Keep UTIs at bay

Aurinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by harmful bacteria and leads to inflammation of the urinary tract. Both women and men can develop a UTI. However, women are more prone to develop the infection because of the structural make up of the female urinary tract.

UTIs are common in women aged between 20 to 50. Statistics show that about one in five women will have at least one UTI during these years. If left untreated, UTIs can be quite painful and even lead to serious consequences if the infection reaches the kidneys.

SYMPTOMS OF UTI

When you get a burning sensation whilst passing urine, or you feel the need to pass urine frequently or when you see blood in your urine, then you should know that you have a urinary infection and call your doctor immediately.

The following precautions and natural interventions may help if the infection has just begun:

■ Eating one cup of fresh cherries (rich in antioxidants) every two hours help ease the burning sensation while passing urine

■ Garlic is known to have antibacterial properties. Eating four to five cloves of raw garlic a day helps combat urinary infections. You can chop it fine to gulp it down with warm water too

■ The fresh green leaves of radish are packed with antibacterial properties. Taking around 150ml juice made from radish leaves for a fortnight can help reduce inflammation of the urinary bladder and reduce the burning sensation while passing urine

■ A diet rich in vitamin C keeps the acidity level of urine high. Bacteria cannot thrive in an acidic environment

■ Drinking large amounts of fluids helps dilute the toxins in the urine and flushes the system. Drink one litre of water (normal temperature) first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and another six to eight glasses throughout the day. This habit will prevent recurrence of your problem

■ Avoid intake of alcohol

■ Drink cranberry juice. According to a 1994 study, cranberry juice can reduce levels of bacteria in the urinary tract and prevent infections. In case of an infection, cranberry juice helps in fast recovery

■ Other fluids that help clear UTIs are tender coconut water, barley water, buttermilk and cucumber juice, as these are believed to be diuretics. Cabbage, carrot, curd, coconut, clove, ginger, garlic, lime, onion, radish and turmeric slow the spread of infections

■ Maintain good personal hygiene and avoid using public toilets. After a bowel movement, wash and wipe yourself from front to back to prevent spreading of bacteria

■ Don’t suppress the need to urinate. Use the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge.

The longer the urine stays in the bladder, the higher the chances of an infection occurring.

PHOTO: ISTOCK Cranberry juice can reduce levels of bacteria in the urinary tract