Commonly known as UTI, urinary tract infections are an infection in any part of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. A bladder infection is also known as cystitis. Cystitis may occur as a reaction to certain drugs, radiation therapy, potential irritants such as feminine hygiene spray, spermicidal jellies, or long-term use of a catheter. Cystitis may also occur as a complication of another illness.

UTIs are among the most common infections in humans. Most urinary tract infections occur from the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), usually found in the digestive system. However, E. coli can sometimes get out of your anus and into your urethra.  D-mannose acts as an anti-adhesion limiting E. coli and other harmful bacteria from sticking, then growing inside the bladder.* ProFlow Übee Nutrition’s proprietary blend of D-mannose, cranberry fruit powder, turmeric, curcumin, and ascorbic acid creates a unique formula that promotes normal urinary tract function.  This balanced mix of beneficial compounds for healing your bladder puts our formula over the top with successful, long-lasting results.* Learn more in previous Übee Buzz Blog.

Chronic UTIs frequently occur in persons with a weakened immune system. Conditions like Diabetes, hormonal changes, Multiple Sclerosis, and a stroke. Other conditions that increase your risk involve anything that reduces the ability to empty your bladder, urinary tract irritations that affect urine flow.  Carbonated drinks and beverages that contain artificial sweeteners may irritate sensitive bladders.

Also, Urinary tract obstructions or blockages such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones, certain forms of cancer, and spinal cord injury can cause a UTI. 

Prolonged use of urinary catheters may make it easier for bacteria to get into your bladder. Pregnant women may experience changes in their bodies that affect the urinary tract. Older women are more likely to get UTIs after menopause. Decreasing estrogen levels changes the normal bacteria in the vagina. For men, the prostate is also at risk of infection.

Untreated UTIs become more and more severe the further they spread. UTIs can affect the kidneys and can be life-threatening if bacteria move from the infected kidney into the bloodstream. You should see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing upper back or side pain. Fever, shaking or chills. Treatment often requires intravenous antibiotics.

Frequent antibiotics for unresolved UTIs allow bacteria to invade your body’s cells and multiply, creating a colony of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance results when antibiotics have been prescribed unnecessarily, inappropriately, or taken too often to be effective. Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria. They also can kill the good bacteria that protect people from fungal infections  (yeast, thrush, candida). Adverse effects of antibiotics can contribute to diarrhea and C-difficile induced colitis. C-diff is challenging to treat because the bacterium is resistant to most antibiotics available.

 

Tips To help you avoid getting a UTI:

  • As soon as you feel the need to urinate, empty your bladder, often. Wipe from front to back afterward.
  • Dehydration is one of the significant culprits that can increase the risk of bladder infections. Drinking more water may help your body clear the infection faster. Water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently, allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.  Best to consume six to eight glasses of water daily.
  • Choose showers over baths. Feminine hygiene sprays, scented douches, and scented bath products increase irritation.
  • Keep your genital area dry. 
  • Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes. For example, don’t wear tight-fitting jeans and nylon underwear; they trap moisture, creating an environment for bacteria to grow.
  •  It is good practice to cleanse your genital area before sexual intercourse and dry well. In addition, men and women prone to UTI should urinate after intercourse to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
  • Pressure on the female urinary tract during sexual intercourse can move bacteria from around the anus into the bladder. Therefore, it is good to use a water-based lubricant during intercourse.
  • Choose Übee Nutrition bladder health supplements for defense and relief: ProFlow, D-mannose, Cranberry fruit powder, Vitamin C

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Warning:  Pregnant or lactating women, diabetics, hypoglycemics, and people with known medical conditions or taking drugs should consult with a licensed physician or pharmacist before taking dietary supplements.