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Are you troubled with recurring urinary tract infections (UTI) and fed up of popping those antibiotic pills to treat your UTIs? Affecting millions all over the globe, this commonest painful infection is caused by the attack of Escherichia coli (E. coli) on the urinary system. Irritating symptoms of UTI are burning urination sensation, pain and frequent urination; most of the urine infections are not serious; however, lack of proper care and treatment may result in other complicated problems.
The urinary tract infections are common in young girls and women because of the short length of women’s urinary opening from the bladder and its vicinity near the rectum and vaginal opening. This gives an easy access for the bacteria to thrive increasing the prevalence of infections. Hormonal changes during menopause, sexual activities, poor hygiene or an immune altering condition like diabetes are the other causes that may trigger the urine infection in women. In men, infection within the kidney, bladder, prostrate or urethra is often due to a urinary stone obstruction, prostate enlargement or the use of catheters or by a sexually transmitted disease.
Use of antibiotic, ss. a vaginal bleaching cream, as a urinary tract infection treatment is the most common and effective practice; however, they need to be used with caution as extensive use may result in antibiotic resistance or may disrupt the bacterial balance in gastrointestinal tract resulting in side effects and increasing the risk of other vaginal, fungal infection and recurrent urinary tract infections. Experiencing recurring urinary tract infections i.e three or more episodes of urine infection in a year is indeed frustrating but fortunately there are simple preventive measures available that help overcome the bothersome symptoms and address the root cause of the urine infection.
Let’s discuss some of the measures to prevent urinary tract infections and to reduce the frequency of these infections.
Drink water: Drinking water is the simplest bladder infection treatment. It helps to flush out the toxins, bacteria and other waste products from the body.
Empty your bladder: The strong flow of the urine while passing urine washes out the disease causing bacteria present in the bladder and on the opening of the urethra. Controlling your urge to urinate and storing urine for long time provides a breeding opportunity for the bacteria. So urinate more often every 2-3 hours and especially immediately after sexual intimacy to prevent the spread of bacteria from vagina to the urethra.
Develop healthy habits: Personal hygiene is the mantra to lead a healthy life. Moist and damp environment gives an opportunity for bacterial growth, so keep your genital area dry and moisture free by wearing comfortable cotton undergarments. Always clean the genital area following urination and defecation in front to back direction to prevent the spread of bacteria from anus. Avoid the overuse of feminine hygiene wash and other scented products which may irritate the urethra. Take extra hygienic care during menstruation, change sanitary napkins and tampons at regular intervals.
Cut down sugary foods and beverages: High carbohydrates and sugary foods cause a spike in blood sugar and supports bacterial and fungal growth. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and avoid caffeinated beverages.
Boost your immune system: A weak immune system is vulnerable to pathogen attack. Strengthen your immunity with immune strengthening herbs, foods rich in vitamins, minerals to combat the recurrent bladder infections. Charak Pharma’s Extrammune is a herbal composition to boost immunity. It helps to stimulate the production and activity of infection-fighting cells, whereby it improves host resistance to infection and helps in faster recovery. Thus, Extrammune, a fortified formulation with immunity enhancing herbs like Haridra (Curcuma longa), Guduchi (Tinosporacordifolia), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhizaglabra) acts as a personal bodyguard.
Heal your urinary tract infections naturally:
- Try coconut water to prevent urinary tract infections, its diuretic property helps to flush out the bacteria to prevent urine infections.
- Beneficial microorganisms in probiotic food help maintain and restore the natural bacterial ecosystem of the body. Consume probiotic yogurt to prevent and fight against vaginal and urinary infection.
- Increase vitamin C intake in your diet through fresh citrus fruits and vegetables to relieve the painful burning urination. The antioxidant vitamin C fights against the free radial and exerts anti-inflammatory action towards the infection.
Try Charak Pharma’s Alka5, a herbal urine alkalizer that eases urination by reducing burning sensation, frequency, urgency and hesitancy of urination. It also has a weak diuretic effect, which increases the flushing effect, which is desired in treatment of urinary tract infection.
