Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common health issue that affects both men and women. It’s a bacterial infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system like kidneys, bladder, and urethritis.
The most common symptom of UTI is a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, and cloudy urine. As per studies, 50-60% of women will experience UTIs at some point in their lives. While antibiotics are the usual treatment for UTIs, there are significant side effects of overusing them.
One way to prevent UTIs is to drink lots of fluids throughout the day. Certain drinks can also help prevent UTIs. In this article, we will explore them.
1. Water
Water is an essential drink to keep your body hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out harmful bacteria from your urinary tract. It’s essential to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to reduce the risk of UTIs.
Drinking more water helps increase the urine flow and dilutes the urine, thereby making it less concentrated and less likely to allow bacteria growth.
2. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is known to be effective in preventing UTIs. It’s a rich source of vitamin C, and it contains a plant compound called proanthocyanidins, which prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls.
As per studies, drinking cranberry juice regularly reduces the risk of UTIs by 35%. However, it’s essential to choose real cranberry juice over cranberry juice cocktails that contain high sugar content.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is an incredibly healthy drink with powerful antioxidant properties. It contains catechins, which are plant compounds that can prevent the growth of certain bacteria, including UTI-causing bacteria.
Green tea also helps increase urine production and reduce inflammation, which can help prevent UTIs. Drink a cup of green tea twice a day to keep UTIs at bay.
4. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is a type of herbal tea that’s made from the flowers of the Hibiscus plant. It’s a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that protect against bacterial infections.
Studies have found that hibiscus tea can prevent the growth of E.coli bacteria, which is one of the leading causes of UTIs.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for UTIs. It contains acetic acid, which is known for its antimicrobial properties. It helps kill the bacteria that cause UTIs and prevents their growth.
Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it twice a day to prevent UTIs. You can also mix a few drops of honey to enhance the taste.
6. D-Mannose Powder
D-Mannose is a naturally occurring sugar found in many fruits like cranberries and apples. It’s a popular supplement used to prevent UTIs. D-Mannose powder works by binding to the bacteria that cause UTIs and flushing them out of the urinary tract.
It’s safe to use and has no known side effects. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of D-Mannose powder in a glass of water and drink it once a day.
7. Kombucha Tea
Kombucha tea is a fermented tea that’s made by adding a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast to a mixture of tea, sugar, and fruit juice. It’s a rich source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health.
Drinking Kombucha tea can also help prevent UTIs. The probiotics in Kombucha tea help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and urinary tract, reducing the risk of bacterial overgrowth.
8. Lemon Water
Lemon water is a refreshing drink that’s packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. It also has antibacterial properties that can prevent the growth of bacteria that cause UTIs.
Drink a glass of warm lemon water every morning to boost your immunity and prevent UTIs.
9. Ginger Tea
Ginger is a popular spice that’s used in many natural remedies for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Drinking ginger tea can also help prevent UTIs. Ginger tea helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with UTIs.
It also has antibacterial properties that can prevent bacterial overgrowth. Drink a cup of ginger tea twice a day to prevent UTIs.
10. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a delicious tea that’s used to treat many health issues. It’s a rich source of antioxidants and has antibacterial properties that can prevent the growth of bacteria.
Peppermint tea also helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with UTIs. Drink a cup of peppermint tea twice a day to prevent UTIs.
Conclusion
UTIs are a common health issue that can be prevented by making certain changes to your diet. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help prevent UTIs.
Certain drinks like water, cranberry juice, green tea, hibiscus tea, apple cider vinegar, D-Mannose powder, Kombucha tea, lemon water, ginger tea, and peppermint tea can also help prevent UTIs. Incorporate these drinks into your daily routine to keep UTIs at bay.