Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

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What Is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection that derives from bacteria that affects the urinary system. Urinary Tract Infections are the second most common infections, a large amount of people experience them. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and the urethra. When the body accumulates excess water and waste, it passes through each part of the urinary system. UTI’s commonly occur in the lower urinary tract specifically affecting the bladder and the urethra. The urethra is at the opening of the penis males and at the front opening of the vagina for females. For females the urethra is located close to the anus, making it easy for bacteria to travel into the urethra. Women experience UTI’s more often then men because of the location of the urethra and anus in addition to the female urethra being much shorter. The extent of Urinary Tract Infections can vary, as there are three different types of the infection. Cystitis is the infection of the bladder, Urethritis is the infection of the Urethra and Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys. Cystitis and Urethritis are the most common UTI’s, Pyelonephritis infections are usually more severe and require longer treatment.

Signs Of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The signs and symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) are very apparent as most of them are discomforting and can be painful. You can identify most UTI symptoms when urinating. The other signs, however, can be typical if there’s an infection present in the body. Signs of UTI’s can also vary based on the age of the person.

Burning sensation during urination
Lower Abdominal pain or pressure
Change in Urine appearance (dark, cloudy, bloody)
Urine with a strong odor
Abdominal pain during urination
Frequent urination
Stomach cramps
Intense Urge to urinate
Urinating small amounts
Nausea
Vomiting
Low energy
Pain on the side (underneath the ribs, where the kidneys are located)
Fever or Chills
Leaking small amounts of urine
Muscle Aches
Cramping in the lower back
Rectal Pain or Pressure (mostly seen in men)

What Causes Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The majority of Urinary Tract Infection cases stem from bacteria entering the urethra. The bacteria is usually Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli. This type of bacteria is found in the digestive system. If the bacteria escapes from the anus area it can easily enter the urethra of females. Other microscopic invaders like viruses, fungi, and parasites can also infect the urinary tract, however, 85% of UTI's stem from bacteria. The way that the bacteria enters the urinary system can vary. The bacteria’s presence can also be based on gender. Some of the causes listed make a person more likely to experience Urinary Tract Infections.

•   Improper way of wiping genital area (related to females)
•   Sexual Intercourse (females can have bacteria transferred to the genital area)
•   Pre-existing Conditions (spinal cord injury, kidney stones, deconstructed bladder, kidney ailments, pregnancy)
•   Bowel Incontinence
•   Weak Immune System (HIV/AIDS virus, Diabetes, Cancer)
•   Diaphragm or Condom use
•   Failure to empty bladder
•   Side affect (from medication, birth control, chemotherapy)
•   Enlarged Prostate
•   Poor Hygiene
•   Use of spermicides and tampons
•   Holding urination for long periods of time
•   Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia)
•   Menopause
•   Urinary procedures
•   Frequent use of Catheters
•   Urinary tract abnormalities (issues some may be born with)

https://www.dherbs.com/articles/mens-health/urinary-tract-infections/

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

Everything your body needs to remedy a Urinary Tract Infection derives from natural sources. Consuming a generous amount of water helps dilute the concentration of the urine, helping to flush out the kidneys and the bacteria. It is recommended to consume half your body weight in ounces of water on a regular basis. Adding things like dried parsley, cucumbers, ginger, lemon, and even apple cider vinegar to water can help provide detoxifyng, diuretic, and even anti-inflammatory properties to the body.
It’s best to avoid coffee, alcohol, and processed beverages whenever there’s an infection in the body. The sugar content of these beverages can irritate the bladder, increasing urination and the bacteria's presence. All liquids consumed go through the urinary tract. When you experience a UTI, it’s important that you consume beverages that can help eliminate the bacteria out of the tract.
Cranberry has been known to help with bladder issues. Like all berries, it has antioxidant properties that help prevent the oxidation of molecules in the body. The bacterium that's responsible for Urinary Tract Infections tendsa to have hair-like components that makes it easier to stick to the walls of the urinary tract. When it comes to Urinary Tract Infections, cranberries have the ability to stop the bacteria from sticking to the walls and can also help slow down the bacterium's reproduction. Certain studies suggest that cranberry antioxidants alter the shape of the bacteria, eliminating the bacterium's ability to stick the walls of the tract. Other concepts suggest that the cranberry has a non-stick substance that provides a coating to the urinary wall, and that the acidity in cranberries helps combat the E. coli bacteria. The only cranberry juice that helps address the infection is unsweetened. It can be diluted with water to dull the bitter taste, however, it’s best to consum in its more concentrated form.
Baking soda provides a variety of benefits and one of them is that it alkalizes the body. It helps reduce the amount of acidity, specifically decreasing the acid in urine. Consuming one teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water can help alleviate the burning sensation associated with Urinary Tract Infections.
When there are UTI symptoms present it’s best to urinate the moment you feel the urge to. Although urination with a UTI can be painful, the more you empty the bladder and eliminate waste from the kidneys, the more you’re clearing out the bacteria.
Refrain from taking baths to help avoid other bacterium from entering the urinary tract. Showers are best when you have a Urinary Tract Infection.
Keeping good hygiene habits can help assist with preventing and treating Urinary Tract Infections. For females, cleaning the outer lips and the anus area helps reduce the presence of bacteria. Instead of using a traditional douche with unnatural ingredients, females can use apple cider vinegar to eliminate bacteria and infection. We suggest using two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with a cup of warm water to help douche the vagina.
Anytime you have a UTI it’s important to give the genital area a break, especially for females. It’s recommended to avoid the use of condoms, diaphragms, spermicides, and having sex altogether. All of these things could potentially cause Urinary Tract Infections. It’s always best to urinate right after engaging in sexual activities to flush away any pathogens that may have entered. Feminine hygiene products like sprays, douches, and scented bath products should also be avoided. It’s best to wear loose clothing and cotton underwear to let the genital area breathe, reducing the amount of moisture.
Heating pads are always a great solution to assist with stomach cramps. Urinary Tract Infections often present a lot of pain in the abdominal area. This remedy is an easy fix for stomach pain.

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