A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system – the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder and the urethra.
Typically caused by bad bacteria (e.coli is said to cause 90% of UTI’s) entering the urinary tract and multiplying in the bladder, UTIs can affect anyone, including children. Women however are generally at greater risk of developing a UTI than men.
Symptoms of a UTI include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-coloured — a sign of blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain, in women, especially in the centre of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone. (1)
Whilst many doctors will prefer to treat a UTI with antibiotics, the best motto is always prevention. Of course, if symptoms are worrying you, don’t hesitate to see your doctor.
Here are some steps to reduce your risk of UTIs:
- Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently which will allow bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
- Drink cranberry juice. Studies show that cranberry supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of occurring UTIs in susceptible individuals. It is also considered to be a supportive therapy for preventing UTIs (2).
- Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and/or a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
- Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
- Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
- Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, or un-lubricated or spermicide-treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.
At Wonder Foods, we care about your urinary tract health, so we have developed Cranberry Plus, and it’s ON SALE in July!
Cranberry Plus contains cranberry extract and D-mannose in a base of aloe vera, providing a synergistic formula for supporting urinary tract health (and jam-packed with antioxidants!).
D-Mannose is a simple sugar occurring naturally in the human body but is also found in cranberries, apples, oranges, broccoli and green beans. It works synergistically with cranberry for faster action. It may be used preventatively and as an acute treatment for UTIs (urinary tract infections). D-Mannose is thought to prevent certain bacteria from adhering to the membrane wall of the urinary tract. The bacteria are then unable to grow and potentially cause infection.
Aloe Vera has traditionally been used to soothe the mucous membranes and increase the bioavailability of the other nutrients in the formula. Cranberry Plus also contains Couch Grass to provide a gentle soothing effect on the delicate mucous membrane and modified Silica for its alkalising properties.
In short, our superfood combination in Cranberry Plus rejuvenates the body and provides vital nutrients, particularly to the urinary tract!
The cranberry in Cranberry Plus is equivalent to 60,000mg fresh fruit per serve.
Serving suggestions:
- Prevention: 20ml daily in glass of water or cranberry juice ~ 1-2 daily
- Acute treatment: 30ml x 2-3 daily for 3 days.
- Ensure plenty of liquid intake throughout the day.
Sizes available: 200ml & 500ml
References:
(1) Mayo Clinic, Arizona, Florida & Minnesota, USA. www.mayoclinic.org
(2) Consumption of cranberry as adjuvant therapy for urinary tract infections in susceptible populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Jia-yue Xia, Chao Yang, Deng-feng Xu, Hui Xia, Li-gang Yang, Gui-ju Sun. PLOS One, Sept 2, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256992
