In our last blog, we reviewed what a urinary tract infection (UTI) is. We also shared some tips to prevent a bladder infection. People living with a spinal cord injury are prone to a UTI.
But what happens if you have a bladder infection due to a UTI? Today we are sharing with you some remedies that will help you alleviate a bladder infection.
Tip #1: Drink Plenty of Fluids
Low ingestion of fluids has been linked to urinary tract infections. Regular urination helps flush the bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infections. The more water you drink, the more you will be able to flush the bacteria.
To stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs, it’s best to drink water throughout the day and always when you’re thirsty. Keep in mind, you should avoid drinks that are carbonated or have caffeine. These could irritate your bladder.
Tip #2: Increase Vitamin C Intake
There are studies with proven evidence that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect you against urinary tract infections. Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off the bacteria that cause infections.
A different study found that a high vitamin C intake decreased the risk of a UTI. Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake. Red peppers, oranges, grapefruit, and kiwifruit all contain the full recommended amount of vitamin C in just one serving.
Tip #3: Drink Cranberry Juice
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice, pure cranberry juice, cranberry extract, or cranberry supplements are some of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections.
Cranberries work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing infection.
Cranberry supplements can also help you prevent infection. UTI Cleanse by Advanced Orthomolecular Research (AOR) is a cranberry juice powder that provides plant extracts for preventing a urinary tract infection. The supplemental D-mannose provides an alternate binding site for the bacteria, which can then be flushed out.
Tip #4: Practice Healthy Habits
Regular visits to the doctor can help you stay informed and aware of any potential risks to your health. Your doctor can provide you with tips important for your own unique health needs.
Be sure to urinate as frequently as possible, and try to avoid holding a full bladder. Holding urine for too long can lead to the accumulation of bacteria.
Limit your intake of products that have a high level of caffeine, including coffee and carbonated soda. These items can irritate the bladder.
Let us help you
The Access Store is your trusted provider for medical equipment. We specialize in incontinence products. If you would like to know more about our different solutions, please give us a call at (204) 589-8955 or send us an email at terrylynn@theaccessstore.thedev.ca or customerservice2@theaccessstore.thedev.ca. Our team of specialists will assist you in finding any medical supplies you might need.
