Many women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in your life. In fact, some researchers rank your lifetime chances of developing a UTI as one in two. Some women suffer from repeat infections and infections that last long periods of time. Males can also develop this condition, but it is far more common in women. Therefore, you should understand everything you can about urinary tract infections and how to avoid them in the first place.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection can develop anywhere in the urinary tract, which consists of your kidneys, uterus, bladder, and urethra. However, most UTIs usually develop in the urethra and bladder area, which make up the lower region of the tract. Upper tract infections are more rare, but are also more severe and dangerous. A UTI is an infection of microbes. Bacterium is usually the leading cause of UTIs, but there have been reported cases of fungi being the root cause of a UTI.
Understanding What Causes UTIs in Woman
Do you remember when you were little and your parents taught you to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom? Well, you might be surprised to learn that there is a good reason for that, which is UTIs. The tube that sends your urine to the outside of your body (urethra) is located very close to the anus, which makes it extremely susceptible to bacterium. Bacterium can easily escape the anus and find its way into the urethra causing infections. From this point the bacterium will travel to the bladder and eventually find its way into the kidneys, if the condition isn’t treated.
The main reason that UTIs are more common in women is because they have shorter urethras. This basically means that the bacterium can easily and quickly enter the bladder, because it has a shorter path to travel to get there. Sexual intercourse is also another leading cause of UTIs.
Exploring The Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection
In order to get ahead of the situation and stop a UTI in it tracks, you need to understand the signs and symptoms. Below, you will discover some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with UTIs.
- Burning sensation when you urinate
- The feeling to urinate, but little to nothing is coming out
- Pressure and pain in the lower abdomen or back
- Bloody, dark, strong smelling urine
- Feelings of shakiness and fatigue
- Fever and chills could mean that the infection has already reached the kidneys
Treating UTIs with Natural Remedies
If you visit the doctor with a UTI, he or she may prescribe you some antibiotics and send you on your way. However, taking antibiotics isn’t the only way to overcome this condition. In fact, there are a variety of different natural remedies available. With that being said, it is best to discuss any natural treatments with your doctor before trying them. Mainly because you truly never know how your body will react in certain situations. Below, you will learn about some of the different natural remedies that you can administer to treat UTIs.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
If you know or suspect that you have a UTI, drink large amounts of water. Water helps flush out your renal system, which in turn will flush away the bacterium causing the infection in the first place. Most doctors will recommend drinking about half your body weight in ounces. For instance, if you weigh around 120 pounds this means that you should consume around 60 ounces of water a day. This will completely flush out your renal system. If you suffer from a kidney disease or condition, speak with your doctor first, before consuming this much liquid.
2. Get Your Fill of Vitamin C
When it comes to urinary tract infections, vitamin C is an excellent tool. Vitamin C makes your urine more acidic, which helps fight off bacterium in the urinary tract. You can get your vitamin C either by taking supplements or consuming foods that are high in vitamin C.
3. Don’t Irritate Your Bladder
When you are suffering from a UTI there are certain things you need to stay away from. For instance, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated drinks can all irritate your bladder. When the bladder is irritated, it makes it harder to properly heal and recover. Instead, focus on high fiber carbohydrates, because the have excellent digestive properties.
4. Empty your Bladder as Much as Possible
When you are experiencing a UTI, you need to empty your bladder as much as possible. By doing so, you release a little bit of that bacterium from your urinary tract. Plus, you should be drinking extra water to flush it out of your system.
5. Try Bearberry Leaf
The herb bearberry leaf can be used as a treatment for urinary tract infections. However, this herb should not be used for longer than five days simultaneously, because it can cause liver damage.
6. Get Goldenseal Herb
Goldenseal is another herbal remedy that has been a part of traditional medicine methods for centuries now, and has also been reported to aid in urinary tract infections.
If your symptoms persist after trying a natural remedy, consult your healthcare professional.
Do you know any other natural remedies for UTI? Share them in the comments section below!
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