Cure Urinary Tract Infections, Dietary Approaches To Speed Healing

Also known as bacterial cystitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs) mostly affect the bladder, but some may involve the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes that carry urine to the bladder), and the urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). The most common symptom is an urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder is not full. Urination may be accompanied by pain or burning and, in severe cases, small amounts of blood. There may also be a low-grade fever and an ache in the lower back.

Most urinary infections are caused by E. coli bacteria, organisms that live in the intestinal tract but that can travel to the bladder. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted organism, is another cause of UTIs. Women are more vulnerable to urinary infections because the female urethra is shorter than that of males and its location provides a convenient entryway for bacteria.

Nutrition Connection
Antibiotics are needed to cure bacterial urinary infections, but dietary approaches can speed healing and help prevent recurrences, including:
-Drink plenty of water. Doctors advise drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids a day to increase the flow of urine and to flush out infectious material.
-Ditch caffeine and alcohol. Avoid coffee, tea, colas, and alcoholic drinks, because these increase bladder irritation.
-Skip spices for a while. Some people find that spicy foods also aggravate the urinary tract. -Drink cranberry juice. Cranberry juice is a favorite home remedy and one that is supported by research. Cranberries and blueberries contain substances that speed the elimination of bacteria by preventing them from sticking to the bladder wall.
-Pump up vitamin C. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli, helps strengthen the immune system, fight infection, and acidify the urine.
-Go for yogurt. Consuming probiotics may be helpful since they are thought to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that cause UTIs. These beneficial bacteria, found in some yogurts, are also thought to foster the growth of friendly flora in the body, which may be reduced by antibiotic therapy.

Beyond the Diet
-Many doctors recommend the following tactics:
-Be free flowing. Wear loose-fitting white cotton underwear and panty hose that have cotton crotches.
-Don’t douche. Avoid douching and using vaginal deodorants, which can cause bladder irritation.
-Check your diaphragm. If you use a diaphragm, ask your doctor to check the size. One that is even slightly too large can irritate the urethra and bladder.
-Sip before sex. Drink a glass of water and urinate before sexual intercourse, and within an hour afterward to flush out the urinary tract.
-Go front to back. After a bowel movement, wipe from the front to the back to reduce the risk of carrying intestinal bacteria to the urethra.