4 Tips To Prevent And Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are more commonly known as UTIs. While they can affect people of both genders, they're more common in women due to women's shorter urethras. UTIs can be painful and hazardous to your health. Here are four tips that will help you prevent and treat these infections.
1. Drink lots of water.
UTIs occur when bacteria colonize your urinary tract. Frequent urination can help flush bacteria away. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and to encourage a healthy bathroom schedule. According to Healthline, it's healthy to urinate 4-10 times daily, so drink enough water to make that possible. If you're sexually active, it's especially important that you urinate after sex, since this can prevent UTIs.
2. Eat more cranberries.
Homeopathic remedies can help you regulate your reproductive system. Cranberries, in particular, are high in compounds that encourage good urinary tract health. If you're prone to UTIs, make sure you include more cranberries in your diet. Fresh cranberries can be used in baked goods, and cranberry juice is an easy way to include more of this superfood into your diet. Make sure you choose pure cranberry juice instead of cranberry juice cocktail, which contains a lot of unnecessary added sugar.
3. Eat less sugar.
Sugar is thought to promote bacterial growth and inflammation in your body. If you're trying to ward off UTIs, start by cutting excess sugar from your diet. There is a lot of sugar hidden in products most people eat every day. Bread and sports drinks are common culprits. Make a conscious effort to eat more whole foods and less processed foods that contain high fructose corn syrup, which is a form of sugar. Limit your indulgences, and you may experience fewer UTI symptoms.
4. Visit your OBGYN doctor if you experience symptoms.
The symptoms of a UTI are unmistakable. You may experience a burning sensation when you urinate, and you may feel like you need to urinate even after you've just gone. It's important to see a doctor at the first sign of trouble because UTIs won't go away without antibiotics. You can take over-the-counter medication to numb your urinary tract, which can relieve your symptoms until you can get medical attention. However, these medications don't solve the underlying problem. Stop taking these medications at least 24 hours before your OBGYN appointment, since they can stain your urine orange, making it difficult to properly diagnose you.
For more information, contact an OBGYN.