Avoid Delay In Going To The Doctor When You Have A Uti
At the first sign of symptoms of a UTI, call your doctor. Attempting to treat a UTI yourself just allows the infection additional time to spread. Putting off getting medical attention for a UTI puts you at risk of serious health complications. Over-the-counter medications can mask pain, but do not kill the bacteria antibiotics are necessary to eliminate a UTI infection.
What To Drink For A Uti
Can you treat a UTI by drinking cranberry juice? The answer behind the infamous cranberry juice cure is mixed. In some clinical studies , the consumption of pure cranberry juice, cranberry extracts, or cranberry supplements helped reduce the risk of repeated UTIs. In any case, however, the benefit to drinking cranberry juice for a UTI is small. So, what should you drink for a UTI instead? Water is by far the best beverage choice for someone with a UTI. Drinking at least 12 8-ounce cups of water each day while you have an infection will help flush the bacteria from your system and can speed up the healing process.
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Yogurt popsicles are an enjoyable and healthy treat. The freezing process does not kill a significant amount of the active cultures in yogurt. In fact, during the freezing process the cultures go into a dormant state but, when eaten and returned to a warm temperature within the body, they again become active and are capable of providing all the benefits of cultures in a refrigerated yogurt product.
Recipe:Frozen Yogurt Pops
4 Fiber. Lack of regular bowel movements can cause pressure in the urinary tract and block urine flow, allowing bacteria to grow. A diet high in fiber paired with drinking enough water promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Fiber wont work without enough water in the diet. Some of the best sources of fiber for are whole-grain breads, apples, bananas and legumes .
Recipe:Bran Muffin Bites
5 Vitamin C. Oranges, lemons, strawberries and green leafy vegetables packed with vitamin C makes urine more acidic, which helps prevent bacteria from growing in the system. In addition, vitamin C helps cuts and wounds heal, boosts the immune system, helps your gums stay healthy, keeps infections at bay and helps the body absorb iron from food sources.
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Fruits That Help Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Written and verified bypsychologist.
27 May, 2022
Do you get a lot of urinary tract infections? Aside from taking medication your doctor prescribes, a balanced diet can also help prevent frequent UTIs. Including plenty of fruit is an easy and delicious way to protect your urinary tract. Want to know which fruits are the best?
May Help Prevent Utis In Some People
Some research suggests that cranberry juice and cranberry supplements may reduce the risk of UTIs in certain populations.
One review of 7 high quality studies that included 1,498 healthy women found that taking cranberry juice and cranberry supplements reduced the risk of UTI recurrence by 26% .
Another review concluded that cranberry products seem to prevent UTIs in women, but that they arent helpful for this purpose among people who are at an increased risk of contracting UTIs .
Findings from other studies have also suggested that cranberry products, including cranberry juice, may help prevent UTIs from coming back in a few different populations, including (
- women with a history of UTIs
- older adults in nursing homes
- otherwise healthy children
Some findings also suggest cranberry juice capsules may help reduce UTIs in women whove undergone gynecological surgeries during which a catheter was placed in their urethra to empty their bladder .
Its important to note that cranberry extract, which is different from cranberry juice, has more evidence supporting its ability to help prevent UTIs from recurring in certain populations.
This is because cranberry supplements are a more concentrated source of the active compounds thought to be helpful in UTI treatment.
Proanthocyanidins are a type of polyphenol compound that is naturally concentrated in cranberries.
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Artificial Sweeteners May Worsen Bladder Symptoms
When you’re trying to cut calories at every corner, artificial sweeteners may seem like a healthy replacement for sugar. But if you’ve got a urinary tract infection, its possible that your bladder infection symptoms may worsen if you use artificial sweeteners. While one study found that artificial sweeteners worsened bladder symptoms in people with chronic interstitial cystitis, there’s no real proof they irritate the bladder when you have a simple UTI. But if these fake sweeteners bother you, skip them.
Avoid Insufficient Water Intake
Depleting your body of water leads to dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, bacteria can grow in the bladder. Additionally, not drinking sufficient amounts of water can keep your medication from penetrating into your kidneys and bladder. Drinking abundant amounts of water flushes the kidneys and bladder, helps deliver the antibiotic to the urinary tract, prevents dehydration, and, additionally, reduces risk of developing kidney stones.
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Recipe Substitutions And Variations:
Hold here for a moment and take a look at these possible substitutions and variations:
- I used fresh cranberries in this recipe however, you can also substitute them with dried or frozen cranberries.
- You may substitute any sweetener of your choice instead of the sweetener mentioned in this recipe.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla they nicely complement the flavor of this sauce.
- Add some apple chunks or some orange juice for an extra-special touch.
Just be careful not to overdo it on the add-ins otherwise, your sauce will lose its unique flavor!
Juicing For Uti Essentials: Garlic
Allicin is what gives garlic its unique smell and taste. Remarkably, allicin has been found to have a range of antimicrobial activities, including against multi-drug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli as well as antifungal and antiparasitic activity.
