Urinary Tract Health

Urinary Tract Health

Introduction

The urinary system is something we don’t talk about a lot in our daily lives, as it’s often awkward to bring up. Despite this, it’s essential to learn more about our bodies in order to maintain our health, and this system is a vital part of that. A common problem that many people experience is an urinary tract infection (UTI): an infection in any part of the urinary system. Infections are more common in women, due to their urinary system structure. However, infections can also happen to men, older adults and children This blog will center around the biology, diagnosis and treatment around this condition.


The Urinary System

Our bodies extract nutrients from the food we eat and use them to produce energy. Once the food is broken down and everything needed has been retrieved, waste products are left in our blood until they are removed by the urinary system. Because of this, it is critical to our health. A few organs work together to make this possible: 

 

  • 2 kidneys: filter waste from blood, urine forms here
  • 2 ureters: tubes that connect kidneys with bladder, helps urine flow through
  • Bladder: balloon like organ that stores urine 
  • Urethra: tube that connects bladder to genitals to release urine outside of body

 

The urinary system removes wastes from the blood, stores them and releases them when convenient. Without it, wastes would build up in our bodies and cause health problems.


UTIs - Causes and Symptoms 

While urine contains waste products, it usually doesn’t have bacteria. The microorganisms enter from outside the body, and can lead to infections. More than 90% of bladder infections are caused by E coli, a bacterium found in the intestines. The microorganisms causes the lining of the urinary tract to be red and irritated, and can result in common symptoms such as:

 

  • Pain in the side, abdomen or pelvic area
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Painful urination and blood in urine
  • Abnormal urine color or strong/bad smelling urine

 

While this may sound frightening, it’s rather common. If you frequently get UTIs, your healthcare provider may run some tests to check for other health problems like diabetes or abnormal urinary systems that can contribute to these infections.


UTIs - Diagnosis and Treatment

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have an infection. It should be treated quickly because it can complicate and become a bladder or kidney infection if it spreads. There are a few tests in the diagnosis process to determine whether there is an infection or not:

 

  • Urinalysis - examines urine for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria, can indicate infection
  • Urine culture - determines type of bacteria in urine, helps determine appropriate treatment

 

Generally, UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will pick what best treats the bacteria causing the infection. It’s important to follow instructions, as if the infection isn’t completely treated, it can return or become more complicated. 


Infection Prevention

There are a few simple things you can do to prevent UTIs:

 

  • Practice good hygiene: adjust bathroom habits, wipe from front to back after bowel movement
  • Drinking plenty of fluids: removes extra bacteria from urinary tract, drink 6-8 glasses of water daily
  • Changing small habits: urinating frequently can reduce risks, avoid foods that irritate the bladder (alcohol, caffeinated drinks, spicy foods, etc.)
  • Changing clothing: avoid tight fitting clothing can keep you dry and prevent bacteria from growing in urinary tract, switch to cotton underwear
  • Drink cranberry juice: although the science is not conclusive, it’s not harmful and could help prevent UTIs

 


Supplements

Quest® D-Mannose with Cranberry (60 Veggie Capsules) - 338184 (questvitamins.com)

 

  • Quest® D-Mannose 500 mg is a naturally occurring simple sugar that can help to prevent and treat recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). This exclusive formula is recommended for people who experience frequent UTIs as an effective alternative to antibiotic treatment that won’t disrupt normal intestinal microflora. 
  • Recommended use:  Helps to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. 

 

Quest® Cranberry Extract (60 Vegetable Capsules) - 338445 (questvitamins.com)

 

  • Quest® Cranberry Extract is an exceptional natural remedy for the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are caused by bacteria, in particular, Escherichia coli, which stick to cells that line the bladder. Cranberry extract prevents the E. coli from adhering to the bladder lining.  
  • Recommended use:  Helps prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.

 


Sources