A UTI is a type of urinary tract infection

Do you suffer with recurring Urinary Tract Infections? A UTI is a type of infection that can occur in the urinary tract: urethra, bladder, and in severe cases can reach the kidneys. Symptoms can include painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased urination frequency, a sense of urgency and changes to colour or smell of urine. Later signs of infection can include fever, tiredness, pain in the groin, abdomen or lower back.

What causes UTI's?

UTI’s are caused by harmful bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli, that travel up the urethra into the bladder causing infection. Other causes include not drinking enough water and vaginal dryness associated with menopause which can cause irritation and allow infection to take hold. Over use of antibiotics, the pill, stress, poor diet, and weakened immunity can create an ideal environment to allow infections to take hold.

Antibiotics can have negative side effects

You may be prescribed antibiotics for a UTI; while antibiotics are great at killing off the infection, they can also reduce levels of healthy bacteria too. Frequent antibiotics can make you vulnerable to reinfection or run the risk of becoming resistant to them. It’s important to support your microbiome during antibiotic therapy.

Optibac For Women may help reduce frequency of infections

Optibac For Women is a probiotic you could try; it can help reduce the recurrence and frequency of bladder infections. It contains three clinically trialled strains of probiotics, Lactobacillus paracasei F-19® and the world-renowned Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®. These strains are proven to colonise the vagina after one week when taken orally and have been shown to inhibit pathogens such as E. coli. It’s suitable from 4 years plus, is safe to use during pregnancy and menopause. It’s suitable for vegans and is gluten free.

What else can you do?

Optibac For Women combines well with A.Vogel Cranberry Complex. A mix of cranberry, nasturtium, and golden rod. Cranberries a natural source of vitamin C and D-mannose which can help prevent the E coli bacteria from sticking to the wall of the bladder. Other things that you can do to reduce risk of infection: empty your bladder after sex, rise your feet on a low stool while going to the loo to encourage better emptying. Drink sugar free cranberry juice. Avoid sugar, tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, and reduce red meat, as well as salty and spicy foods.

Herbal teas are great to include, you could choose A.Vogel Golden Rod tea which is a refreshing tea used to help cleanse and refresh your system from the inside helping to remove any impurities from the body. Or try Salus Horsetail tea, horsetail has a long history as a diuretic to help treat urinary tract infections. Drink one or two cups of herbal tea per day.

These natural remedies and a healthy diet can help reduce the recurrence and frequency of infection. These remedies are worth taking a look at. You can take them on a regular basis to help keep your urinary tract healthy.