Garlic juice is not the yummiest of juices, but a little big of raw garlic goes a long way toward treating a UTI.
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What To Do With Leftovers
Do you have any leftover cranberry pineapple sauce? Serve leftover cranberry pineapple sauce with vegan yogurt and granola, dollop it into your oatmeal or use it as a spread for toast or sandwiches.
This cranberry pineapple sauce also tastes delicious with vanilla ice cream or smeared over a tofu turkey sandwich. It also goes well with pancakes, waffles, muffins, and other such baked goods.
Alternatively, you can store the leftovers in the freezer and use them later. Why not prepare a big batch and store up a part for Easter?
This cranberry sauce will keep in an airtight jar/container for up to six months in the freezer. Just make sure to cool the sauce completely at room temperature before storing. To defrost, let it thaw in the refrigerator or room temperature before serving.
Bladder Infection Prevention Tips
Its unfortunate, but there are some people who experience reoccurring urinary tract infections. Lifestyle can often dictate who these people are. While there is no way to get rid of a UTI fast, unless it is in the very beginning stages, the best course of action is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Here are some prevention tips to keep in mind:
- Drink six to eight glasses of water a day
- Dont hold in urineurinate as soon as you feel the urge
- Shower instead of having a bath
- Wear loose cotton underwear
- Ensure that you have clean underwear on every day
- Women should always wipe from front to back after urinating
- Avoid feminine douches or hygiene sprays
- Consider sanitary pads instead of tampons
- Refrain from using a diaphragm or spermicideuse another form of birth control
- Men should use non-spermicidal lubricated condoms
- Urinate before and after sexual activity
You might be wondering how long a UTI lasts. Well, every case is different. It depends on how far along the infection is before you start treatment. When the UTI is discovered quickly, natural home remedies can be effective. In situations where the infection isnt caught early, it could take more than a week to feel relief from the time treatment starts.
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Different Types Of Urinary Tract Infection
Each type of UTI is associated with specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected.
Infection in the urethra , the tube that carries urine to the outside of your body, can cause:
Burning when you urinateFeeling the frequent and urgent need to urinateUncomfortable pain or itching when not urinatingDischarge from the urethra or vaginaBlood in mens semen or urinePain during intercourse
Bladder infection signs include those found in urethritis as well as:
Pain or pressure in the abdomen or pelvisPassing frequent, small amounts of urineMurky, dark, red or strong-smelling urineLow-grade feverFatigue
Kidney infection can occur if a UTI goes untreated. Severe kidney infection can lead to life-threatening complications. Additional signs that indicate your infection has moved to the kidneys and requires immediate medical attention include:
High fever with shaking or chillsNausea and vomitingPain in the upper back and sideGroin or abdominal pain or pressure
How To Consume Cranberry Juice To Fight Uti
“Cranberry juice, especially the juice concentrates that we find at the grocery store, is not recommended to treat a UTI or bladder infection. Overall 50 ml of cranberry juice per day containing around 7.5 gm of cranberry concentrate is recommended to treat UTI. However, it may vary depending on the patients’ health condition. Experts report that within eight hours of drinking cranberry juice, the juice could help prevent bacteria from developing into an infection in the urinary tract,” Dr. Bharati further adds.
Also read: Fight UTI With 7 Effective Home Remedies
Dr. Govardhan Reddy, Lead Consultant – Urology and Uro Oncology also adds, “Now a days we get cranberry in tablet and powder form. This is easy to take and also they come in combination with other products like D-Mannose which also helps to reduce the chances of infection.”
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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Read Also: How To Stop A Urinary Tract Infection Before It Starts
Juicing For Uti Essentials: Citrus Fruits
Whether its orange, grapefruits, lemons or limes when youre juicing for UTI, you definitely want to include citrus fruits. Cause as you already know, theyre chock full of vitamin C, which is a handy little fighter against urinary tract infections.
Vitamin C causes the urine to become more acidic and can restrain the Escherichia coli from reproducing by disrupting the ideal pH levels they need to multiply. Plus, its a potent antioxidant that fights inflammation and boosts your immune system, providing another layer of protection from recurrent UTIs.
Grapefruit, in particular, deserves special mention as a juicing ingredient for UTI since its one of the few fruits that naturally contain salicylic acid. This type of acid has the ability to neutralize various types of harmful bacteria, including the Escherichia coli strain.
Cranberry Juice And Utis: Myth Vs Science
UTIs are a common bacterial infection, especially among women.
In fact, 50% of women, compared with 12% of men, will develop a UTI in their lifetime. Whats more, up to 30% of young women have recurrent UTIs, which can significantly affect their quality of life (
In addition to medications like antibiotics, many people use natural remedies for UTI prevention and treatment.
Cranberry juice and cranberry juice supplements are perhaps the most popular natural treatments for UTIs.
Cranberries contain compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which may help treat and prevent UTIs.
