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Can You Flush Out a UTI With Water?

Disease and Condition: Urinary Tract Infection

Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out of the urinary system.
Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out of the urinary system.

Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out of the urinary system. The best way to get the infection out of the system is by drinking liquids until the urine is clear and the stream is forceful.

  • Drinking at least six tall glasses of water every day helps flush out any harmful bacteria that may be present in the bladder.
  • Apart from drinking water, patients may also try to eat foods, such as watermelon, honeydew melons and oranges, which contain higher levels of water that may help flush bacteria from the urinary system.
  • Although a UTI makes it hurt to pee, drinking lots of water and peeing frequently will eventually make peeing less painful and help speed recovery. Hence, focus on staying well hydrated.
  • If you are dealing with a relatively mild case of UTI, it will probably get cleared within a day or two of water therapy. In addition, a person could also opt for other UTI-relieving drinks, such as sugar-free cranberry extract and other vitamin C-rich juices.
  • Drinking a lot of water will help keep unwanted bacteria moving out of the body. Don’t hold in urine for long periods. A rule of thumb is to urinate every two to three hours or when you feel the urge to pee.
  • However, avoid sugary drinks that may irritate the bladder. Avoid drinking beverages that include alcohol or caffeine. Drinks that contain these ingredients can irritate the bladder and trigger frequent urination.

What foods can be taken to keep the bladder healthy?

An individual with a sensitive bladder may need to know which foods may trigger urinary problems and which foods can keep their bladder healthy. A few common food options for patients with sensitive bladders are

  • Bananas: Bananas are great as snacks and may also be used as toppings for cereals or in smoothies.
  • Potatoes: Any type of potatoes are good for bladder health due to their high content of B vitamins in the peels.
  • Nuts: Almonds, cashews and peanuts are bladder friendly and rich in protein.
  • Eggs: These are rich in protein and are a good food for many bladder conditions.
  • Whole grains: Quinoa, rice and oats are whole grains. They come in many varieties and are generally good for health.
  • Green beans: Green beans are healthy for people with sensitive bladders.
  • Winter squash: These include acorn and butternut squash.
  • Lean proteins: Low-fat beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish, especially when baked, steamed or broiled, are unlikely to bother the bladder.
  • Pears: Pears are a good source of fiber and are bladder friendly.
  • Coconut water: Packed with electrolytes, coconut water is a well-known remedy for many problems affecting the urinary tract. It also has mild diuretic properties, promoting urinary output.
  • Pineapple juice: Acting in a similar manner to coconut water, drinking 100 percent pure pineapple juice can be a great alternative.
  • Carrot juice: When consumed regularly, carrot juice can help control urinary retention. Besides being healthy, it can also help relieve the burning sensation felt while urinating.
  • Probiotic diet: The good bacteria in some foods and supplements are important in maintaining the natural pH and defenses of the vagina and the bladder. Probiotic supplements are known to prevent the overgrowth of E coli, the bacteria that commonly cause UTIs. These probiotics help as well as prevent UTIs. Probiotics can be found in yogurt, curds, kefir, etc.

What are the benefits of increasing water intake every day?

The benefits of drinking an optimal amount of water every day may include

  • Good hydration is necessary for several functions in the body.
  • It helps maintain optimal body temperature and the proper lubrication of the joints.
  • It also helps flush out toxins through the urine and sweat.
  • It helps prevent kidney stones.
  • It helps prevent urinary tract infections.
  • It helps keep mucous membranes (mouth, eyes and nose) moist.
  • It helps prevent constipation.
  • If the climate is hot or for an extremely active person, the body would need more water due to increased sweating.
  • Drinking eight glasses (64 ounces) can help boost weight loss for the average person or someone just looking to drop a few pounds.
  • It keeps the skin plump.

Eat water-rich snacks, such as melon, berries and cucumbers. Milk or herbal tea also add to your daily water intake. However, caffeinated drinks and soda are not recommended because they may increase dehydration. If you are very thirsty, you should not overdo it. Drinking too much water could lead to hyponatremia, also known as water intoxication, where sodium levels in the body become overly diluted and can lead to swelling in the brain, seizures and coma.

SLIDESHOW

Urinary Incontinence in Women: Types, Causes, and Treatments for Bladder Control See Slideshow
References
Medscape Medical Reference

Better Health Victoria State Government


Urology Care Foundation


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