Most of the time, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is just inflammation of the bladder, normally referred to as cystitis. Symptoms include the frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy, strong-smelling urine and a persistent heaviness in the lower abdomen.
Nine times out of ten, it’s the result of infection by Escherichia coli, bacteria which are normally confined to the gut. Cystitis mainly affects women for reasons of anatomy: the female urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) is shorter than it is in men, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the urinary tract. It’s worth noting that pregnancy, using a diaphragm for contraception, and tampons for sanitary protection, can all promote cystitis (1-2).
A UTI is a broad term for inflammation that affects various elements of the urinary tract. Urethritis, common in men, refers specifically to inflammation of the urethra. Pyelonephritis, a more serious problem, affects the renal pelvis and kidneys, and is one of the fortunately rare complications of cystitis. A high temperature, lower back pain and vomiting are all symptoms that require urgent medical investigation.
While medical advice should be sought in all cases, there are natural measures that can contain or prevent these incapacitating and sometimes recurring infections.
At the first sign of cystitis, get drinking! The aim is to prevent bacteria from stagnating in the bladder. Staying well-hydrated makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the bladder lining and easier for them to be eliminated via the urinary tract (3). Drink at least 1.5 litres of fluid a day in whichever form you prefer – juice, clear soups, teas …
And it goes without saying you should never ignore the urge to spend a penny
What’s the connection between intestinal transit and UTIs? Given that cystitis is often caused by gut bacteria, it’s important that these germs do not linger too long in the anal canal, which is very close to the urinary meatus (external urethral orifice). Avoiding becoming constipated is thus an excellent way of preventing UTIs (4).
For this, you need to increase your intake of dietary fibre by eating more fruit, vegetables, pulses and wholegrains. It’s also important to be more active.
For the same reasons, always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent bacteria travelling from the rectum to the urethra.
How about trying a traditional remedy to obtain some relief? Our grandmothers used to swear by a soothing leek poultice for relieving the pain of lower urinary tract infections.
How do you make one? Cook the leeks in a large pan of salted, boiling water and allow to cool to a lukewarm temperature. Then layer the cooked leeks onto the painful area and leave for at least 15 minutes or until cold. Repeat 3 times day depending on the pain intensity.
Fed up with plain water? Introduce some variety with diuretic infusions! As well as adding subtle flavour to your drinks, they can also relieve troublesome micturition.
High on the list are teas made from artichoke, heather, cherry stem or green tea leaves (5-6). Combine with a soothing honey and thyme hot toddy for its restorative qualities.
Known rather lyrically as ‘mountain tears’, shilajit (or Asphaltum) is an organic exudate and mineral emanating from India’s high mountain rocks. Used for centuries in many traditional systems of medicine, it helps maintain good urinary function (7). So taking a good quality shilajit supplement makes perfect sense (try Super Shilajit, a purified shilajit formulation standardised to 60% fulvic acids).
Cranberries have been traditionally used by Native Americans, and by doctors since the 19th century, to support urinary health (8-9). These small, tart berries thus feature as the sole ingredient in certain supplements (like Cran Max, a cranberry extract standardised to 7.2% proanthocyanidins) or in synergistic formulations (such as U Tract Forte, an innovative supplement combining cranberry, D-mannose, bromelain, dandelion and hibiscus).
Combatting pathogens means boosting your immune defences. Some supplements thus combine zinc, which supports normal immune system function, with various plant extracts (such as Complete Uricare, containing, amongst others, extracts of angelica and pumpkin seed) (10).
Though predominantly a female problem, urinary issues can also affect men, most commonly as a result of prostate problems which impede the process of micturition. In such cases, it is a good idea to try:
These three plant extracts are cleverly combined for optimal effect in certain innovative supplements (such as ProstaNatural Formula, a cutting-edge formulation that also contains zinc and beta-sitosterols).
Referencias
Debe estar conectado a su cuenta para poder dejar un comentario
Este artículo no ha sido comentado todavía, sea el primero en dar su opinión
9 Horas
Recomiendo Lactobacilus Gasseri porque desde que lo uso ha regularizado mis deposiciones en tiempo y forma. Yo no tenía regularidad en esa imprescindible función cotidiana, normalmente padecía estreñimiento moderado pero continuo.
CARTIZ
1 Dias
Destacar la calidad y variedad de sus productos aunque con un precio muy elevado. Buen servicio y entrega muy rápida
ALBERT
1 Dias
la rapidez de entrega con ups
Miguel Angel
3 Dias
Súper rápido! Tienen de todo y llegó a España más rápido de lo esperado. Muchas gracias
Malice Tremere
4 Dias
Realmente, los productos de Supersmart hacen efecto sobre el cuerpo. Me encantan.
Bioritmes Centre
4 Dias
El producto es de muy buena calidad y llegó en la misma semana en que hice el pedido,
Silvia
6 Dias
Buena relación calidad precio
AVILES CABALLERO Antonio
7 Dias
Rapidez,calidad y eficacia.
MARTINEZ Juan Carlos
7 Dias
Todo correcto como siempre una empresa seria y responsable
Silvia
7 Dias
Todo perfecto y enviado a tiempo.
Kotai
9 Dias
Todo correcto
SANCHEZ Monica
9 Dias
os doy un 4 y no un cinco, porque vuestra pagina, desde que la cambiasteis no me va muy bien y casi se me hace duro comprar, sin embargo el cambio de logistica para el transporte os ha funcionado perfecto, antes me tardaba hasta 14 dias y este pedido en menos de una semana, considerando que vivo en Menorca, lo considero un exito.
Mariano Navarro Sanchez
9 Dias
Estoy comenzando con el consumo del producto y no puedo valorar la eficacia, pero si en la entrega súper rápida. Espero seguir comprando. Gracias
SALAZAR MORENO Betsy
11 Dias
Muy buenos productos, precio algo elevado. Página web fácil para la compra. Interesantes descripciones. Muchas gracias!!!
BALSALOBRE FERRS Teresa
11 Dias
Asombrado con cómo rápido me llegan mis pedidos. KUDOS
Adzomah Osika