UTI Prevention: Vitamin C Dosage and other Natural Remedies
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections. It’s estimated that over half of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Although men do get UTIs, women get them at a much higher rate. The symptoms are hard to miss, a painful burning sensation when you urinate, a frequent need to urinate and not urinating very much when you do go. Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics, but when a UTI comes back after antibiotics, you have to take a look at a better long-term solution than to keep going back to your doctor.
Proactive Habits to Prevent UTIs
UTIs can often be prevented by making a few lifestyle changes that will help flush bacteria out of the body and keep germs out of the urinary system.
- Drink water to stay hydrated and to urinate frequently. Urine is your body’s natural defense against UTIs because it flushes the bad bacteria out of your urinary tract. Peeing regularly helps you stay bacteria-free.
- Don’t hold your urine in. Go to the bathroom when you feel the need. Completely empty your bladder. Wipe front to back to keep germs from your backside getting to your urinary tract.
- Take a shower instead of a bath. Avoid hot tubs. Sitting in a tub of water can increase your risk of a UTI.
- To avoid a UTI from sex, go to the bathroom soon after you have sex. It’s not intercourse that causes UTIs, but the germs that are introduced during intercourse.
- Use natural fiber underwear, like cotton. Synthetic fabrics trap moisture near your body, increasing the opportunity for bacteria to grow.
- Check your hormone levels. When a woman is pregnant or post-menopausal, hormone levels can make you more susceptible to UTIs.
- Don’t’ douche. Check all the products you use on your genitals. Spermicides, unlubricated condoms and feminine hygiene products contain chemicals which can increase your risk of a UTI.
- Try natural UTI prevention Over-the-counter natural drink mixes and supplements improve urinary health and flush out bacteria to prevent UTIs from occurring.
Does Vitamin C Prevent UTIs?
It’s been suggested that vitamin C has an effect on UTIs to prevent them from happening. The recommended amount of vitamin C for most people is about 75 milligrams a day. Eating one orange is about all you need. For disease prevention, the recommended amount of vitamin C each day is one to two grams.
There aren’t many studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of vitamin C at this level to prevent UTIs. At higher doses, vitamin C may prevent UTIs, but there are a number of adverse effects, such as diarrhea, digestive distress, acid reflux and renal failure. Taking too much vitamin C over a period of time could cause more problems in your body.
Fight UTIs
If you have a UTI, you will want to see your doctor to get treatment. You will need to take antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Once the infection is gone, you should look at preventing UTIs through your body’s natural defenses. Get more information about a natural preventative that wards off UTIs.
Resources:
http://www.icppharm.com/News-Resources/Articles/Can-Vitamin-C-be-used-to-Prevent-Urinary-Tract-Inf.aspx
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/side-effects-of-too-much-vitamin-c#section2
Nice orientation, today people ignore some common practices making this ugly UTI significant as possible and individuals become vulnerable to it. Thank you for always educating us.
Hi Joshua,
UTI can be turn into a very serious health problem if not properly treated. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Have a healthy, happy & blessed day.