Urinary Tract Infection: The Right Prevention!

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common cause that people visit their doctors every year. A urinary tract infection is any infection (usually bacterial) that affects a part of the urinary tract. When the microorganisms enter the urinary system, they multiply causing infection and since then all the unpleasant symptoms begin. The main factor responsible for urinary tract infection is the bacterium Escherichia Coli known as coliform.

It is a condition that appears less frequently in men, but is much more common in women. According to surveys, more than 8 million women in the United States get some form of urinary tract infection each year, and 20% of these women will get a second urinary tract infection within the same period.

Symptoms.
The main symptoms are frequent urination, discomfort when urinating, stinging, cloudy or smelly urine, sometimes hematuria. If the infection spreads to the kidneys the usual symptoms are fever, chills, severe pain in one or both sides of the back, nausea and vomiting. A urine test and antibiogram are usually performed to determine the type of bacterium and which antibiotic is most effective in treating it.

There are, however, some simple methods you can apply at home to relieve and treat a urinary tract infection (always with your doctor’s consent). Deal with it naturally!

Cranberry juice.
Many studies have shown that consuming cranberry juice (blueberry) can help prevent urinary tract infections. The berry juice prevents the bacteria that cause the infection from “settling” in your bladder, and also has a very mild antibiotic effect.

Baking soda.
Urinary tract infections that last more than two days require medical intervention. If not treated in time they can cause kidney infection and lead to much more serious problems. To prevent or reduce a urinary tract infection and to help your body fight it faster, try adding a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. Soda neutralizes the acidity in your urine, while achieving your recovery.

Blackberries.
Blackberries and cranberries belong to the same plant family and have similar bactericidal properties. Research has shown that raspberry juice prevents urinary tract infections. If you can not easily find raspberry juice, you can get them as fruit and add them to your cereal in the morning.

Pineapple.
The enzyme bromelain (bromelain) contained in pineapple has been shown to aid in the action of antibiotics in case of urinary tract infection. In a study of people with a urinary tract infection who were given bromelain in combination with their prescripted antibiotics, it was found that the urinary tract infection treated faster than patients who were taking a placebo instead of bromelain.

Water.
If you tend to get frequent urinary tract infections, make sure you drink plenty of water – about 2.5 liters a day. You should urinate at least every three to four hours. If you already have a urinary tract infection, try to drink even more water to treat it. The many fluids in your system will help clear the bacteria faster, making you urinate more often. +

Vitamin C.
Due to its antioxidant action, it keeps the bladder and urethra healthy. So include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet for an improved urinary system.

Yoghurt.
Yoghurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help the body fight some infections. It is advisable to eat yogurt regularly to prevent infections. In case of infection, get a probiotic supplement that you will receive daily.

Garlic.
Garlic, due to its antimicrobial action, could help kill bacteria and other microorganisms and prevent them from growing in the body.

Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and sugar on a daily basis! In addition to the fact that both are fattening, alcohol suppresses the body’s ability (immune) to fight germs and sugar creates favorable conditions for their growth!

In any case, if you realize that you may have a urinary tract infection, which seems to last more than 2 days, inform your doctor and follow his advice.

Change swimsuits
Do not sit in the wet swimsuit on the beach. The moisture that remains in the swimsuit after the bath, in combination with its fabric, which does not “breathe” due to construction material, are perfect conditions for the growth of germs and fungi!

Therefore, avoid crowded swimming pools, as well as closed beaches that may be home of pathogenic germs! Always have two towels with you on the beach, so you can change them during the swim.

Never lie down on the wet towel with which you wiped as soon as you came out of the sea. The humidity of the towel creates an environment for the growth of germs, while direct contact with the sand carries the risk of fungal infections!