The Benefits Of Eating Yogurt For Uti Prevention
Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which may help prevent urinary tract infections and the development of more serious urinary problems. Which foods may help with UTI? Cranberries, blueberries, oranges, dark chocolate, unsweetened probiotic yogurt, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and broccoli are among the foods mentioned above. Which probiotic can be used to treat UTI? Lactobacillus is one of the most commonly used probiotic medications to treat recurrent UTIs because it lives in our gut and is beneficial to our health.
Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are a serious health concern that can lead to hospitalization. Each year, UTIs account for more than 8.1 million visits to healthcare providers in the United States. Many factors can contribute to a UTI, but one of the most common is diet. Some foods and beverages can increase your risk of developing a UTI, while others may help to prevent them.
Certain foods and beverages are more likely to cause UTIs because they can irritate the bladder or promote the growth of bacteria. These include:-Spicy foods
How Common Are Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are very common, occurring in 1 out of 5 women sometime in their lifetime. Though UTIs are common in women, they can also happen to men, older adults and children. One to 2% of children develop urinary tract infections. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections.
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What To Eat During A Uti
A burning sensation, abdominal pain, and cloudy urine are all signs of a potential urinary tract infection . This uncomfortable infection can affect any part of your urinary systemkidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethrahowever, most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract . The painful symptoms of a UTI are not only annoying, but they can also be dangerousleading to serious consequences if the infection reaches the kidneys. The first step to feeling better is contacting a doctor, but there are some ways you may be able to relieve UTI symptoms in addition to following a professional care plan. Before we get into foods and drinks for UTIs, lets cover some basics:
Can Dogs Get Uti From Holding Pee
Theres potential health risks associated with forcing your dog to hold its pee for too long. Although he physically might be able to do so, extended periods of holding it in can lead to urinary tract infections or urinary crystals and stones. The inability to urine can also lead to behavioral issues.
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Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
This is because regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. When youre dehydrated, you arent urinating as often, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
A examined nursing home residents and administered a drinking schedule to participants to increase their fluid intake. Following the schedule decreased UTIs requiring antibiotics by 56%.
In a 2020 randomized control trial , 140 premenopausal participants prone to UTIs took part in a 12-month study to test if a higher fluid intake would decrease their risk of recurrent cystitis and, in turn, their risk of developing a UTI. Researchers found that an increase in fluid intake led to a decrease in UTI frequency.
To stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs, its best to drink water throughout the day and always when youre thirsty.
Benefits of drinking more fluids for UTI
Drinking plenty of liquids can decrease your risk of UTIs by making you pee more, which helps remove bacteria from your urinary tract.
evidence suggests that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against UTIs.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of urine, killing off the bacteria that cause infection.
An older 2007 study of UTIs in pregnant women looked at the effects of taking 100 milligrams of vitamin C every day.
Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.
Best Wet: Hill’s Prescription Diet C/d Multicare Urinary Care With Chicken Canned Cat Food
Key Ingredients: Pork Liver, Carrots, Chicken, Tuna, Wheat Gluten, Rice, Spinach, Corn Starch, Chicken Liver Flavor, Fish Oil, Chicken Fat | Calories per Serving: 82 | Balance: Protein min. 6.5%, Fat min. 3.0%, crude fiber max. 2.0% | Life stage: Adult and senior cats | Texture: Rice sized chunks in a light gravy
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Shown to dissolve struvite crystals and prevents new ones
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Requires a veterinary prescription
Nutritionists and veterinarians developed Hills Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care wet cat food specifically to support a cat’s urinary health. Hills claims that c/d Multicare was studied and demonstrated to lower the recurrence of most common urinary signs by 89 percent. They also claim that struvite stones have dissolved in some cats in as little as seven days, and on average 27 days, while also reducing the risk of forming struvite and calcium oxalate stones.
The ingredients are recognizable on the label and in the food. Top ingredients include pork liver, carrots, chicken, tuna, rice, spinach, chicken fat and fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Also containing important vitamins and minerals, the amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium are controlled to prevent crystal formation. This brand is also available in chicken and vegetable stew flavor.
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What Happens If You Let A Urinary Tract Infection Go Untreated
If the infection moves up the urethra, they may cause a bladder infection . Bacteria that have infected the bladder may travel to the upper urinary tract, the ureters and the kidneys. An infection of the kidneys is called pyelonephritis. An upper urinary tract infection may cause a more severe illness than a lower urinary tract infection.
