Anyone who has experienced a urinary tract infection knows that the pain can be unbearable.
When bacteria, Usually E. coli, enters the urinary tract. They are more common in women and people with shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra.
Researchers estimate More than 50% of women suffer from urinary tract infections At some point in their lives, about a quarter of people will give birth again within 6 months.
She explains that there are many hypotheses as to why some women are more susceptible to UTIs. business insider Dr. Megan Bradley, urogynecologist, University of Pittsburgh (USA).
Some of this may have to do with genetics. But Bradley clarified that most of the time, it has nothing to do with the decision a person makes. “Unfortunately, some women have a tendency that we don’t fully understand yet.”
Meat contaminated with bacteria may be cause of urine infections
Antibiotics are usually the first-line treatment for active infections. If urinary tract infections occur frequently, a lower daily dose may be prescribed to prevent future urinary tract infections.
But taking them regularly can develop antibiotic resistance, making it difficult to treat infections.
Fortunately, some Supplements also appear to prevent infectionsBradley said.
D-mannose
A study published last year in the journal antibiotic Indicates d-mannose May be as effective as antibiotics Prevent and even treat simple urinary tract infections.
D-mannose is a sugar that prevents urinary tract infections by making it difficult for bacteria such as E. coli to stick to the lining of the bladder. Instead, any stubborn E. coli bacteria are destroyed when you urinate.
Bradley points out that one of the great things about D-mannose is “that it’s readily available.” You can buy it in powder or pill form.
Bradley average It is recommended to take 2 mg daily as a preventive measure for people who have previously had a urinary tract infection.
Bradley says that because D-mannose is a sugar, it may not be safe for people with uncontrolled diabetes, but the supplement is safe for most people.
Proantho Cyanidins
Cranberry juice or cranberry supplements are the most popular products for preventing urinary tract infections. But Bradley said research on cranberries’ benefits “has been a little conflicting.”
Researchers believe that proanthocyanidins, The compound that gives blueberries their unique red huethese fruits can effectively prevent urinary tract infections.
Therefore, taking pure proanthocyanidin supplements may be a more effective way to combat them, Bradley says.
infusion
he Green tea, parsley infusion, chamomile and mint They are home remedies for urinary tract infections.
While Bradley doesn’t believe they can prevent urinary tract infections per se, he does believe Staying hydrated may help reduce symptoms. “I think there’s a lot to be said about hydration because if something irritates you, hydrated urine will hurt less.”
Vitamin C
Research on vitamin C for preventing urinary tract infections is limited, and data on its effectiveness are conflicting.
But Bradley believes that vitamin C supplementation May be helpful as it is thought to acidify urine, killing bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Doctors sometimes combine it with methenamine (brand name Hiprex), a prescription drug that acidifies urine to help prevent future urinary tract infections.
If you have symptoms, see your doctor
Although supplements are generally safe for most healthy people, Bradley recommends If you have recurring urinary tract infections, talk to your doctor.
Daily antibiotic treatment may be needed.Sometimes people also experience symptoms similar to a UTI, but with a different cause, such as interstitial cystitis, also known as Bladder pain syndrome, overactive bladder, or pelvic floor muscle spasm.