At a Higher Risk

When Mama complained of a frequent urge to urinate and a painful feeling during urination, we told her those were symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). She said she felt very sore along with the stabbing pain on her lower back.

A family doctor said that because women have shorter urinary tract, we are more vulnerable to bacteria that may attack the urinary tract and cause UTI. Although UTIs are not serious, they cause uneasiness and pain. Fortunately, they can be simply treated with antibiotics.

Drinking plenty of liquids is the easiest way to prevent UTI. Water flushes out urine out of the bladder and toxins out of the body. Coconut water, a natural diuretic, helps increase the flow and frequency of urine.

Another effective way to prevent UTI is by drinking pure cranberry juice. Studies have shown that cranberry juice works by preventing bacteria from clinging to the walls of the urinary tract where they can reproduce and cause infection. Cranberries contain specific compounds called condensed tannins which prevent P-Fimbriated E.Coli, the UTI-causing culprit, from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract.

Although cranberry fruits are not prevalent in the Philippines, a number of health stores sell cranberry juice. I found one at Healthy Options.
 

Langers is a family-owned American juice company which produces and markets juices. Among the popular ones are apple, cranberry, grape, citrus, pomegranate and tropical blends. Its catchphrase- ‘No Trans Fat. No Preservatives. No Artificial Sweeteners. 100% All Natural Fruit Juice. No High Fructose Corn Syrup. No Artificial Colors or Flavors.’ makes it a major force in the competitive juice industry.

I bought the pure cranberry at P189 although I also eyed on the apple cranberry combination. I had to make sure Mama would like it considering that pure cranberry juice may taste tart and sour. Luckily, Mama willingly drank a glass after eating that night. She finished the bottle after three days. I told her I will buy her the other juices when I pass by the mall.

UTIs can be recurrent even after treatment. Three do-it-yourself tips for prevention- (1) Drink plenty of fluids. (2) Empty the bladder as soon as the need arises. (3) Maintain proper feminine hygiene.