A urinary tract infection is a health issue that you should not take lightly. If left untreated, it is likely to spread and affect the kidneys, possibly leading to kidney damage. It is advisable to see a doctor in person or seek online treatment for UTI. There are many treatment options, but they may not all be effective, and you may want to avoid a few things to prevent further health complications. It is essential to know about these before you begin any treatment course. It will also help to understand what triggers urinary tract infections.

What is a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract that the E Coli bacteria cause. This bacteria attaches itself to the walls of the bladder and the urinary tract, proliferates rapidly to replace the good bacteria in your body, and that can cause the infection. Women tend to contract UTIs more than men because women have shorter urethras, and the bacteria do not have to travel far to reach the bladder.

The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection are the need to urinate more frequently than usual and experiencing a painful or burning sensation while urinating. Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine, abdominal pain, fatigue, and fever are also symptoms of UTI.

What is the treatment for urinary tract infection?

Since some types of urinary tract infections can spread rapidly to other parts of your body, it is crucial to seek the proper treatment as soon as the initial symptoms appear. Here are some of the available treatment options:

Taking antibiotics

When you research online treatment for UTI, you will see that many doctors recommend antibiotics. These can be effective in getting rid of the E Coli bacteria. However, they may also end up destroying the good bacteria that your body needs to combat infections. That could make your body vulnerable to further infection. That is why many people often suffer from repeat complaints of urinary tract infections after being put on an antibiotics course. Some E Coli bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics, rendering them ineffective as a treatment option.

Improving your diet

A popular and effective online treatment for UTI is amending your diet to include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other natural foods. Cranberries are especially recommended for UTI sufferers since they are rich in antioxidants and A-type proanthocyanin (PAC) compounds. The PACs can effectively deter the E Coli bacteria since they prevent them from attaching to the bladder and urinary tract walls.

Parsley is also a good choice since it contains antiseptic apiol oil. Another very effective food against the E Coli bacteria is garlic. Increasing your garlic intake can help clear a UTI, even an antibiotic-resistant UTI.

You will also benefit from consuming probiotic foods like curd, yogurt, cheese, kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut. Foods high in Vitamin C such as lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits, potatoes, peppers, kiwi fruit, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupes, and tomatoes are excellent in warding off urinary tract infections. Additionally, drinking a lot of water throughout the day will help.

An improved diet with a lot of water can help to flush out toxins, clear up the urinary tract symptoms, and strengthen your immune system to ward off further infections.

Practice good hygiene

Poor hygienic habits are also often responsible for the occurrence of urinary tract infections. It is essential to clean yourself properly every time after using the toilet. Wiping front to back may prevent the E Coli bacteria from entering the vagina, the urethra, and the anus. Empty your bladder whenever you need to go, and do not rush. Clean your genitals before sex and empty your bladder afterward to flush away any bacteria that may have entered your urethra. Wear comfortable underpants with a cotton crotch.

What to avoid during UTI treatment?

Avoid tea, coffee, and processed foods as much as possible until the UTI clears. Take showers instead of soaking in hot baths. Avoid using personal hygiene sprays, douches, and scented bath products. It is advisable to give up using diaphragms, lubricated condoms, or spermicidal jelly. These things can cause irritations in your private parts, encourage bacterial growth, and aggravate urinary tract infections.