Skip Citrusy Or Caffeinated Sodas Irritate The Bladder
Sodas in general have been found to irritate the bladder in people with chronic bladder inflammation, and they could aggravate symptoms in someone with a bladder infection. Citrus-flavored sodas and caffeinated sodas are the culprits when it comes to worsening urinary tract infection symptoms. So, when youre struggling to overcome a bladder infection, stick to water or cranberry juice as your drink of choice.
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Foods That Will Help Prevent Urinary Problems
It can be tough to get your cat to drink a great deal of water, as cats are naturally thirst-tolerant animals. Some strategies for increasing your catâs water intake include purchasing a âkitty fountainâ or providing plenty of fresh water in multiple bowls. Kitty fountains are particularly effective because many cats prefer drinking running water.
In general, good quality canned cat foods are better for urinary health than dry foods. That said, however, there are some dry foods that have been carefully pH balanced. Even if you choose a high-quality dry food, however, canned food and water remain your catâs most important weapons against urinary crystals or stones.
Things To Avoid: Sugar & Utis
Adjusting your diet for a UTI involves more than introducing certain foods and drinks it also means abstaining from things. Not sure where to start? Heres a simple rule of thumb to follow: Avoid sugar for a UTI. Sugar is laced in an overwhelming amount of commercial foods and drinks these days. Unfortunately, it can also aggravate an infection. To cut back on these sugary delights and boost your care plan for a UTI, avoid:
- Artificial sweeteners
Although theres no evidence that artificial sweeteners can worsen a UTI, they have been shown to exacerbate bladder symptoms for individuals with chronic interstitial cystitis, so you may want to avoid them. Other foods and beverages to avoid with a UTI include:
- Spicy foods. Certain spicy foods can irritate the bladder. Instead, try sticking to a bland dietlike the BRAT dietwhen you have a UTI.
- Citrus. Although theyre high in immunity-boosting vitamin C, highly acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits can irritate your bladder and aggravate UTI symptoms.
- Caffeinated drinks. Its important to stay hydrated when you have a UTI, but stay away from coffee and other caffeinated beverages. When in doubt, choose water!
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What Is The Urinary Tract
The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body’s liquid waste products. The urinary tract includes the following parts:
- Kidneys: These small organs are located on back of your body, just above the hips. They are the filters of your body removing waste and water from your blood. This waste becomes urine.
- Ureters: The ureters are thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to your bladder.
- Bladder: A sac-like container, the bladder stores your urine before it leaves the body.
- Urethra: This tube carries the urine from your bladder to the outside of the body.
Can I Become Immune To The Antibiotics Used To Treat A Uti
Your body can actually get used to the antibiotics typically used to treat a urinary tract infection . This happens in people who have very frequent infections. With each UTI and use of antibiotics to treat it, the infection adapts and becomes harder to fight. This is called an antibiotic-resistant infection. Because of this, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments if you have frequent UTIs. These could include:
- Waiting: Your provider may suggest that you watch your symptoms and wait. During this time, you may be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids in an effort to flush out your system.
- Intravenous treatment: In some very complicated cases, where the UTI is resistant to antibiotics or the infection has moved to your kidneys, you may need to be treated in the hospital. The medicine will be given to you directly in your vein . Once youre home, you will be prescribed antibiotics for a period of time to fully get rid of the infection.
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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated
Your health care provider will figure out the best treatment based on:
- How old you are
Treatment for UTIs may include:
- Other medications to ease pain
- Heat to ease pain
You may also need to make lifestyle changes such as:
- Drinking plenty of water to help wash bacteria out of the urinary tract
- Avoiding coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods
- Quitting smoking
Probiotic Yogurt And Kefir
Probiotic yogurt is, hands down, one of the most effective natural remedies for a UTI. These probiotics, such as bifidus, will help keep a normal and healthy balance of good bacteria in your body, and significantly reduce your risk of developing a UTI. You can easily find many different kinds of probiotic yogurt at your local supermarket.
Alternatively, Kefir, a beverage made from fermented milk, is also very rich in probiotics. Studies suggest probiotics not only help protect against UTIs and prevent their recurrence theyve also been shown to reduce inflammation and support the immune systems ability to fight infections. Some other good sources of natural probiotics that you can try include sauerkraut and kimchi.
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Practice Healthy Hygiene Habits
Preventing UTIs starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, its important not to hold your urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection.
