Show Your Bladder Some Love

Bladder Health

When you think of your overall health, do you think of your bladder health? Here are some tips to keep your bladder happy and healthy.

Drink More Water

Studies have shown that those who drank 1.5 liters (approximately six cups of water) or more daily experienced fewer urinary tract infections (UTI) compared to those who don’t. This is because drinking the recommended six to eight glasses of water each day can help to flush out bacteria that cause these types of infections.

Eat Healthy

Diet and nutrition play a role in maintaining your bladder health. If you have a sensitive bladder, it is important to know which foods irritate or soothe your bladder.

The following foods are bladder-friendly:

• Pears
• Bananas
• Whole grains
• Potatoes
• Garlic
• Berries

It is recommended that you avoid the following foods:

• Coffee
• Carbonated drinks
• Milk
• Vinegar
• Chocolate
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Citrus fruits
• Tomato-based foods

Quit Smoking

Each year, more than 60,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer, and studies have shown 20-30% of bladder cases found in women were caused by smoking. If you use smoking tobacco or other types of tobacco use, quitting can help to decrease your risk of developing bladder cancer as well as your risk of other health conditions.

Talk to Your Doctor When You Suspect a UTI

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are infections of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the kidneys, the bloodstream, and in some cases, can become fatal.

Common symptoms that may point to the presence of urinary tract infections include:

• A burning sensation while urinating
• Urinating more often than usual
• Feeling as if you need to urinate when you don’t
• Cloudy, smelly, or bloody urine

When to See a Doctor

Although urinary tract infections are common, you should always talk to a medical professional about symptoms and how long you’ve had them. Usually, your doctor will be able to diagnose you based on the description of your symptoms. However, urinalysis can be done to determine the type of infection you have.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Back pain where your kidneys are located
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue

Walk-in-Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming

If symptoms persist or last longer than a few days, the Walk-in Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming, is here to help. When it comes to urgent care, each patient can expect us to help them get back to life with quality care and personalized service. Save your spot in line or walk-in today! Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/wic.