Prevent UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

Are you plagued with recurring urinary tract infections that antibiotics never seem to completely cure? Or do you just hate the idea of subjecting your body to yet another round of those antibiotics? Prevention is better than cure. Below are six tips to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs):

Avoid perfumed products
It sounds obvious, but washing regularly to prevent bacterial transfer is important. However, avoid perfumed bath and shower gels and other scented feminine hygiene products.

Drink lots of water, and don't hold it in
The more often you dilute your urine and the more often you expel it, the less chance bacteria have to establish themselves.

Try a herbal remedy
The herb uva-ursi has traditionally been used in UTIs, thanks to its diuretic, soothing and antimicrobial effects.

Eat cranberries
Only relatively recently has conventional medicine studied the time-honored wisdom of drinking cranberry juice to treat or prevent a urinary tract infection, says Dr. Atkins in his book Dr Atkins Vita-nutrient Solution. "Bioflavonoids in the tart-tasting berry interfere with the E. coli bacteria's attempts to cling to the bladder's interior lining.

"I normally recommend taking 6,000-9,000 mg of cranberry extract (four to six capsules), not drinking cranberry juice. The juice usually contains too much sugar, which suppresses the immune system and can encourage a stronger infection. If a patient prefers to use the juice, I insist that it be unsweetened."

Take probiotics
Some experts believe taking these orally, in a drink, yogurt or supplement, help to maintain healthy gut flora and boost immunity, reducing your risk of UTIs, as well as thrush.

Avoid bladder irritants
Caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and nicotine all encourage symptoms.