifruit, tomatoes, broccoli and strawberries could help keep urine pH more balanced, preventing a bladder atmosphere where bacteria can multiply quicker.
What Are Symptoms Of Uti
While UTI symptoms depend on age, gender and other factors, common signs include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or dark brown, which is a sign of blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Pelvic pain in women, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
Also Check: What Is A Sling For The Bladder
Fact Or Myth: Utis Can Be Treated With Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used to both support healing and make you feel better when you have a UTI. You dont want to use them in place of a drug, Chesla says. But essential oils are uniquely helpful because chemical constituents within the aromatic oils create physiological responses in the body, and because theres a direct connection with the sense of smell and the limbic system in the brain, where your emotions arise, she says.
Essential oils have not been scientifically studied for UTIs. However, some small studies have shown they can help battle other types of bacterial infections. For example, a review published in December 2019 in Complementary Therapies in Medicine on topical aromatherapy for the skin infection MRSA found significantly lower level of new MRSA emergence compared to routine care.
RELATED: All You Need to Know About Essential Oils and Cancer
Does Cranberry Juice Help Uti:
Cranberry juice helps in the prevention of UTI by:
- It assists in the normal bladder activity and function
- It minimizes occasional urinary urgency
- It minimizes the bladder overactivity Dosing
- It promotes normal urinary flow and function
- It supports urinary continence
- Reducing the frequency of daytime and nighttime urination
Don’t Miss: Can Overactive Bladder Start Suddenly
Does Cranberry Juice Work For Uti:
Traditionally, cranberry juice has been used for the treatment and also for the prevention of urinary tract infections . Research has suggested that it can be used to prevent these infections. The studies have also acknowledged the fact that regular drinking of cranberry juice may have a protective effect against UTI in pregnancy.
What To Drink And Avoid If You Have A Urinary Tract Infection
Drink a lot of water, even if you are not thirsty. Drinking a lot of water all through the day will help flush out the bacteria.
You should also drink sugar-free cranberry juice. Cranberry juice can readily help fight the urinary tract infection and is even good for your bladder.
Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee or other caffeinated drinks until your urinary tract infection is cured as these drinks can irritate your bladder and make the symptoms of UTI more severe and complicated.
Also Read-What are the types of Urinary Tract Infections?
You May Like: Best Foods To Eat For Bladder Infection
Be Aware Of Your Bathroom Habits
Take enough time to fully empty your bladder when urinatingdont rush it. Urinate after sex to flush away bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex. Clean the genital area before and after sex.
If youre a woman, wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, to keep bacteria from getting into the urethra.
See A Doctor For Needed Drugs To Treat Infection
UTIs are potentially dangerous, because if the bacteria migrate further upwards, they can enter your kidneys and cause a serious infection there. For this reason, Chesla recommends that when you have a UTI you see your physician to get it treated.
Treatment for UTIs typically involve a short course of oral antibiotics, such as trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole .
Your doctor can also instruct you how to best prevent recurrent UTIs. For example, people should stay well hydrated, urinate before and after sex, and women should always wipe from front to back .
RELATED: Herbal Remedies for Natural Pain Relief
Read Also: Treatment Of Overactive Bladder In Males
What To Eat And Avoid If You Have A Urinary Tract Infection
Eat blueberries. Just like cranberry juice, blueberries can help keep bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.
Add probiotics to your diet. Probiotic drinks, plain greek yogurt and fermented food like sauerkraut and pickles contain the good bacteria which can help keep the bad bacteria away, and help treat the UTI.
Avoid eating spicy foods as they can irritate the bladder and possibly even worsen the UTI.
Avoid eating a lot of acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, or limes when you have a urinary tract infection as these fruits can irritate the bladder. However, once the UTI is gone, eating acidic fruits rich in Vitamin C can help in preventing future infections.
Eating grapefruits, strawberries, spinach, and green peppers can help keep the bladder healthy and prevent UTIs.
Also Read-5 things to seriously avoid if you have a UTI
Are Some People At A Higher Risk Of Getting A Uti
Women get more UTIs than men. This is because women have a shorter urethra the tube that brings urine out of the bladder. This allows bacteria to enter the urethra and bladder more easily.
Also, a womans urethral opening is closer to the anus, where most UTI-causing E.coli bacteria are found.
Other factors that can further increase the risk of UTI include:
- frequent sexual activity
UTIs cant always be avoided, but its possible to reduce your risk of getting one. Here are nine prevention methods that may help you sidestep a UTI.
Don’t Miss: Is Urge Incontinence The Same As Overactive Bladder
Oab: Drinks That May Increase The Urge To Go
One of the biggest OAB culprits iscaffeine, which can make you urinate more. Studies show that reducing caffeine intake to below 100 milligrams per day — the amount in one cup of drip coffee — may help reduce urge incontinence symptoms.