Peeing after sexual intercourse can also of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria.
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs.
Finally, when using the toilet especially if you have a female urethra make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs.
Benefits of healthy hygiene for UTI
Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Careful wiping when you use the toilet may also help decrease the risk of UTI.
Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.
Here are a few supplements that have been studied and are all available in capsule form:
- D-Mannose.D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests its effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence.
- Cranberry extract. Like cranberry juice, cranberry extract works by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
- Garlic extract. shows garlic and garlic extract to have antimicrobial properties, so they it may be able to block the growth of bacteria to prevent UTIs.
Treatment For A Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply. The signs and symptoms of a UTI vary, depending on the site of the infection.
If the infection is in the urethra, it is called urethritis. If it involves the bladder, it is called cystitis. A UTI that affects the kidney is known as pyelonephritis.
UTIs are treated with antibiotics. However, certain foods may help to prevent or relieve the symptoms of a UTI.
Cranberries contain compounds that can prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. This may help to reduce the risk of a UTI.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. They can be found in yogurt and some types of cheese, as well as in supplement form. Probiotics may help to reduce the risk of a UTI by preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing the urinary tract.
Water is essential for flushing out toxins and keeping the body hydrated. Drinking plenty of water may help to dilute urine and flush out bacteria that could cause a UTI.
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Keep Your Cat’s Urinary Issues At Bay
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The Spruce Pets / Peter Ardito
Many house cats struggle with a variety of conditions that affect their bladder and/or urethra, broadly known as urinary tract health. This can present as difficulty and pain when urinating, increased frequency of urination and/or blood in the urine. Cats may urinate outside the litter box, in corners, a sink, or a bathtub. While these issues can occur at any age, it is often seen in middle-aged, overweight cats that dont get enough exercise.
A cats diet can contribute to urinary pH imbalance or help improve it. Diets can vary in how they support urinary tract health, but its important to look for restricted amounts of minerals, such as magnesium and phosphorus, which can contribute to the development of urinary crystal and stone formation, explains Dr. Danielle Bernal, Global Veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food. The crystals cause painful urination and the stones are painful to pass. They may cause urinary tract infections, blockages, or kidney problems.
Below are a few of the best urinary tract health cat foods available today.
What Is A Uti
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter your urethra and cause an infection in your urinary tract. Bacteria cause most UTIs, but rarely they can result from a fungus. UTIs are also called bladder infections.
UTIs can impact both men and women but are more prevalent in women. About 50% of women are likely to have a UTI at some point in their lifetime. One of the main reasons women are more likely to get a UTI is because their urethra is shorter than a mans, which means bacteria dont have to travel as far to reach the bladder and urinary tract system.
Urinary tract infections are especially problematic during pregnancy and can lead to preterm delivery. They are also more common in menopausal women because a drop in estrogen can trigger UTIs.
If a UTI goes untreated, it can spread to your kidneys and cause a kidney infection, which is why UTI prevention and prompt treatment are so important.
Some of the symptoms of a UTI include:
- Better understand your urinary symptoms
- Step-by-step guide
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Does Cranberry Juice Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection
Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI. Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but havent found a definitive answer yet. Healthcare providers recommend drinking lots of fluids if you have, or have a history of getting, a UTI. Adding a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice to your diet isnt a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically wont hurt you either.
How Can I Prevent Uti Naturally
UTIs, or urinary tract infections, are actually fairly easy to control and/or avoid with a balanced diet. In fact, your diet is often the first place you should look to improve when trying to increase your overall health. Not only food, but also the beverages you drink have a heavy influence on bladder health and UTI contractions.
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Infection In Any Part Of The Tract Is Urinary Tract Infection Or Uti However It Is A Term Commonly Used For Infection In The Lower Tract Ie The Bladder And Urethra Women Are More Prone To Utis Than Men
- Dr. Rupali Datta
- Infection in any part of the tract is Urinary Tract Infection
- Water is the most important part of your diet therapy for UTI
- Health care interventions have given cranberries the thumbs up for UTI
Infection in any part of the tract is Urinary Tract Infection1. Drink up! Water is the most important part of your Diet Therapy for UTI 2. Berry berry good:Health care interventions have given cranberries the thumbs up for UTI.3. Good bugs, bad bugs and probiotics4. Bad breath be damned: Garlic is being seen as an effective weapon against drug resistant bacteria.Disclaimer:The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.