These compounds may help (
- interfere with the ability of bacteria to stick to the lining of the urinary tract
- reduce inflammation
- modulate gut bacteria
Nevertheless, you may wonder whether cranberry juice is effective at preventing and treating UTIs.
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If Youre Suffering From Stubborn Recurring Urinary Tract Infections These Natural Home Remedies For Uti Can Help Relieve The Troublesome Symptoms
When we talk about treatments for urinary tract infections , antibiotics are probably the first thing that comes to your mind. However, a trip to the drugstore isnt the only way to get rid of your symptoms.
In fact, if youre experiencing relatively mild discomfort, chances are you dont need a prescription. Treatment can be done at the comfort of your home and at a cheaper cost. Be reminded, though, that you should be careful with self-administered solutions. Its still best to consult a doctors advice before trying out home remedies for UTI on your own.
Avoid Delays In Urinating
Do not allow yourself to hold your urine because you think you are too busy to urinate. When you sense the urge to urinate and hold in the urine instead, you can put yourself at risk for major urinary tract issues. Retaining the urine also allows germs that are floating in your bladder to remain there. Emptying the bladder promptly flushes out bacteria.
For more information about UTI symptoms and treatments, or to make an appointment to see an OB/GYN in Little Rock AR, contact us by calling the Womans Clinic at 664-4131.
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Common Foods And Drinks That Irritate Your Bladder
Although bacteria in your urinary tract is the cause of your infection, there are many foods and beverages that make your symptoms worse once a UTI is in progress:
Caffeine can irritate and inflame your bladder.Beer, wine and hard liquor are bladder stimulants and irritants.Sodas, especially citrus-flavored and caffeinated types, can aggravate UTI symptoms.Acidic fruits and their juices that irritate the bladder include citrus, tomatoes, pineapple, grapes and plums.Spicy foods that are known to cause bladder irritation include peppers, chili and curry.Artificial sweeteners can aggravate symptoms in some people, especially if chronic interstitial cystitis is a problem.Food additives, chemicals and preservatives encourage the growth of bacteria and other organisms inside the bladder.
There is never a good time to have a UTI, but 20 percent of the women who have one are destined to experience another one, according to the National Kidney Foundation. UTIs result in nearly 10 million doctor visits each year.
Juicing For Uti Essentials: Coconut
Both the meat and water from coconuts contain high amounts of medium chain fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These fatty acids dont specifically get rid of Escherichia coli, but they promote the development of beneficial bacteria that helps keep the urinary tract in tip-top shape.
Coconut water also makes a very refreshing, nutritious diuretic and helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
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Take A Break From Coffee To Ease Bladder Infection Symptoms
Sure, your morning cup of java perks you up, but it may also make your UTI symptoms act up again. Caffeine is known to irritate the bladder and worsen bladder infection symptoms. A study of people with interstitial cystitis found that people who drank coffee experienced worsened symptoms. Try a mug of noncaffeinated herbal tea to replace your morning coffee ritual until you are UTI-free.
Benefits Of Fruit For Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are a common nuisance for women. UTIs cause inflammation of the bladder, a burning sensation when urinating, pressure in the abdominal area, and sometimes even a low-grade fever.
Doctors usually prescribe a course of antibiotics for these infections, but there are other things that can help for a quick recovery. Here are some guidelines on what fruits you should eat to help fight the infection and feel better more quickly.
The high content of vitamin C content and other compounds that fight bacteria found in the bladder make fruit a powerful weapon against UTIs. Before we talk about the most effective kinds of fruits to include in your diet, here are some tips that will enhance the effectiveness of your antibiotics to get rid of your infection.
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These Powerhouse Foods Not Only Taste Great But They Work Hard At Keeping You Well Learn More
Pharmaceutical antibiotics are used to treat various bacterial infections like strep throat, E-coli and salmonella food poisoning, pneumonia, acute appendicitis, Lyme disease, listeria, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to name a few. Theyre vital to getting well.*
But did you know there are proactive steps you can take to combat bacterial and viral infections at home with foods right in your pantry? These foods have natural powerful antibiotic properties that will not only replenish vital nutrients, but strengthen your bodys innate ability to heal itself.
1. Raw Garlic Since Ancient Egypt, raw garlic has long been used not only as a flavorful food, but for its remarkable preventative, and healing properties for viral and bacterial infections. Garlic, when crushed and eaten raw, is a great source of selenium, germanium and sulfhydryl amino acid , which assists in proper immune function. This natural antibiotic is an effective treatment for candidiasis, colitis, urinary tract infection, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Add crushed fresh cloves to salads, pizzas anywhere you want to add a boost of flavor and health benefits.
*Note: It is not our intention to advise anyone to consume the foods in this article in lieu of a doctors visit, or in lieu of taking a pharmaceutical antibiotic prescribed by your physician. These foods support the natural healing process.
Deborah Tukua
- Deborah Tukua