UTI or urinary tract infection is a chronic bacterial infection of the urinary tract. It can also affect internal organs like the kidneys and liver if not treated properly. Bacteria enter the body through the urethra and irritate the organs in the urinary tract, making it difficult to pass urine.
While there are antibiotics to treat this infection, the best way to prevent the infection from recurring is to make some lifestyle changes. Avoiding certain food items and increasing the intake of some items might make all the difference when it comes to UTI.
Some foods that you can avoid if you suffer from UTI:
Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine are stimulants. These stimulants could put additional pressure on your filtering organs like the kidneys. During an infection, it is not a good idea to overwork your organs. It could lead to the bacteria quickly spreading to other parts of the body. If you suffer from UTI, especially chronic attacks, you should avoid alcohol and drinks that contain caffeine. Caffeine is known to cause bladder irritation. Try herbal tea till your symptoms completely subside.
Exercises
If you regularly exercise, you should continue to do so even if you have tested positive for UTI. Exercise and inflammation of UTI have no connection. If at all, exercising will circulate your blood more effectively and will help your body to eject toxins and fight bacteria more readily. Remember to drink water through your exercise regimen. Water not only hydrates your body but also helps flush out the bacteria.
Tampons and UTI
While tampons do not cause UTIs, sometimes the use of tampons during infection can cause flare-ups. Occasionally not changing tampons at regular intervals during menstruation has also known to cause flare ups in UTI symptoms. Using tampons can encourage the bacteria to breed much faster. Feminine hygiene products like sprays, tampons, packaged douches and even bubble baths should be avoided during UTI. These items can cause increased irritation of the urinary tract. It is important to keep your genitals clean, wear clean soft cotton underclothes and urinate as often as possible. When you clean yourself, wipe in a front-to-back motion, to prevent bacteria from entering through the vagina.
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Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.