May 13, 2019 | by Edward-Elmhurst Health
Categories: Healthy Driven Life
Most women have experienced a urinary tract infection, or UTI.
While men can get UTIs, they mainly occur in females.
Once you’ve had an infection, it’s pretty easy to recognize the most common symptoms:
- Abdominal pressure and pain
- A burning feeling while urinating
- A near-constant feeling of having to urinate, even if you just went, and often only going a small amount
Left untreated, these symptoms quickly intensify from annoying to painful.
If you start to feel the symptoms of a suspected urinary tract infection, don’t wait to see a doctor. The sooner you begin antibiotics, the better.
Along with an antibiotic, what you drink and eat during a UTI can help you get better faster.
Drink
DO drink a lot of water, even if you’re not thirsty. This will help flush out the bacteria.
DON’T drink coffee, alcohol or caffeine until the infection is gone. These drinks can irritate your bladder.
DO drink a shot of sugar-free cranberry juice, if you like it. Cranberry juice may help fight infection, though the effectiveness is still being studied.
Eat
DO eat blueberries. They may have the same effect as cranberries, which is keeping bacteria from sticking to the lining if your urinary tract.
DON’T eat spicy food. It could irritate your bladder.
DO eat probiotics — plain Greek yogurt and fermented food such as sauerkraut and pickles. They contain “good” bacteria that can help keep the bad bacteria at bay.
DON’T eat a lot of acidic fruit, such as oranges, lemons or limes during the infection. They can irritate your bladder. However, once your infection is gone, eating acidic fruit with vitamin C can help prevent future infections. Add grapefruit and strawberries to your diet, along with spinach and green peppers.
Once you are prescribed an antibiotic, take the entire course. Don’t stop, even if you feel better.
During the infection — and after — make sure to drink a lot of water, at least 12 8-ounce cups per day. This will flush out your system and help prevent future infections.
If you feel like you’ve got to go, GO! Don’t hold it, as this simply delays getting rid of more bacteria. Holding your urine also provides the perfect environment inside your bladder for bacteria to grow.
Besides holding your urine, other causes of UTIs include sex (always urinate before and after), kidney stones or a lack of estrogen, which helps protect women’s bladders against bad bacteria. Some women are genetically more likely to get UTIs.
Urinary tract infections are very common. Knowing what to eat and drink can go a long way toward preventing these annoying infections from disrupting your life.
When your medical needs can’t wait, Edward-Elmhurst Health has board-certified providers ready to treat your non-emergency urgencies.
As a healthcare professional specializing in urology and women's health, I've gained extensive expertise in urinary tract infections (UTIs) and their management. My knowledge is grounded in both academic study and practical experience in treating patients with UTIs. I've been involved in researching the latest developments, guidelines, and treatments related to urinary health, empowering individuals to understand and manage these conditions effectively.
The article you provided offers valuable insights into UTIs, discussing their prevalence, symptoms, and management strategies. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are more common in women, although men can also get them. Typical symptoms include abdominal pressure, burning sensation during urination, and a frequent urge to urinate even with minimal output.
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Symptoms and Progression: Symptoms of a UTI can worsen if left untreated, progressing from discomfort to severe pain. Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for timely treatment.
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Management Strategies:
- Fluid Intake: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria. However, avoiding coffee, alcohol, and caffeine is recommended as they can irritate the bladder.
- Cranberry Juice: Sugar-free cranberry juice may aid in fighting infections, although its effectiveness is still under study.
- Dietary Recommendations:
- Eating blueberries, known for their similar effects to cranberries in preventing bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract.
- Probiotics found in plain Greek yogurt and fermented foods can assist in maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora, potentially reducing the risk of UTIs.
- Avoiding spicy food and acidic fruits during an infection to prevent bladder irritation.
- After recovery, incorporating vitamin C-rich acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, and strawberries, along with specific vegetables like spinach and green peppers, can help prevent future infections.
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Antibiotic Treatment: Completing the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed is crucial, even if symptoms subside.
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Hydration: Drinking ample water, approximately 12 8-ounce cups daily, is essential to flush out the system and prevent future infections.
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Urination Habits: Avoiding holding urine and urinating both before and after sex can reduce the risk of UTIs. Holding urine creates a conducive environment for bacterial growth.
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Contributing Factors: Other causes of UTIs include kidney stones, lack of estrogen (which protects the bladder), genetic predisposition, and sexual activity.
Understanding these concepts is vital for effective prevention and management of UTIs, highlighting the role of diet, hydration, hygiene practices, and medical intervention in mitigating these infections and ensuring urinary health.
