Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can be painful and embarrassing. Not only do you have to run to the bathroom multiple times per day, but simply sitting still can be uncomfortable. If you develop a UTI, it is generally best treated with antibiotics to keep it from spreading into your kidneys and bladder. However, you should also focus on preventative methods to keep subsequent UTIs from developing. Here are some methods to implement:
1. Take natural supplements.
There are several natural herbs that can help decrease the risk of a UTI -- garlic is one of them. Since you may not want to include garlic in every meal, consider taking garlic supplement capsules instead. Swallowing a capsule a few times per day can help prevent the growth of bacteria in your urinary tract. Another good choice is bearberry leaf, which is also sold in capsule form. It is thought that bearberry leaf helps reduce inflammation, so bacteria do not get caught in your urinary tract as easily.
2. Drink more water.
Drinking more water will help flush your urinary tract so bacteria do not have time to accumulate. Aim for at least eight glasses a day -- ten is even better. If you have trouble remembering to drink enough, buy a water bottle that you love, and carry it everywhere. Consider drinking green tea or adding a little lemon to your water if you crave extra flavor.
3. Wipe properly.
Women, especially, need to be careful how they wipe after using the toilet. If you wipe back to front, you may accidentally introduce some bacteria to your urinary tract, leading to an infection. Always wipe front to back. Consider switching to wet wipes or a bidet, which tend to get you cleaner than toilet paper.
4. Wear breathable underwear.
Wearing nylon or other non-breathable underwear can create a warmer, more moist environment where bacteria thrive and then move up into your urinary tract. Switch to more breathable underwear made from mostly cotton. Make sure it is loose-fitting — thongs are a bad choice for someone who is prone to UTIs. Consider changing your underwear twice per day, too.
Nobody deserves to suffer from UTIs. Thankfully, they are pretty simple to prevent if you follow the advice above. The important thing is to be consistent. Drink lots of water, take natural supplements for UTIs, wear the right underwear, and practice good hygiene on a daily basis.
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