Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infection or UTI’s as they are commonly called can be seen in adults, both male and female. Young children can have them too. A bladder infection can lead to kidney infection if not treated. Urinary tract infections are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enters through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the body. Women have a shorter urethra than men which is why women more commonly get infections.

Symptoms can include an uncomfortable feeling in your lower abdomen with pressure in the groin area. You might have the need to pass water frequently. Your urine will most likely be cloudy. Cystitis is a common bladder problem if you have this, you’ll experience painful stinging or burning sensation at the end of urinating. Some of you will resist drinking water as you don’t want to go to the toilet too often on account of the discomfort caused when urinating. Drinking water is important as concentrated urine is extremely irritating to the bladder. Aim to drink one and a half litres of water per day.

Fully emptying the bladder is important to help prevent infections. A tip I was given was to place a small low stool at the toilet and place your feet on top to raise your legs. This will help you to empty your bladder more fully. Also, don't hold on too long as this will also allow germs to grow, plus it can overstretch the bladder muscles potentially causing damage to them.

Supplements to help symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Supplements can include D Mannose, Cranberry, and Optibac For Women. If you get recurring infections, I would suggest a combination of Optibac For Women, D-manose, and Cranberry. Optibac For Women is a probiotic that can be taken alongside antibiotics to help keep the delicate pH in balance and help prevent recurring infection. D-mannose attaches itself to the bad bacteria and flushes them out of your system. Cranberries may help prevent the bad bacteria that causes infection from sticking to the wall of the bladder. Cranberry juice is refreshing and will help you get extra fluids in. Choose a sugar free juice as sugar will only aggravate the problem, Biona Cranberry Juice is sugar free.

For less frequent infections I would suggest Quest Cranbiotix it contains probiotics and cranberry in the one formula and is one that I have taken myself. It worked quickly and got me back on track.

Diet is important

Foods to help promote good urinary tract health can include cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and other berries. They provide protection against infection with an important compound that helps fight bacteria and keeps it from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract. A.Vogel Golden Rod Tea is one of the best teas that you can drink to support the urinary tract. I often get asked if it tastes ok, I really like it, I think it's one of the more pleasant herbal teas. You can drink 2-3 cups during the day if you wish. Natural yogurt and fermented foods are good to eat to support good gut bacteria.

Foods to avoid include tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, red meat, and sugar because they affect pH balance. Salty and spicy foods can irritate the bladder.

Children can get Urinary Tract Infections too

Children can get UTI’s too, for them there’s Waterfall D-Mannose Children, is a product specifically for children. Waterfall D-Mannose Powder contains natural Apple & Blackcurrant powder for a fantastic taste, that can be taken straight off the spoon or mixed with water. It helps reduce frequent urination caused by urinary tract infections. It flushes out E.Coli bacteria, the bacteria responsible for most bladder infections. The symptoms will be the same as for adults, pain, burning, or stinging when urinating. You might notice that they are going to the toilet more often or that they can't hold it like they normally would. You may notice a foul smell from their urine, or it could look cloudy. They may have pain in their tummy or the lower back. They may have a fever. Teaching them good toilet hygiene is one step in helping to prevent recurring infections.

I hope this information helps keep your bladder healthy.