A Soak Could Help You Find Some Relief Urinary tract infections are one of the most common outpatient consultations in the United States. They are one of the most common causes of fever in the young and elderly and can cause urinary incontinence in women. Yearly, around 250,000 cases of kidney infections or pyelonephritis occur among women in the United States. Costs for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in the United States can reach up to a total of $2-3 billion dollars a year. It might seem like a simple infection, but it can be really costly when you think of it from that scale. It is an essential infection to treat because it can lead to serious complications such as sepsis and renal damage if left untreated. That is why a lot of other remedies are being tested to see if they can alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections. This article will discuss how Epsom salt baths are good for UTIs, what benefits Epsom salt baths have, and how to prepare an Epsom salt bath. What are Urinary Tract Infections? What are the Symptoms? Urinary tract infections are infections of the parts that serve as the passageway of the urine out of our bodies; this includes the kidney, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urine is a sterile substance that passes out of our bodies; therefore, the introduction of bacteria can lead to a bladder infection, inflammation, and pus formation that can lead to various symptoms. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain and burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain. What are Epsom Salts? What Do They Do? Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a white, crystalline water-soluble chemical compound that has been used for centuries to treat various illnesses. Epsom salts are commonly used to relieve sore muscles, stiff joints, itching, skin irritation, and sunburn and are used as relief for headaches or foot pain. Its uses in the human body are varied, and it has been found to provide relief for various ailments, which include urinary tract infections. How is an Epsom Salt Bath Good for UTIs? What Benefits do Epsom Salt Baths Have? Epsom salts provide several benefits for treating urinary tract infections. The primary benefit of using Epsom salt baths for bladder infections or urinary tract infections is to relieve pain. Epsom salt baths can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. UTIs present with a burning sensation, pain while urinating, and cloudy urine. The warm, calming nature of Epsom salt baths has been shown to help relieve this. [youmaylike] If you soak in an Epsom salt bath, it can be helpful to reduce inflammation as well. Because they are rich in magnesium, they can help cleanse the urinary tract and aid in the healing process. The increased concentration of magnesium sulfate is believed to help change the environment in the urinary tract, which can lead to conditions unfavorable for bacteria to grow. It can help prevent bacteria from growing or multiplying when you soak in an Epsom salt bath and has a disinfectant property. Epsom salt baths can also improve the circulation of blood in the body. It can cause dilation of the blood vessels leading to improved blood flow, which also promotes the passage of cells that help in the body’s immunity. Epsom salt baths provide an overall relaxing and calming experience that can leave you feeling detoxified as well. Are Epsom Salt Baths the Answer to UTIs? Although Epsom salt baths may relieve urinary tract infection symptoms, there is not enough evidence to recommend using Epsom salts over established treatments like antibiotics. Epsom salt baths are currently home remedies that can be adjuncts to treatment but cannot be used to replace the treatment of urinary tract infections with antibiotic medications. In order to treat the infection, you should still take an antibiotic regimen prescribed by your physician. Are Epsom Salt Baths Risk-Free? Do Epsom Salt Baths Have Any Side Effects? Generally, Epsom salt baths are safe and don’t have a lot of serious complications. However, you still need to make sure that Epsom salt baths are safe for you. The most common side effects of Epsom salt baths include allergic reactions. So if you have an allergy to Epsom salt, it is better that you avoid this. It can also aggravate pain or discomfort if you have an open wound or breaks or scratches in the skin. If you have these, stay away from Epsom salt baths to avoid further complications. How Do You Prepare an Epsom Salt Bath? The general way to prepare an Epsom salt bath is to dissolve Epsom salt in warm water. Epsom salt is easy to find and can easily be bought in health and grocery stores. Recommendations include dissolving 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in a gallon of warm water to create a water-soak bath. It is important not to put too much to avoid irritation and drying of the skin. Let the Epsom salt dissolve in the water, which can take about a few minutes. If you have a bathtub, you can prepare it to submerge and soak in it. However, this can be done as you shower as well. When you have a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection, you can do a water soak for 15-20 minutes to help relieve symptoms. Rinse after every water soak. This can be done daily or on an average of 2-3 times per week. Doing this soak gives ample time in providing relief until the antibiotics start doing their work and control further growth and multiplication of bacteria, completely eliminating symptoms such as pain. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, consult your physician for an evaluation. Further, you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing any serious side effects from using Epsom salt baths. There are no studies that show that using an Epsom salt bath for UTIs will prevent or cure a urinary tract infection, so it is still important to go to the doctor for proper management. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
Interstitial Cystitis Diet
If you or your loved ones have never had any issues with your bladder, you might not be aware of what interstitial cystitis is. To simplify the condition, interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes pain, specifically in the bladder and pelvis. While sometimes the pain is manageable, it can become severe. Because of this, the condition is often added as a symptom of diseases marked under the umbrella term of painful bladder syndrome. An interstitial cystitis diet may be able to relieve some symptoms.
