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Urinary Tract Infections: Why & How?



If you are among the 60% of women who develop Urinary Tract Infections in your lifetime, this post may be helpful to you. No doubt, you will be nodding your head at some of what I'm about to share. UTIs are terrible little infections that can start small, but if not taken care of sooner than later, they can turn into a big issue, one that can cause very unpleasant symptoms. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, which is the bladder and the urethra. Escherichia coli (E. Coli) is the organism that causes the majority of UTIs in most people.


The major question is WHY do these occur? Let me try and shed some light on why you may be experiencing the pain/discomfort of a UTI. Then I will address the HOW- How can we decrease our risk of occurrence with these infections. Please keep in mind, not all of these points may apply to you. Root causes and contributing factors can very from person to person based on age, lifestyle habits, genetics, and much more.


WHY- Possible Causes & Contributing Risk Factors of UTIs:

  • Dehydration

  • Sexual intercourse

  • Age and menopause (shape and tone of urinary tract including the bladder alters as we age, especially for women, increasing our risk of infection)

  • Some forms of contraception/birth control (such as spermicide)

  • Stress and a suppressed immune system

  • Diet (specifically too much sodium or sugar causing an imbalance in glucose, electrolytes, and ph levels)

  • Diabetes

  • Not emptying your bladder frequently enough

  • Feminine products usage (can cause irritation and ph imbalance)

  • Urinary related surgeries


HOW- Ways to Prevent & Intervene:

  • Contact your doctor. They can offer a simple urine culture to test for urinary tract infections. There are also medications they may prescribe if you test positive for a UTI.

  • Drink plenty of liquids, especially pure water. Drinking water helps dilute urine. That leads to urinating more often, encouraging bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can begin.

  • Change your diet. Consume less high sodium and sugary foods.

  • Try pure 100% cranberry juice (not from concentrate). Cranberries contain D-Mannose, a substance that some studies have shown supportive evidence of its effectiveness in decreasing the risk of UTIs and/or shortening a UTI's duration. The action of D-Mannose seems to be in its helping to keep the bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, allowing the bacteria to flush through. This is likely best used as a preventative tactic against UTIs. When urchasing cranberry juice, look for real, 100% cranberry juice. Read the ingredients on the label- a cranberry cocktail or punch with sugar added will be much less effective.

  • Try pure lemon juice with water as a cleansing aid. Mix 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice in 6 to 8 cups of water. Drink throughout the day.

  • Wipe from front to back. Do this after a bowel movement. It helps prevent the spread of yucky bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra.

  • Boost your immune system. Start with the basics: Plenty of rest, daily exercise, healthy diet, proper hydration, manage stress levels, take a daily vitamin that includes Vitamin C and Vitamin D3.

  • Empty your bladder soon after having sex. Drink a full glass of water to help purge bacteria.

  • Consider a Probiotic. Some studies show evidence that a high quality probiotic supplement can make a difference in urinary function and health.

  • Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using them in the genital area can irritate the urethra and create an imbalance of ph levels. These products include deodorant sprays, douches, perfumes, and powders.

  • Consume fresh oregano (or take a supplement). This potentially works as a natural antibiotic due to the carvacrol substance that oregano contains.


Supportive Supplements:


Be Well,

Cara


Sources:


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