FOREVER YOUNG

“Silent” urinary tract infections lead to tiredness for millions of women over 50. Here’s help!

When you feel tired, achy and out of sorts, it’s easy to chalk it up to aging. But experts say these vague symptoms can actually signal a “silent” urinary tract infection (UTI). Research now shows that in as many as one in five cases, UTIs don’t cause the red flags most women (and doctors) associate with the infections, like burning or frequent urges to urinate. The reason? When an infection takes hold, the immune system revs, leading to inflammation that impairs the function of every system in the body. This results in fatigue, body aches and nausea. And women over 50 are at greater risk, says Jennifer Ashton, M.D., chief women’s health correspondent for Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show. “In postmenopausal women who aren’t replacing estrogen, the urinary tract becomes more delicate and more susceptible to infection.” If you suspect a UTI, consider these strategies.

TRY A SIMPLE SELF-TEST

An at-home urine test, like AZO UTI Test strips ($10, walmart.com) can help diagnose a UTI — even if you don’t have the traditional symptoms. If your test is positive, Dr. Ashton advises seeing your health-care provider for treatment. She typically prescribes a seven-day course of antibiotics, which delivers relief within 12 to 36 hours.

LOAD UP ON VITAMIN C

Taking 500 mg of vitamin C daily helps reduce bacteria in the urinary tract to treat a UTI and reduce the risk of future infections. And according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, when people who are deficient in vitamin C take 500 mg for eight days, their energy levels increase by 71 percent. A brand we like: Natrol Easy-C 500 mg ($13, walgreens.com).

KEEP INFECTIONS AT BAY

I Dream of Jeannie icon Barbara Eden is smart to take cranberry supplements to ward off infections. “The theory is that cranberries contain a substance that may make it harder for bacteria to stick to the bladder wall or the lining of the urinary tract,” explains Dr. Ashton. A supplement to try: Nature’s Way Cranberry ($9, vitacost.com). And for extra insurance against infections, consider drinking three glasses of kefir or fermented milk a week. Doing so has been shown to reduce UTI risk by 79 percent. That’s because the probiotic-rich beverages help the body maintain a healthy internal bacterial balance that prevents invaders from taking hold.

“I take a multi and cranberry supplements to avoid kidney or bladder infections.” Barbara Eden, 85