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Understanding a common infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection from microbes. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope.

Understanding a common infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection from microbes. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and in rare cases, by viruses. UTIs are among the most common infections in humans. If you’re a woman, your chance of getting a urinary tract infection, or UTI, is high as it is one of the most frequent clinical bacterial infections in women, accounting for nearly 25 per cent of all infections. Around 50 per cent to 60 per cent of women will develop UTIs in their lifetime.

Here’s everything you should know about this common infection.

Causes of UTI: Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra and begins to multiply in the bladder. The main causes are sex, constipation, uncontrolled diabetes, dehydration, feminine products and kidney stones.

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Signs and symptoms: Painful and frequent urination, foul smelling urine, sense of incomplete bladder emptying, discoloured urine and whole body fatigue are some of the important symptoms of UTI.

Prevention: Drink enough water and urinate frequently. Drink enough water to make sure that the urine in the bladder does not become concentrated. Also, it will not allow the bacteria to multiply and cause infection.

Eat probiotics and change sweaty clothes quickly. Probiotics are good bacteria that keep harmful bacteria that can cause UTIs in check. To stay away from UTI, consume yogurt, buttermilk, kaanji, pickles, and kefir and change workout, sweaty clothes quickly.

Important foods 

It’s important to have a balanced diet to avoid UTI. It should be rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and red meat, sweets, and processed food must be avoided. It’s advisable to intake more of vitamin A as it helps in proper functioning of the mucosal immune system.

UTI is also very common in people with chronic constipation. Therefore, a high fiber diet is recommended as it will help relieve constipation. Include fruits (raspberries, apples, pears), grains (barley, bran, oatmeal) and foods rich in water like watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, strawberries, spinach, etc.

Also, berries are anti-inflammatory and have antibacterial and antifungal properties. One can have it raw or in the form of yummy smoothies.

Important dietary changes

To keep UTI away from your body, the following dietary changes are recommended.

Include vitamin C rich food like tomatoes, berries, kiwi, and oranges.

Consume garlic as it contains compound that kills bacteria.

Avoid spicy and sugary food.

Include probiotics in your meal.

Skip coffee, soda, and alcohol for some time.

Stick to water to avoid irritating the bladder.

If you suspect you have a urinary tract infection, head to the doctor immediately. You’ll be asked to give a urine sample, which will be tested for the presence of UTI-causing bacteria. Also, there’s one important tip/advice I would want to give to every woman. Be very careful using public toilets and keep proper hygiene with the sanitary pads.

 

(The writer is founder and chief dietician, Nmami Life)

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