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Ways to combat urinary tract infection
Clinical Nutrition • • 1 minute to read • By Dr Poonam Vichare, INFS Faculty
What is UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system — the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
Specific signs and symptoms develop depending on the part of the urinary tract involved.
| Part of urinary tract affected | Signs and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis) | Upper back and side (flank) painHigh feverShaking and chillsNauseaVomiting |
| Bladder (cystitis) | Pelvic pressureLower abdomen discomfortFrequent, painful urinationBlood in urine |
| Urethra (urethritis) | Burning with urinationDischarge |
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Several factors may contribute to development of an UTI, few of which include the following:
- Infection of the bladder (cystitis)- This is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Sexual intercourse may lead to cystitis, but one doesnot have to be sexually active to develop it.
- Women are at risk of cystitis because of their anatomy — specifically, the short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder.
- Infection of the urethra (urethritis). This can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra.
- Also, because the female urethra is closer to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause urethritis.
Commonly occurring bacteria in UTI include Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus fecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae
Urinary tract infections are common in women due to following reasons:
- Female anatomy: A woman has a shorter urethra than a man which makes the bacteria travel faster to reach the bladder.
- Sexual activity: Sexually active women tend to have more UTIs than do women who aren't sexually active.
- Certain types of birth control: Women who use diaphragms or spermicidal agents may be at higher risk.
- Menopause: **** A decline in circulating oestrogen causes changes in the urinary tract that makes it more vulnerable to infection.
One can prevent UTI by adopting the following measures
- Drink plenty of liquids, especially water: It helps dilute urine and allows bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can set in.
- Wipe from front to back: Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
- Empty your bladder soon after intercourse: Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
- Avoid potentially irritating feminine products: Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
- Change your birth control method: Diaphragms, or unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.
- Genital hygiene : Keep your genital area dry by wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
UTI & Whey supplementation
There is no evidence that too much protein can damage the kidneys in healthy people. However, people with an existing kidney condition should check with their doctor about whether whey protein is right for them.
| Foods to avoid | Foods good for UTI |
|---|---|
| Caffeinated coffee.Caffeinated sodas.Alcohol.Spicy foods.Acidic fruits.Artificial sweeteners. | CranberriesBlueberriesOrangesUnsweetened probiotic yogurtTomatoes,BroccoliSpinach |
References:
- Gupta, K., Grigoryan, L. and Trautner, B. (2017) ‘In the clinic® urinary tract infection’, Annals of Internal Medicine, 167(7), pp. ITC49–ITC64. doi: 10.7326/AITC201710030.
- Lee, J. B. L. and Neild, G. H. (2007) ‘Urinary tract infection’, Medicine, 35(8), pp. 423–428. doi: 10.1016/J.MPMED.2007.05.009.
- Ronald, A. (2002) ‘The etiology of urinary tract infection: traditional and emerging pathogens’, The American Journal of Medicine, 113(1), pp. 14–19. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9343(02)01055-0.
- Sheerin, N. S. (2011) ‘Urinary tract infection’, Medicine, 39(7), pp. 384–389. doi: 10.1016/J.MPMED.2011.04.003.