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

Urinary tract infections are common infections of the urinary system, which include the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Among the most common, you are surely 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 urinary tract infection during their lifetime. Although often harmless, they can become serious if not treated adequately, especially if they progress to the kidneys.

What is a urinary tract infection?

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection

The 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, i.e. cystitis , one generally feels a burning sensation and pain when urinating, accompanied by a frequent or even persistent need to urinate. The urine may have a cloudy appearance with an unusual odor. Be careful in the case of an upper urinary tract infection, also called pyelonephritis, the 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 without delay. Most often this can be cured in a few days with suitable 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 the health of the urinary system and in avoiding the risk of cystitis . Maintaining good hydration is therefore essential to prevent cystitis. Indeed, if you do not 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 the adhesion and proliferation of bacteria.

Increased urinary frequency

Regular hydration leads to increased frequency of toilet visits. This helps flush bacteria out of the urinary system before they attach to the walls of the urethra or bladder.

Maintaining a balanced pH

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

How much water should you drink daily?

Generally speaking, EFSA recommends drinking 2L per day if you are a man and 1.6L per day if you are a woman. However, the amount of water needed to maintain good hydration can vary depending on several factors such as gender or age of the individual. Climatic conditions also have an impact, i.e. people living in hot and humid climates will need a greater water intake to compensate for increased losses through sweat. The same goes for people who practice physical activity who must increase their water intake to compensate for losses caused by sweat. Finally, certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, can increase water 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 going to 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 toilet after sex

It's not very glamorous, but urinating after sex helps flush out bacteria that may have been introduced into the urinary tract during the act. 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 to maintaining good urinary health . This will help you dilute your urine, increase the frequency of going to the toilet to empty your bladder and maintain an optimal urinary pH . We advise you to hydrate yourself throughout your day in small daily doses. If you can't do it, you can use Hydratis . Effervescent tablets with a good fruity taste that can accompany 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. Many experimental studies show that cranberry extracts or juices inhibit the adhesion of certain bacteria.

In the event of recurrences, 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.