Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a fairly common type of infection with more than three million cases reported annually.

Caused by bacteria entering part of the urinary tract that impacts the bladder, urethra or kidneys, it is most often found in women. Symptoms usually include a dull ache or a feeling of “heaviness” in the lower abdomen and a need to rush to urinate. 

Some of these preventative steps involve changes to your diet, while others entail minor lifestyle changes.

What to Eat/Drink to Prevent a UTI

The best thing you can do to prevent a UTI is drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated causes you to use the bathroom more frequently, flushing out any potentially harmful bacteria on a regular basis. 

Other things you can eat and drink to help prevent a UTI include:

• Foods such as yogurt that contain probiotics
• Fermented food products that contain probiotics, including Kefir grains, miso soup, sauerkraut, Kimchi, pickles and apple cider vinegar
• Cranberry juice
• Parsley tea

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent a UTI

The materials that you wear, as well as hygiene products that you use can all impact your chances of getting a UTI. Follow these lifestyle tips:

From the Closet

• Wear loose-fitting clothing and choose cotton, breathable underwear when you can 

In the Bathroom 

• Use unscented or non-perfumed bath products
• Choose pads, not tampons when you’re menstruating
• Practice common-sense hygiene, such as bathing regularly and wiping from front to back (for girls and women)
• Don’t hold it in - use the bathroom more frequently to rid your body of bacteria

In the Bedroom 

Good sexual hygiene is important to help prevent UTIs. 

• Always urinate before and after sex to flush any bacteria that has entered your urinary tract

Consider drinking an extra glass of water after sex to help you use the bathroom and get rid of any bacteria. 

Treating UTIs

Most UTI cases can be treated by your primary care physician with antibiotics, but there are at-home treatments that may help, including: 

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Taking a probiotic
• Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice
• Increasing Vitamin C intake
• Supplements such as D-Mannose, cranberry extract and garlic extract

Some uncomplicated UTIs clear on their own, but most will need to be treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin. 

If your symptoms last more than two or three days, consult your doctor. The bacteria can spread to your kidneys and cause more severe problems. Only 10% have a surgically correctable cause to their problem with recurring UTI’s, so, people with more than two cases per year should be evaluated for these less common but curable issues.

Next Steps and Resources:

• Meet our source: Scott Wheeler, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Wheeler or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.