• What is a urine infection?
• Urine infection: causes and risk factors
• Urine infection: symptoms in women
• Urine infection: symptoms in men
• How to prevent urine infections?

Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections and are very common in women (especially from adolescence), although they also occur in men. They usually occur in the bladder and can become very annoying and painful. However, there are ways to avoid them or, at least, to reduce the likelihood of suffering them.

WHAT IS A URINE INFECTION?

A urine infection occurs when an infection occurs somewhere in the urinary system, which includes the kidneys (responsible for filtering blood and making urine), the ureters (tubes that collect urine from the kidneys and lead it to the bladder), the urinary bladder (where urine is stored), and the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside).

The microorganisms that cause urine infection usually enter the urinary tract from outside through the opening of the urethra (the penis in the case of men and the vulva in the case of women), from where they rise to the bladder and can even reach the kidneys.

• In much less frequent cases, microorganisms can reach the kidneys through the blood.

Most of the time the microorganisms responsible for UTIs are bacteria (mainly the bacterium Escherichia coli), but they can also be caused by some viruses, fungi and parasites.

Urinary tract infections are usually classified into two types, depending on where they occur:

• Lower tract infections include infections of the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), and prostatitis (prostate infection).
• Upper tract infections are those that affect the kidneys (pyelonephritis). They are less common, but more serious.

URINE INFECTION: CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Having sex is the main factor that facilitates urine infections, because movement makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. In addition, the use of diaphragm has been linked to a greater likelihood of suffering from them, as well as spermicides, which can alter the vaginal flora and make it more vulnerable.

Women have much shorter urethras than men: while theirs measures about 3 cm, theirs measures 20 cm. The short urethra and its proximity to the vagina and anus makes access for microorganisms easier and that is why bladder infections (cystitis) are much more frequent in women.

Another risk factor in women is menopause. The decrease in estrogen that occurs in this period promotes the imbalance of the vaginal flora and makes it easier for recurrent cystitis to appear.

Other factors or situations that increase the risk of a urinary tract infection include:

• Being pregnant.
• Kidney stones.
• Having diabetes.
• Abnormalities or obstructions in the urinary tract.
• A weakened immune system.
• Having poor intimate hygiene.
• Manipulations of the urinary tract (probes, surgeries).

URINE INFECTION: SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN

As we have mentioned, bladder infections (cystitis) are more common in women. The main symptoms are:

• Needing to urinate frequently (even if the bladder is empty).
• Burning or a painful sensation when urinating.
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine. It may also have a pink or brownish hue (sign that there is blood in the urine).
• Pain in the pelvis (especially in the central part)
• Urinary incontinence (especially in older people).
• In some cases, fever.

Symptoms of infection in the urethra include burning when urinating and discharge. When infection occurs in the kidneys (pyelonephritis), symptoms are:

• Pain on the side of the lower back.
• High fever.
• Tremors, chills, or night sweats.
• Nausea and vomiting.

In some cases, urine infection is detected in a urine culture, but does not cause any symptoms.

URINE INFECTION: SYMPTOMS IN MEN

The urethra of men is much longer than that of women, which makes cystitis less frequent. In them, it is more common for infections to be related to abnormalities of the urinary tract and require further study by doctors.

Prostatitis is a type of urine infection that causes inflammation of the prostate, causes symptoms similar to cystitis (pain, burning, frequent urination, cloudy urine …) and also:

• Pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back.
• Pain in the perineum (the part between the scrotum and rectum).
• Pain or discomfort in the penis or testicles.
• Pain when ejaculating.

On the other hand, the symptoms of urethritis or pyelonephritis are the same in men as those described in women.

HOW TO PREVENT URINE INFECTIONS?

Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics, especially in the most serious infections. However, as the best treatment is a good prevention, take note of these tips and natural solutions that will help you keep urine infections away:

• Drinking plenty of water favors the elimination of bacteria.
• Cleaning from front to back (women) prevents microorganisms from the anus from passing into the vagina.
• Avoid non-breathable underwear.
• After sex, urinate as soon as possible.
• Eating blueberries prevents urine infections because they have nonstick properties that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, as indicated by several studies.

