Bladder Health
When you think of your overall health, do you think of your bladder health?
Here are some tips to keep your bladder happy and healthy.
Drink More Water
Studies have shown that those who drank 1.5 liters (approximately six cups of
water) or more daily experienced fewer
urinary tract infections (UTI) compared to those who don’t. This is because drinking the
recommended six to eight glasses of water each day can help to flush out
bacteria that cause these types of infections.
Eat Healthy
Diet and nutrition play a role in maintaining your bladder health. If you
have a sensitive bladder, it is important to know which foods irritate
or soothe your bladder.
The following
foods are bladder-friendly:
- Pears
- Bananas
- Whole grains
- Potatoes
- Garlic
- Berries
It is recommended that you
avoid the following foods:
- Coffee
- Carbonated drinks
- Milk
- Vinegar
- Chocolate
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Citrus fruits
- Tomato-based foods
Quit Smoking
Each year,
more than 60,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer, and studies have shown
20-30% of bladder cases found in women were caused by smoking. If you use smoking
tobacco or other types of tobacco use, quitting can help to decrease your
risk of developing bladder cancer as well as your risk of other health
conditions.
Talk to Your Doctor When You Suspect a UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are infections of the urinary tract, including
the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. If left untreated, the infection may
spread to the kidneys, the bloodstream, and in some cases, can become fatal.
Common symptoms that may point to the presence of urinary tract infections include:
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Urinating more often than usual
- Feeling as if you need to urinate when you don’t
- Cloudy, smelly, or bloody urine
When to See a Doctor
Although urinary tract infections are common, you should always talk to
a medical professional about symptoms and how long you’ve had them.
Usually, your doctor will be able to diagnose you based on the description
of your symptoms. However, urinalysis can be done to determine the type
of infection you have.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following
symptoms:
- Fever
- Back pain where your kidneys are located
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
Walk-in-Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming
If symptoms persist or last longer than a few days, the
Walk-in Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming, is here to help. When it comes to urgent care, each
patient can expect us to help them get back to life with quality care
and personalized service.
Save your spot in line or walk-in today! Learn more at
www.cchwyo.org/wic.