Physical stress is the leading cause of interstitial cystitis. Even physical exercise, psychological stress, or stomach pangs during your menstrual cycle are enough to trigger a flare.
What Does an Interstitial Cystitis Flare Feel Like?
Interstitial cystitis (IC) flares are not like your familiar pangs of pain.
According to a study conducted by the Interstitial Cystitis Association, out of the 750 respondents, 19% reported periods of extreme pain that fluctuated with increased urination during a few days or even weeks. About 12% reported a sudden increase in pain and symptom intensity.
How Do You Avoid IC Flares?
What you eat and drink makes a huge difference in how intense an IC flare is and whether it is triggered.
The following are different ingredients and products that aggravate a person’s IC:
- Soda.
- Alcohol.
- Coffee.
- Tomatoes.
- Spicy food.
- Hot food.
- Chocolate.
- Citrus drinks or juices.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG).
- Caffeinated beverages.
- High-acid food.
Although these ingredients and products are relatively common, this does not mean you have to keep living with IC. There are plenty of other products and foods you can have to avoid IC flares, and here are some things you should stock up on for your new and improved diet.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is the perfect solution. Most green teas such as berry, chamomile and mint offer little to no caffeine content. Not to mention that these teas are healthier for your diet and body. These teas offer energy, soothe the stomach and keep your body nourished while alleviating any pain from your bladder.
2. Low-Fat Yogurt
Low-fat or fat-free dairy should be your go-to.
If you eat yogurt as a snack, always go for an option without sugar or any artificial sweeteners. Plain yogurt works well in a pinch, but if you like your sweets, try to choose sweet yogurts that offer non-citrusy flavors, like a berry.
3. Go Whole
Moving away from citrus can seem like a tragedy for any fruit lover. But it doesn’t have to be.
If you like fruit, try unsweetened fresh fruits instead of juices. Even frozen or canned fruits are fine, and your goal should be using whole fruits instead of juices.
If needed, drink 100% fruit juices (preferably juice you have made yourself), and choose options that are vitamin-C rich, so your body gets that kick of energy it needs.
4. Healthy Meat Alternatives and Cooking Methods
We all love our fair share of meat. But, if you want to avoid IC flares, use this moment to try meatless options. There are so many brands that offer meatless food that doesn’t even taste like a non-meat product. Experiment with plant-based products and make some of your favorite meals. Burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and lasagna — there is a laundry list of meatless food you can make with vegetarian options.
But if you don’t want to give up your meat habit any time soon, make healthier choices. Instead of having fried meats, bake the meat. Roasting, grilling and broiling are also good options. Trim away visible fat and stick with leaner meats. If you have chicken or turkey, remove the skin to save yourself any pain.
5. Limit Your Greases
Ingredients like oils, margarine, butter, mayonnaise and salad dressings are essential for our diet.
But if you want to live without pain, you may need to limit these ingredients substantially. Again, plant-based ingredients are an option. Olive oil, canola oil, olive butter, or butter made from buttermilk are also delicious. You have to stay away from greasy food and pick trans-fat-free ingredients.
In Conclusion
This is just the beginning of a long list of ways to improve your chances against IC. Hopefully, with the above list, you will get started on leading your life the healthy way you deserve.