1. Drink at Least 8 Glasses of Water Daily
Water is essential for general health--it carries nutrients to body tissues, is the medium through which metabolic reactions occur, and hydrates body tissues, so it is important to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Water also provides a vehicle to remove waste products, and flushes out your urinary tract, helping to eliminate any bacteria that might try to settle in. To help ensure you are drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, carry a water bottle to work and refill it often, and keep a pitcher of water and a glass on the counter at home as a convenient reminder.
2. Drink Cranberry Juice
We've all heard that drinking cranberry juice can help to clear up or prevent a bladder infection and this definitely is not an old wives' tale. Research shows that cranberries contain a natural compound that helps to prevent the common bacteria that cause bladder infections from adhering to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract, so drink a few glasses of cranberry juice at the first signs of bladder infection. Look for pure juices or juice concentrates with water. The extra sugar (and corn syrup is a form of sugar!) in many commercial cranberry juices and juice blends will only feed the bacteria that you are trying to eliminate from your body.
3. Urinate After Sex
A woman's basic anatomy predisposes her to bladder infections, so it is important to urinate shortly after having sex. The close proximity of the urethra to the vagina means that bacteria can be transported from one location to another, and may cause the uncomfortable burning and painful symptoms of a bladder infection later. Urinating shortly after sex can flush these bacteria away from the urethra, helping to protect yourself against potential problems. And always remember to wipe from front to back!
4. Wear Cotton Underwear
Those lacy panties may look sexy, but nylon and synthetic mystery-fabrics trap warmth and moisture, creating the ideal breeding ground for bacteria (and yeast!), so wear cotton or cotton-lined underwear. Cotton fabrics "breathe," allowing for better air circulation through the material. Fortunately, you can now find cotton underwear that is not only attractive, but also helps to reduce the chances of bacterial growth and infection, so trade those lacy, silky panties for sexy, healthy cotton underwear.
5. Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an immune-supporting herb that is often used during cold and flu season. Its antimicrobial actions also make Goldenseal a useful agent in the treatment of urinary tract infections. When you feel the burning, painful symptoms of a bladder infection, take 250 to 500 mg of Goldenseal 3 times a day. Remember that, like with other botanical remedies, Goldenseal should not be used long term and should not be used by infants or children or by anyone who is taking any prescription medications or being monitored for any chronic health conditions unless directed by their doctor.