Cut down or cut out these problem beverages:
- Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, colas, energy drinks, and teas
- Acidic fruit juices, especially orange, grapefruit, and tomato
- Carbonated beverages, sodas, or seltzers
- Drinks with artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharin, which may irritate the bladder
If you can’t imagine starting your day without a morning cup of coffee, try to lower the amount of caffeine you take in. Make a cup that’s half decaf and half regular. You may want to wean yourself gradually to avoid caffeine withdrawal headaches.
For fruit juice, try switching to something with less acid, such as apple or pear juice, and dilute it with water.
A Note About Cranberry Juice And Utis
Cranberry juice or cranberry extract in supplemental form has long been used as a home remedy for UTIs.
The thought is that the proanthocyanidins in cranberries may help prevent bladder infections by keeping the bacteria from clinging to the bladder wall, says Sonya Angelone, MS, RDN, a nutrition consultant based in San Francisco, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Yet theres scientific controversy over how effective cranberry juice is at preventing UTIs due to conflicting conclusions in studies on the topic, according to an article published in May 2016 in Advances in Nutrition. Some studies have found it might work, while others have found no effect.
Bottom line, there is some evidence it may help, and it doesnt hurt to try it, says Angelone. Just be sure to chose unsweetened cranberry juice . Mix this with sparkling water or plain yogurt, she recommends.
Another low-calorie option choose a cranberry pill that contains d-mannose, she says.
You May Like: Can Too Much Sugar Cause A Bladder Infection
How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated
Your health care provider will figure out the best treatment based on:
- How old you are
Treatment for UTIs may include:
- Antibiotics
- Other medications to ease pain
- Heat to ease pain
You may also need to make lifestyle changes such as:
- Drinking plenty of water to help wash bacteria out of the urinary tract
- Avoiding coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods
- Quitting smoking
Pee Often And When You Need To
The easiest way to avoid UTIs is to pee when you need to. Urinating often and when the urge arises keeps harmful bacteria from growing within your urinary tract. Holding your pee for long periods of time essentially gives bacteria more urine to feed on and more time to grow and spread within your system, eventually leading to an infection. Its also recommended to pee immediately following sex to flush out bacteria that may have entered your urethra.4
You May Like: Icd 10 Code For Overactive Bladder
Drinks That Help To Clean The Kidneys
The Kidneys are two bean-shaped small organs located just below the ribcage one on each side of the spine. They are of the size of a fist but play a vital role in your body. Kidneys filter the blood in our body, remove waste and extra fluid and transform the waste into urine. They are part of the urinary tract. In this post, the planet today will tell you about 10 instant drinks that can help your kidneys stay healthier and active.
A healthy kidney filter half cup of your blood every single minute. They also remove acid produced by the cells of your body, maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals in the body. Without a healthy balance, the nerves, muscles and other tissues of the body may not work properly. A healthy kidney also helps to control blood pressure, make red blood cells in the body and also maintain a healthy body with strong and healthy bones and muscles.
What Can I Drink For Bladder Infection
Here are seven effective bladder infection remedies.
- Drink more water. Why it helps: Water flushes out the bacteria in your bladder.
- Frequent urination.
. Simply so, what can I drink for urine infection?
Drink Unsweetened Cranberry JuiceDrinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections. Cranberries work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing infection .
One may also ask, can you flush out a UTI? Share on Pinterest Cranberry juice is a popular home remedy for mild UTIs. Antibiotics are an effective treatment for UTIs. However, the body can often resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own without the help of antibiotics. By some estimates, 2542 percent of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own.
Also Know, what are the home remedies for urine infection?
To treat a UTI without antibiotics, people can try the following home remedies:
How do you get a bladder infection?
Bladder infections often occur when bacteria get into the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, and then move into the bladder. Share on Pinterest A bladder infection may be caused by frequent sexual intercourse and not urinating immediately after sexual intercourse.
Recommended Reading: How Long Is Bladder Surgery
Uti Causes And Symptoms
UTIs are mostly caused by bacteria that enters the urinary tract. Two strains of bacteria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, are the cause of about 80% of UTIs. An infection most often affects the bladder, but can spread to any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters or urethra. Its important to do something about a UTI the moment you start to have symptoms. Though a very mild UTI may go away on its own after a few days, an untreated infection could get worse and spread to the kidneys, causing long-term complications. Though rare, if the infection spreads further to your blood, causing sepsis, it could be deadly. Symptoms of a UTI can include:
- Persistent urge to urinate, even if only a small amount of urine comes out
- Pain in the abdomen, lower back, around the pubic bone or center of the pelvis
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Urine that is cloudy
- Urine that is pink, red or brown, which is a sign of blood in the urine
- Strong or off-smelling urine
Antibiotics are the main treatment for a UTI, but it helps to take preventative measures whether youve never had a UTI or get them often. In addition to some lifestyle changes, what you eat and drink can have an impact on how UTIs are treated and prevented.