How to prevent a urinary tract infection by drinking water regularly?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections of the urinary system, which include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Among the most common, you are probably familiar with cystitis . They are painful and mainly caused by bacteria , Escherichia coli (E. coli) in 80% of cases, which colonize the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections affect women more frequently than men, due to their shorter urinary tract. According to studies, more than 50% of women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime. Although often harmless, they can become serious if not treated properly, especially if they progress to the kidneys.

What is a urinary tract infection?

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can vary depending on the part of the urinary system affected. In the case of an acute urinary tract infection, or cystitis , one generally feels a burning sensation and pain when urinating, accompanied by a frequent or even persistent need to urinate. Urine may have a cloudy appearance with an unusual odor. Be careful in the case of an upper urinary tract infection, also called pyelonephritis, symptoms include a high fever, severe pain in the lower back, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of fatigue. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. Most often, it can heal within a few days with appropriate antibiotics.

How do you get a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial overgrowth in the urinary system. Several risk factors can cause them:

Poor personal hygiene can facilitate the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract,

Sexual intercourse which can facilitate the transfer of bacteria from the anal or genital area to the urethra,

Insufficient hydration can lead to a high bacterial concentration in the urine,

A shorter urethra may also facilitate bacterial ascent to the bladder,

Menopause , being an estrogen deficiency, can promote vaginal dryness.

How does water help prevent urinary tract infections?

Water plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy urinary system and preventing the risk of cystitis . Maintaining good hydration is therefore essential to prevent cystitis. Indeed, if you don't drink enough, your urine will be more concentrated, which can provide a more favorable environment for bacteria to settle and multiply. Drinking enough will, on the contrary, help your urinary system.

Dilution of urine

Drinking enough water helps dilute urine , which reduces the concentration of bacteria. Diluted urine is less likely to cause irritation to the urinary tract lining, which could otherwise promote bacterial adhesion and proliferation.

Increased urinary frequency

Regular hydration leads to increased frequency of toileting. This helps flush bacteria from the urinary system before they can attach to the walls of the urethra or bladder.

Maintaining a balanced pH

A good level of hydration helps maintain an optimal urine pH (slightly acidic, around 6) therefore creating a less favorable environment for bacterial proliferation.

How much water should you drink daily?

Generally speaking, the EFSA recommends drinking 2L per day for men and 1.6L per day for women. However, the amount of water needed to maintain good hydration can vary depending on several factors, such as gender and age. Climatic conditions also have an impact; people living in hot and humid climates will need a greater fluid intake to compensate for increased losses through sweat. The same is true for people who practice physical activity, who must increase their fluid intake to compensate for losses caused by sweat. Finally, certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, can increase fluid requirements.

Here are our tips for preventing cystitis

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial to prevent cystitis . In fact, it is recommended to wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid transferring bacteria to the urinary tract.

Additionally, it is advisable to wash your genitals with water and mild soap daily.

We also recommend avoiding certain products , such as douches, feminine sprays, and scented soaps, which can irritate the urethra and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria.

Go to the bathroom after sex

It's not very glamorous, but urinating after sex helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during sex. This reduces the risk of bacterial colonization.

Generally speaking, urinate whenever you feel like it and don't hold it in! Emptying your bladder is important to prevent bacteria from proliferating.

Wear appropriate clothing

Choose cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants to reduce moisture and heat. Both of these factors can promote bacterial growth. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and synthetic materials.

Drink enough water every day

As you can see, drinking is essential for maintaining good urinary health . This will help you dilute your urine, increase the frequency of your trips to the toilet to empty your bladder, and maintain optimal urinary pH . We recommend that you hydrate yourself throughout the day in small daily doses. If you can't manage this, you can use Hydratis . Effervescent tablets with a good fruity taste that can go with you everywhere to flavor your water and maintain good hydration ! In addition, they contain essential minerals and trace elements to maintain your daily well-being, including zinc , which helps keep your immune system at its best!

If you suffer from cystitis , we also recommend drinking cranberry juice as a preventative measure. Numerous experimental studies show that cranberry extracts or juices inhibit the adhesion of certain bacteria.

In the event of recurrence, i.e. at least 4 urinary tract infections in the last 12 months, it is important to consult your doctor who will be able to direct you towards taking appropriate antibiotics.