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• What is interstitial cystitis and why it occurs
• How to Prevent Recurrent Urinary Infections Naturally
• What to take for recurrent urine infection
• Cystitis: which foods to eat and which to avoid
• Two-day menu to improve cystitis
• Infusion against the symptoms of cystitis

Stinging when urinating, chills, need to go to the bathroom frequently, feeling of not having emptied the bladder, blood in the urine, abdominal pain … Surely, if you have ever suffered from a urine infection, these symptoms are familiar.

Cystitis is an inflammation of the inside of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Initially it is located in the urethra, where bacteria from the intestine are introduced and multiply to continue their way to the bladder, ureters and even reach the kidneys.

The bacterium Escherichia coli is the common cause of 85% of cystitis, although there may be other germs – such as Krebsiella, Proteus mirabilis or the fungus Candida albicans – and certain substances – including some foods, soaps or perfumes – that cause bladder irritation.

However, many people with recurrent infections do not have bacterial activity in urine cultures. Then… Why do symptoms appear without a causative germ? You may have interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition that causes pressure in the bladder, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain.

WHAT IS INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS AND WHY IT OCCURS

In an article on interstitial cystitis, published in the journal Current Opinion in Urology, researchers point to why you can sometimes have symptoms of urine infection without a pathogen causing it. Apparently, after frequent infections, there is an alteration of epithelial permeability, permanent activation of mast cells (cells of the immune system that are responsible for regulating inflammatory and allergic processes) and sensitization of sensory afferent nerves, leading to irritative urination.

Among men, interstitial cystitis is often misdiagnosed as prostatitis or benign hyperplasia. However, interstitial cystitis is common among women who have previously had recurrent infections.

What factors favor recurrent urinary tract infection that can lead to interstitial cystitis? Constipation, some drugs (antibiotics, contraceptives …), sexual intercourse, hormonal changes, diabetes, certain anatomical alterations and individual predisposition are associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infection. Also, insufficient fluid intake. On the other hand, a study, published in 2011 in American Academy of Family Physicians, highlights that women are more prone to uncomplicated acute cystitis because of the anatomical proximity between the anus, vagina and urethral opening. Taking certain steps helps decrease the risk that comes with your anatomy.

But do not forget that for a germ to produce infection it must first colonize the urine of the bladder and then produce an inflammatory response in the bladder mucosa. Therefore, if you are a person prone to cystitis, you can strengthen your mucous membranes with a good diet and natural supplements.

HOW TO PREVENT RECURRENT URINARY INFECTIONS NATURALLY

As Claude Bernard (1813-1878), a French biologist and physician, said, “the microbe is nothing, the terrain is everything.” And in the case of cystitis, it is very common to find previously weakened mucous membranes. Antibiotics only suppress the pathogen, but do not take into account the organic soil where the infection grows and develops. And that is precisely the most important factor for a microorganism to grow and colonize the affected area.

It is essential to strengthen the immune system so that our own defensive cells control the invasion of the aggressor agent. And if we take into account that most urine infections are due to microorganisms from the intestine, taking care of the intestinal microbiota is, without a doubt, the first step to prevent them.

These supplements help our immune system fend off the pathogens that cause infection.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) stimulates phagocytosis of pathogens and the production of anti-inflammatory substances. It should not be taken more than two months in a row, but you can alternate it with other products for the defenses, Dosage: from 125 to 375 mg dairies of the standardized dry extract.

D-MANNOSE

This simple sugar, present in peaches, apricots, broccoli and red berries, blocks the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract and prevents them from attacking the walls of the bladder. It is usually marketed together with cranberry extract. Dosage: 10 g twice a day dissolved in juice or water if there is infection, and 2 to 5 g daily maintenance.

PROANTHOCYANIDINS

They are plant pigments found mainly in fruits and vegetables of red or deep purple color. They have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They protect mucous membranes and facilitate the elimination of bacteria. Dosage: 240 mg daily.

