Many reasons to whisper ‘UTI’, which is the acronym for Urinary Tract Infection. Many men and especially women suffer Urinary Tract Infections when younger and again when they are past middle age. UTIs are an infection that occurs when bacteria enters the urethra and proliferate into the urinary tract. A list of causes can help to avoid these situations and incur fast recover practices to divert from the UTI turning into something more invasive like “Cystitis” or worse a kidney infection called “Pyelonephritis” requiring antibiotics.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

UTI is an infection of the urinary. Majority of cases, UTIs are either bacteria or viral infection that causes Urethritis, or painful symptoms in the urinary tract, more specific the urethra tube that carries the urine or pee from the bladder out of the body. Urine in a normal breakdown is about 95% water and 5% waste products. Nitrogenous wastes excreted in urine include urea, creatinine, ammonia, and uric acid.1 Urine is what the Kidneys have processed that is waste from digestive breakdown and flushed out of cells in the body from food and beverages consumption, secreted out via the bladder, a temporary holding point till full and then relieved with a moment of relaxed peeing. With so much pressure to “do do do, and go go go”, sometimes the peeing isn’t relaxed, and is held in the bladder causing the waste fluid to toxify the tissues creating inflammation and infection, the UTI symptoms we dread.

Sex, Sports, and Seriously ‘Fashion’!

In a youthful time of life, alcohol drinking, casual sex, and wild endurance to do many things are lifestyle practices that can cause UTI symptoms. Marathons, bike races, days of skiing, not to exclude people who work long shifts on their feet. I was told that a major chain keeps its employees on the loading floor for exact minutes before they can take a break, and then have to walk a great distance to use a toilet. This is an example of putting pressure on the urinary tract and bladder. Just so many modern life body functions are under assault and pressure.

Both bacteria and viruses may cause urethritis. Some of the bacteria that cause this condition include E. coli, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea, so there is the sexual causation of UTIs. Viral causes are herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus. Oh Snap, that is very scary.

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries pee from the bladder out of the body. It’s usually caused by an infection. The term non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is used when the condition is not caused by the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. UTIs from the Fun lifestyle of super sports and long term activities without bathroom breaks.

Underwear made of synthetic fabrics like lycra, nylon, or spandex just don’t breathe. Oxygen is a natural enemy of bacteria, but synthetics trap heat and moisture helping bacteria thrive and creating the perfect environment for infections, the dreaded UTI.

Best Practices for Sex, Sports, and Fashion Alternatives

Change underwear daily: Many women are prone to infections, they should change their undergarments two times a day to reduce UTIs. Both men and women should wear 100% natural under garments, meaning panties and briefs. A women’s vulva can be chaffed by wearing tight underwear, synthetic fabrics, and that sexy thong that rides up the line divider of the derrière. Bacteria and moisture is trapped in these fashion choices building up the infection that is a UTI. Sports fabrics can chafe or irritate your delicate regions, so it is very important to have breathable fabrics to get air flow through these body areas. Runners will use a petroleum jelly product between the upper inner thighs to prevent chaffing, just one of many protective practices in sports to prevent bacteria infection.

Functions to prevent UTIs for both men and women; don’t hold urine, but urinate as soon as you feel the natural body pressure of the bladder. Holding urine for long periods of time multiplies the bacteria. It’s important that women wipe ‘front to back’ to keep the vulva area clean. Men need to shake all the urine away after using the urinal. Even if you’re not having Coitus, sensual activity in the vulva or penis region can cause infection. Washing your body parts and especially your hands when engaging in these sensual activities will prevent the triggers of UTIs.

Help for UTIs

AZO®, Test Strips, Urinary Pain Relief, Urinary Pain Relief Maximum Strength Tablets, Urinary Tract Defense, are just many of AZO® over the counter help for Urinary and Bladder health, while Solaray CranActin®, Cranberry AF Extract, is often recommended by Urologists. These are only two that can be taken by men or women, any age, to assist with the itching, pain, and difficult urination, bladder pain and spasms that are the symptoms of a UTI. Vibrant Health, U.T. Vibrance Crisis Intervention, is a product form of D-Mannose. Mannose is an aldohexose series of carbohydrate also know as a Sugar monomer. Why its use can be an alternative to antibiotics is that it can metabolizes proteins that feed bacteria. Its benefit is that it won’t kill off the good bacteria in the process of resolving UTIs, keeping the bodies natural defenses to other bacteria and virus functioning. People who have had continuing UTIs, have been on courses of antibiotics, soon learn that products like U.T. Vibrance Crisis Intervention, offer a superior relief to UTI symptoms, and can offer better urinary track prevention with regular use.

UTI Prone

People with Arthritic conditions, Diabetes, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson, Alzheimer, and many other suppressed immunity diagnosis, have the complications of continuing UTIs. It is very helpful for many to use the Cranberry products, or Uva Ursi herb combo’s, or D-mannose as a regular daily supplement preventative and support. This suppressed immune group of people can have serious complications if they get UTIs that may require more clinical intervention.

Natural UTI Support

Water has always been a natural support for the Urinary track. Lemon in water is considered astringent which aids in keeping bacteria from forming in the Urethra. Taken in the morning works best for prevention. Just warm water in the morning is also beneficial. At least a quart of water to impact symptoms. My favorite herb is Dandelion Tea for Urinary track protection, although somewhat bitter, it was roasted and used as an alternative for coffee during WWII, but has many benefits beyond the urinary track. It has a varying taste whether root or stems, or roasted to resemble the taste of coffee, and can be a delightful beverage hot or cold, with cream or lemon, to give healthy support. Keep sugary sweets and alcohol to a minimum prevents bacteria buildup in the Urethra. If you have been to an event and need to clear your urinary track, Cranberry Juice is the best course, drinking a quart a day for three days often resolves the risk of a UTI from ‘Partying Hard’.

If you try natural support or one of many Over the Counter products and don’t get relief within three days, it is very important that you see a health care provider. Your Urinary track is extremely important to the health of mind and body, especially your immune system. You deserve the best life, so take good care of your body. Remember to Love you!