Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that can affect anyone at any age. These infections can cause discomfort, pain, and inconvenience, which can ultimately affect your daily life activities. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to both treat and prevent UTIs.
All you will have to do is make simple lifestyle changes and incorporate some natural remedies into your daily routine, and you are good to go with preventing and treating UTIs. Below in this blog, we are going to outline some of the most useful and efficient ways that will help you do just that.
Let’s start diving into it without further ado!
1. Stay Hydrated
This is really the simplest yet the most efficient way to treat and prevent UTIs. This is because drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps flush out bacteria and toxins from the urinary tract. Adequate hydration also dilutes the urine, reducing its acidity and making it less conducive to bacterial growth.
Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day to ensure you hydrate yourself enough. In addition to water, cranberry juice is the next best thing you can take as fluid. If you can’t find cranberry juice, you can go with a cranberry powdered supplement from the pharmacy and use it with water to treat UTIs.
In all this, just make sure to choose pure cranberry juice or supplement without added sugars, as excessive sugar intake can have negative health effects.
2. Use Probiotic Supplements
While probiotics are good for gut health, they can also be beneficial in preventing UTIs. These beneficial microorganisms help maintain a balanced microbial environment in the urogenital tract, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Probiotic supplements can introduce these beneficial bacteria into the urinary tract, which then helps to create a hostile environment for pathogens. They can also strengthen the immune response in the urinary tract, enhancing its ability to fight off infections.
When selecting a probiotic supplement for UTIs, look for one that contains Lactobacillus strains, as these have been found to be particularly effective in promoting urinary tract health. But just make sure to get advice from an expert healthcare professional before you select any supplement.
3. Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene contributes a lot towards preventing UTIs. Whenever you use the restroom or engage in any sexual activity, ensure to wipe and wash your genital area. It will prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
When you are washing or wiping, avoid using strong soaps or cleansers with harsh chemicals. These chemicals will disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infections.
Additionally, consider urinating before and after sexual intercourse. This can help flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sexual activity. Drinking a glass of water before sex can also promote urination afterward.
4. Wear Breathable Underwear
Tight-fitting and non-breathable underwear can create a warm and moist environment, which is conducive to bacterial growth. To reduce the risk of UTIs, choose underwear made of natural, breathable fabrics like cotton. These materials help keep the genital area dry and discourage the proliferation of bacteria.
Avoid wearing underwear that is too tight or made from synthetic materials that trap moisture. Opt for loose-fitting and breathable clothing, especially during warmer months or when engaging in physical activities that may cause sweating.
5. Consider Natural Remedies
Conventional treatments are good enough to treat UTIs but natural remedies can also help improve the treatment process. To start with an example, D-mannose, a type of sugar found in certain fruits, has been shown to help prevent bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract.
Taking D-mannose supplements or consuming foods rich in this sugar can be beneficial in reducing UTI risk. There are also other herbal remedies that may possess antibacterial properties to help manage UTIs.
But before you start with any medications or supplements, it is advised to consult with your primary healthcare provider or a specialist. They will see your underlying health problems and then recommend you the best possible medication for your needs. It’s important to note that while natural remedies can be helpful, they should not replace medical treatment. If you suspect you have a UTI or experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