PROBIOTICS

Some strains of lactobacillus such as L. plantarum, L. crispatus and L. rhamnosus have demonstrated their ability to inhibit urinary pathogens such as Escherichia coli, and to prevent recurrence, if used continuously for a certain time. Dosage: One probiotic with 1×10⁹ CFUs (one billion “colony forming units”) a day three months in a row, twice a year.

Also keep in mind that some simple daily habits can help you avoid suffering from this type of infection:

• Drink enough. Drinking little fluid throughout the day causes germs to accumulate in the bladder epithelium. It is essential to drink plenty so that there is a dragging effect of bacteria to the outside.
• Frequent urination. Don’t delay going to the bathroom when you feel the urge to urinate. The accumulation of urine in the bladder favors the appearance of infections.
• Shower instead of bath. It is much more effective in eliminating bacteria that are confined to the skin and can cause cystitis.
• After evacuating. Dry from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anal region from entering the vagina or urethra.
• Intimate hygiene. Wash the skin of the anus and vagina very gently with neutral soaps that respect the pH and avoid the use of genital deodorants, as this type of product can irritate the urethra and bladder.
• Sex. It is one of the factors that most influences the appearance of cystitis. Try to empty your bladder as soon as you can after intercourse.

WHAT TO TAKE FOR RECURRENT URINE INFECTION

If you are suffering from cystitis or you are a prone person to suffer from them, you can strengthen your mucous membranes and improve cystitis with a good diet and natural supplements. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

CYSTITIS: WHICH FOODS TO EAT AND WHICH TO AVOID

If you are prone to suffer from repeated cystitis you have to know that there are foods that promote bladder irritation and that you should avoid or reduce. Others can be of great help.

• Especially avoid alcoholic beverages, carbonated soft drinks, caffeine, spicy drinks, citrus, tomatoes and chocolate.
• Reduce the consumption of acidifying foods such as refined flours, sugar, dairy and red meat.
• Canning, mature cheeses and industrial sauces, including soy sauces, are discouraged.
• You should not miss in your diet abundant vegetables, fruits and vegetables that, in addition to preventing constipation due to their contribution of fiber, tend to alkalize the tissues of the body and provide protective minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

A good preventive measure is to usually drink bilberry or cranberry juice. The components of these berries reduce the ability of bacteria to adhere to the urinary tract. It is important that the juice is natural and not sweetened, as sugar has a harmful effect on the immune system.

TWO-DAY MENU TO IMPROVE CYSTITIS

To improve or prevent cystitis you can follow this diet. Do it for the duration of cystitis, or a couple of days a week if it is to prevent:

• Fasting: Juice of a lemon with a tip of baking soda knife, in half a glass of water; an apple, apricots, strawberries or cranberries; and slice of wholemeal bread with tahini.
• Mid-morning: A glass of purifying broth of onion, leek and celery.
• Food: Cranberry juice; green salad with cucumber, radish, red cabbage and sprouts, seasoned with garlic, ginger, oregano, rosemary or turmeric; and sautéed vegetables (without tomato) with rice, quinoa or buckwheat. Antiseptic and diuretic infusion.
• Mid-afternoon: Another glass of purifying broth.
• Dinner: Steamed vegetables; yogurt with raw pine nuts or almonds; and antiseptic and diuretic infusion.

INFUSION AGAINST THE SYMPTOMS OF CYSTITIS

Taking 2 or 3 cups a day of the next infusion of plants favors the expulsion of bacteria and relieves the discomfort of cystitis.

• Boil 250 ml of water and, when it comes to a boil, add 2 tablespoons of a mixture of birch leaves, bearberry and horsetail; Also add a handful of corn beards, and bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Cover, let it sit for about 15 minutes and strain it.
• The effectiveness of this infusion is due to its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties: birch leaves decrease the adhesion of the pathogen in tissues; bearberry is antiseptic; Horsetail increases diuresis, and corn beards help relax the bladder lining and soothe burning.
• Add 30 drops of propolis tincture to each cup: it is bactericidal and helps overcome the infection sooner.

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