Suffering from urinary tract inflammation? You are not alone. Urinary tract inflammation is a very common condition, especially among women. Half of women will experience urinary tract inflammation at least once in their lifetime. While this condition also exists in men, due to the anatomical differences between men and women, only 10% of men suffer from urinary tract inflammation.
Urinary tract inflammation causes unpleasant sensations during urination, such as pain, stinging, and burning. It can also manifest in urine with a foul odor, blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating. If you have urinary tract inflammation, you may feel the need to urinate more frequently, yet struggle to urinate in large amounts or not be able to urinate at all (which can be quite frustrating!).
What causes Urinary Tract Inflammation?
Urinary tract inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection in the urinary tract (primarily in the bladder area). Risk factors for this condition include pregnancy, frequent sexual intercourse, menopause (after menopause, the lining of the urethra becomes thinner, making it easier for bacteria to enter), an enlarged prostate in men, wiping from back to front instead of front to back, and congenital abnormalities.
In addition to bacterial infections, urinary tract inflammation can also result from non-infectious causes such as trauma, chemical irritation, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications.
Unfortunately, urinary tract inflammation may recur, and if left untreated, it can lead to kidney inflammation and impaired kidney function. The traditional treatment for urinary tract inflammation is antibiotics. Alongside conventional treatments, there are also grandma's remedies for treating urinary tract inflammation. In this article, we will discuss some of the recommended grandma's remedies, and other natural ways to treat urinary tract inflammation:
Cranberry Juice
According to clinical research, cranberries aid in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract inflammation. The reason for this is that they contain compounds such as proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, allowing them to be flushed out before they cause infection. So, drink up some cranberry juice for relief.
Green Vegetables
Our parents always told us to eat all the vegetables on our plate, and we should listen to them: green vegetables help combat urinary tract inflammation. For example, asparagus and parsley cleanse the urinary tract, lettuce reduces inflammation, and celery aids in eliminating moisture and heat, thus addressing the issue.
Excessive Water Consumption
We all know the importance of staying hydrated, and it appears that it also aids in treating urinary tract inflammation. Fluids help flush bacteria from the body, so it's recommended to increase water intake. How much should you drink? At least 10 cups of water a day. If you're not fond of plain water, herbal tea is also a good alternative.
Curcumin
One of the most magical plants we have in nature is turmeric. Beyond adding a lot of flavor to our dishes, it has many medicinal properties. Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, which is anti-inflammatory. It protects the digestive system, liver, cardiovascular system, and nervous system, and it contributes to strengthening the immune system and treating bacteria. So, if you want to fight urinary tract inflammation, it is recommended to consume turmeric.
One way to consume it is through a dietary supplement such as Bio- Protective Curcum.
The unique formula of Bio Protective Curcumin combines the aromatic seeds of Anethum graveolens, which assist in removing the protective layer of bacteria, thereby aiding in preventing their spread in our bodies and enhancing the positive effects of curcumin while boosting its activity. Thanks to this unique formula, the absorption capacity of curcumin is enhanced for maximum efficiency, and the amount of curcumin in this supplement is the highest compared to most competitors on the market.
Consuming Whole Grains
Whole grains with a low glycemic index also help in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract inflammation. For example, bulgur contains a high amount of magnesium, which contributes to the treatment of urinary tract inflammation. Oatmeal is also highly effective as an antiseptic, antifungal, and contributes to balancing acidity levels in the bladder. So, don't hesitate to incorporate whole grains into your lunch.
Consuming Legumes
It's also recommended to include legumes in your diet to combat urinary tract inflammation. Legumes contribute to the mucosal texture of the urinary organs and balance the acidity of the urinary tract. Additionally, due to their high fiber content, legumes influence the bacterial population in the gut, thus reducing the amount of bacteria in the urinary tract. It's recommended to consume legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, but it's preferable to avoid soy, which can contribute to moisture accumulation that may exacerbate inflammation.
Hygiene After Sexual Intercourse
During sexual intercourse, the urethra may be injured, and bacteria can enter through the cuts, leading to urinary tract inflammation. So here's a tip for you ladies - after sexual intercourse, it's recommended to go to the bathroom immediately, urinate, and then thoroughly wash the genital area. This way, you'll flush out the bacteria and prevent inflammation from occurring.
In conclusion
Urinary tract inflammation is an unpleasant condition, but one that can be relatively easily treated and even prevented. It's recommended to try grandma's remedies for urinary tract inflammation to prevent recurring inflammations. Maintain hygiene in the area, and when suspicion of infection arises, seek medical attention immediately.