Show Your Urinary Tract Some Gratitude This Fall

Taking Care of Your Urinary Health

When we think about supporting our overall health, we rarely think about taking care of the bladder. In light of Bladder Health Month, learn more about how you can keep your urinary tract functioning optimally.

Follow Bladder-Friendly Diet

Like most areas of your health, the food that you put into your body directly impacts your bladder health. Here are some simple ways you can adjust your diet to keep your bladder happy and healthy.

Drink Enough Water

When your body becomes dehydrated, it can lead to increased urine concentration rather than being diluted with water. This more acidic urine can irritate your bladder and make you feel as though you need to urinate more frequently and can even cause incontinence. It also increases your risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to a buildup of bacteria.

Be sure to drink the recommended eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. If you struggle with drinking water, you can also eat fruits and veggies like watermelon and celery with high water content.

Foods to Avoid

If you have a sensitive bladder, it is essential that you avoid foods that cause irritation. Although it is okay to enjoy these foods every now and then, it is recommended that you limit your intake of the following:

• Alcohol
• Citrus fruits
• Coffee
• Tomato-based foods and sauces
• Artificial sweeteners
• Spicy foods

Foods that Soothe the Bladder

Just like there are foods that can irritate your bladder, there are foods that can soothe it as well. Try adding the following foods to your diet to support your bladder health:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Eggs
• Green beans
• Lean proteins like chicken and fish
• Nuts like almonds and cashews
• Potatoes
• Whole grains like quinoa and

Protecting Your Prostate

The prostate is an organ that is part of the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra and produces fluid that is part of semen. Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer that affects American men, making it essential to do your part to look after your prostate health to prevent this form of cancer.

Get Regular Exercise

People who are overweight are more likely to develop advanced prostate cancer or cases of prostate cancer are more likely to become fatal. To reduce this risk, you should get the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity each week to promote healthy body weight.

Avoid Certain Foods

When it comes to your prostate health, certain foods can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Although they are fine in moderation, it is recommended that you limit your intake of the following foods to reduce that risk:

• Red meats
• Processed foods and preservatives
• Added sugars
• Dairy products

Quit Smoking

Like most forms of cancer, smoking increases your risk of developing prostate cancer. Smoking also increases the risk for those around you who may be subjected to secondhand smoke. Quitting reduces your risk of developing or dying from prostate cancer.

Preventing UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that happen when bacteria get into your urine and eventually find its way up into the bladder. Although this is a very common ailment, it can cause very uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, you can make small adjustments to actively prevent these infections.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is one of the key elements when it comes to preventing UTIs. Having water constantly cycling through your urinary tract helps to flush out the harmful bacteria that can lead to infection.

Don’t Hold Your Pee for Too Long

Similarly to not getting enough water, holding your pee can also cause bacteria to build up inside of your urinary tract. While it is okay to hold your urine every now and then, it is important that you go as quickly as possible to prevent UTIs, especially after having sex.

Wearing Breathable Underwear

While there are plenty of materials to choose from when buying undergarments, it is recommended that you stick with breathable materials like cotton to prevent UTIs. This is because synthetic materials can trap moisture, allowing bacteria to breed. Breathable materials like cotton actually have a moisture-wicking property that helps to keep your netherregions dry.

Use Correct Wiping Techniques

Whether you’re peeing or passing stool, it is essential that women remember to wipe from front to back once they’ve finished using the restroom. This is because wiping in the opposite direction can move bacteria from your anus to your urethra and increase your risk of developing a UTI.

When You May Need to Visit a Urologist

When you’re facing issues that affect your urinary system, it is essential that you visit the right doctor for the job—a urologist! Urologists are physicians that specialize in matters concerning

Both the urinary tract and the system.

When Adults Should See a Urologist

Because these specialty care doctors can help you with issues concerning your urinary tract and reproductive organs, it’s important to know what conditions may warrant a trip to their office. The following issues are the most common reasons to see your urologist:

• Bladder and Kidney stones

• Enlarged Prostate
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Urinary Incontinence
• Blood in your urine
• Hernias
• Overactive bladder
• Pain in your lower stomach or back
• Painful urination

When Children Should See a Urologist

While many of the above issues also apply to children, there are certain symptoms that are less common in adults that could mean your child should see a urinary specialist. You should book an appointment if your child experiences a combination of the following:

• Burning sensation while peeing
• Increased frequency in urination
• Issues controlling their bladder
• Blood in their urine or stool
• Repeated UTIs
• Fever
• Pale skin
• Headaches

While these symptoms don’t always point to issues of the urinary tract or system, they most likely suggest the presence of another underlying health issue and should be addressed by a doctor.

Urological Care in Bishop, CA

At Northern Inyo Healthcare District, our team of urologists has the expertise and knowledge necessary to diagnose and treat issues of the urinary tract and system, including the kidneys and bladder, as well as male reproductive organs. From simple UTIs to prostate cancer, we’re here to help.

For more information about the Urology services at Northern Inyo Healthcare District or to schedule an appointment, call (760) 873-2080.