How to steer clear of UTI risk
Often UTI or Urinary Tract Infection happens to many women, some of us realise it late enough to make it a scary infection. Women are more prone to UTI’s than men. The biggest risk is that if left untreated it can be life threatening or can lead to infertility. So, it is very important to control it on time. There are some foods that you must add to your diet as they help in controlling UTI:
1. Water
The most important part to control UTI is Water in your Diet. Drink lots of water because more water intake means more urine, due to which bacteria are flushed out helping in preventing the symptoms and avoid recurrence. Drink 1 glass of water in every hour, do not take Liquids like alcohol, citrus juices, and drinks that have caffeine as they irritate the bladder. So keep it modest and have plenty of water.
2. Cranberry
Daily consumption of cranberry products reduce chances of urinary tract infections. This is because cranberries contain polyphenol compounds that exert a strong antioxidant effect on the body. Cranberries also help in protecting the body by not letting E.coli, the most common UTI bacteria, stick to the urinary tract. Unsweetened cranberry juice is good and so are capsules of dried juice that are easily available.
3. Good microbes, bad microbes, and probiotics
There are both good and bad bacteria present in and around us. Good bacteria play a very important role in controlling UTI so, increase intake of good bacteria in the form of probiotics as they act as a barrier to infections. Use natural sources of probiotics like Yogurt or dahi or you can also go for packed probiotic drinks as it is not harmful to your health.
4. Garlic
Garlic acts as an active guard against strong bacteria. Garlic extract is quite effective against multi-drug resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria connected with urinary tract infections (UTI). Garlic is useful for targeting a number of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses and we have been using it as a curative plant for centuries. It is powerful due to the presence of Allicin and other sulphur compounds. Garlic can be consumed in many ways like It can be eaten crushed, added to your food or as a tea by soaking crushed cloves in warm water for 5-10 minutes.
