As you age, it results in increased health problems, including the discovery of more frequent issues with the urinary tract. For example, a urinary tract infection (UTI) left untreated, especially in older adults and the elderly, can cause behavioral and physical issues.
Urinary tract infections are painful and yet one of the most common types of bacterial problems in people worldwide. E. coli is the most common type of bacteria that causes UTIs, and women are 30 times more likely to be affected by a UTI than men are.
UTIs can affect many parts of the urinary tract system, including the bladder, ureters, and kidneys. However, it typically starts in the lower part of the urinary tract organs, such as the urethra. Below are some of the best at-home supplements for UTI that can help treat and prevent UTIs in the elderly.
UTI Signs and Symptoms
Knowing what signs and symptoms are presented when contracting a UTI is helpful. Common signs that are associated with a UTI include:
- Frequent urges to urinate
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Pain in the bladder, pelvis, back, or lower abdomen
Supplements for UTI in the Elderly
Doctors use antibiotics to help treat the infection when a UTI is diagnosed. However, there are supplements you can use and some foods to help prevent getting a UTI.
Azo is a company that offers many supplements to help with controlling a UTI infection. In addition, they help alleviate the pain and symptoms the elderly experience when contracting a UTI.
The products help inhibit the growth of bacteria within the urine, helping to slow the spread of infection. They also have an anti-inflammatory element that helps control the pain, burning sensation, and discomfort you experience with a UTI.
Uva Ursi (Bearberry leaf)
The herbal remedy is a remedy for UTIs, and you can find supplements in any drug store. In addition, several elements within the herb provide an anti-bacterial effect on E.Coli.
Garlic
Garlic is a great flavor addition to many foods, but did you also know it is a natural antibiotic? It can be a helpful food that prevents harmful bacteria, like E. Coli, from causing a UTI. You can eat it within food or even get it as a supplement.
Green Tea
Green tea is excellent for your health but also contains a supply of plant compounds called polyphenols, which are known for having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory powers.
Yogurt and Cranberry Juice
You can consume two beneficial natural home remedy products to help keep a UTI at bay in the elderly: yogurt and cranberry juice. Yogurt can help fight a urinary tract infection since it is packed with probiotics and promotes a healthy digestive cycle. The live bacteria found in yogurt kill off the harmful bacteria. It helps if you eat yogurt that is unsweetened or has low sugar and packaging that says something along the lines of “live and active cultures.”
Cranberry juice helps promote urinary tract health and protects against UTI infections much in the same manner. It (and many other berries also) contain a compound that helps fight bad bacteria and keep them from staying within the lining of the urinary tract.
Water and Fruit
Staying hydrated is one of the best things the elderly can do for urinary health and digestion. The water helps flush out bacteria within the urinary tract and prevent infection. It also keeps your urinary tract functioning regularly.
Fruits with high water content are helpful and using fruits to make juice can help keep the urinary tract regular. In addition, high-fiber fruits such as bananas are good for encouraging regular bowel movements and relieving pressure on urine flow. Fruits high in Vitamin C, such as oranges or strawberries, are also helpful in preventing bacteria from growing in your digestive system.
Treating a UTI in the Elderly
The elderly often experience issues emptying fully when going to the bathroom, so ensuring a more extended stay on the toilet could help ensure that they are getting everything out. Also, when incontinence is present, and you are using incontinence diapers for women, they need to be changed frequently since the bacteria can stay on the areas that absorb urine when it leaks and can cause bacteria to grow.
Good nutrition and exercise help keep the urinary tract functioning well. However, it is crucial to understand that these preventive measures are not meant to treat a UTI when it occurs. Instead, these are ways to help keep the elderly from contracting a UTI. Once a UTI is present, the only treatment is through an antibiotic prescribed by a doctor after a visit and diagnosis.