Urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, affect millions of men and women annually and cause debilitating side effects such as painful or frequent urination, cramping, nausea, and fatigue. While both men and women can contract a urinary tract infection, the latter gender is more susceptible to this type of infection due to the female urethra’s length.
According to recent studies, over 150 million people suffer from a UTI every year, meaning ready access to treatment is extremely vital, whether it be home remedies or specialist treatment from this private urologist.
There are many causes of UTIs, with E. coli ranking as the most common UTI-causing bacteria.
UTIs manifest in various urinary systems, such as the urethra, bladder, kidneys, and ureters. According to Uqora, there is a misconception that little can be done about a UTI. While many recurring UTI-sufferers throw their hands up and surrender to this infection’s painful side effects, the founder of Uqora refused to accept a life defined by UTI pain and released a collection of natural supplements to treat and prevent urinary tract infections.
For those individuals exhausted by routine trips to the doctor’s office and monotonous rounds of antibiotics, it may be time to incorporate a urinary tract health supplement into their morning routine. Unsure of where to start? Here are five urinary tract health supplements and their specific benefits.
D-mannose
Occurring naturally in different foods such as cranberries and apples, D-mannose is one of the most-used supplements to treat and prevent UTIs. When used for UTI treatment purposes, the supplement can either be administered in a tablet or powder form.
According to experts, D-mannose works by inhibiting various bacteria from attaching themselves onto the urinary tract walls, making it easier to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract system through an increased fluid intake and frequent urination.
Uva ursi
This supplement has been borrowed by modern medicine from traditional medicine. It comes from the leaves of a shrub found in Europe, North America, and Asia. One of its main components is Arbutin, a compound that helps prevent the recurrence of UTI infections.
Despite its benefits, Uva Ursi’s continued use for more than two weeks can lead to liver and kidney damage or other complications. To prevent adverse side effects, only take under the supervision of your primary healthcare provider.
Garlic
As medicine revolutionized, garlic and its medicinal properties transcend innovations in medicine. The vegetable treats various infections, such as bacterial, viral, and fungal. Allicin is a compound of sulfur found in garlic, which gives the herb its medicinal characteristics.
Allicin has been proven in various test tube studies to have antibacterial abilities that work to combat UTI-causing bacteria such as E. Coli.
Green tea
Extracted from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, green tea has been a common component in many pharmacological inventions. The compound Epigallocatechin, found in green tea, contains antibacterial properties that fight E. coli and other UTI-causing bacteria.
Regular green tea consumption is known to prevent infections, such as UTIs. You can either purchase a daily supplement that contains green tea extract or sip steeped green tea during breakfast or on-the-go.
Cranberry
Cranberry juice and extracts are among the most common natural remedies for treating UTIs. The presence of a wide array of medicinal compounds such as D-mannose, hippuric acid, and anthocyanins in cranberry extract ensures that bacteria cannot survive in the urinary tract system. Cranberry commonly has few effects on its users, though it can cause stomach upsets for many of its routine users. To minimize stomach upset, consume these supplements on a full stomach.
Most people who experience recurrent urinary tract infections opt for natural remedies such as those mentioned above to avoid pharmaceutical antibiotic dependency. While good in practice, in cases where the infection is severe, it may be necessary to consult with a physician to prevent the contraction of a life-threatening kidney infection.
Since prevention is always the better option, you should consider other easy lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet to prevent UTIs. As an additional precaution, avoid wearing damp clothing for extended periods and always use the restroom after engaging in sexual intercourse.
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