Although UTIs can affect any part of the urinary system, it most commonly occurs in the urethra and bladder. It is often caused by E.coli, gastrointestinal bacteria, and sexually transmitted infections. The likelihood of coming into contact with bacteria that cause UTIs increases due to certain factors like diabetes, disability, and sexual intercourse. Even gender can increase the chance of getting UTIs since the female anatomy makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra. Additionally, you may also have some habits that can increase your risk of getting UTIs. These include the following:
- Holding your pee -- If you don't urinate frequently, the stagnant urine that builds up in your bladder can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. This will result in the inflammation or infection of the bladder or urethra. Moreover, if you do go to the bathroom frequently but you don't completely empty your bladder, residual urine can also encourage bacterial growth.
- Wiping the wrong way -- Women should wipe themselves from front to back. Doing it the oppose way may transmit bacteria from the anus to the urethra or bladder. A previous study has shown that this habit can increase of UTIs by at least 64 percent.
- Not drinking enough water -- Dehydration interferes with the kidney's ability to filter out toxins from the body so you don't get the urge to urinate as often since you have nothing to release. This gives bacteria in your urinary tract the chance to propagate and infect your organs before you have the opportunity to flush them out.
National remedies for UTIs
Most healthcare professionals recommend taking antibiotics to get rid of UTIs but this isn't good for the body, especially if the problem occurs repeatedly. Excessive consumption of antibiotics can cause bacteria to become resistant to it, which would make it harder to get rid of future infections. To avoid this possibility, you can choose to use the following natural remedies:
- Cranberry -- The best way to treat and prevent UTIs is with cranberries. These contain bioactive compounds like D-mannose and proanthocyanidins, which are antioxidants that were initially identified in pine bark and grape seeds. They work together to prevent bacteria from attaching to the lining of the kidneys and bladder thereby preventing infection from taking place. You can enjoy these benefits by drinking pure unsweetened cranberry juice. However, some stomachs might react negatively to its bitterness. To avoid this, you can choose to take D-mannose capsules instead. Healthcare professionals recommend taking 1400 to 2100 milligrams of D-mannose during an active UTI, while 350 to 1,000 milligrams are enough as maintenance. (Related: Drink cranberry juice to decrease your risk of UTI by half.)
- Vitamin C -- Another way to prevent bacteria from binding to the bladder is by taking vitamin C, which will effectively increase the acidity of urine. Additionally, vitamin C can act as an antioxidant to ward off infections. Its protective effects can be achieved with just 100 milligrams but if you're currently suffering from UTI, you take up to 6,000 milligrams of vitamin C. Although vitamin C is non-toxic, it's possible to suffer from diarrhea if you take in too much of it.
For more articles about natural remedies for bladder problems, visit Health.news.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.
