Tips for Keeping Your Urinary System Healthy
Problems can occur with any part of the urinary tract.
When it comes to urinary tract conditions, most people think of kidney problems and UTIs. But problems can develop anywhere along the urinary tract. Urinary tract stones can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Incontinence from various reasons can happen to both males and females. And cancers can afflict the urinary system as well.
Why is your Urinary System Important?
Urinary system is of one of the vital system among human body parts. It consist of Kidneys, Ureters, Urinary Bladder and Urethra. The Urinary Tract is like the plumbing system. It drains urine from the Kidneys, and plays an important role in maintaining the balance of water, ions, calcium and blood pressure in the human body.
There are are a few simple habits you can adopt that may reduce the risk of problems developing in your urinary tract, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and chronic UTIs. In this article, you will learn about tips to keeping your Urinary System healthy!
10 Tips to Keep your Urinary System Healthy
1.
Reduce caffeine: Too much caffeine can result in dehydration, which can increase your risk of kidney stones, bladder infections, and other problems.
2.
Wipe from front to back: The anus and rectum have a lot of bacteria. Wiping from front to back ensures that you don’t bring the bacteria into contact with the vagina.
3.
Use the bathroom often and when needed: Try to urinate at least every 3 to 4 hours. Holding urine in your bladder for too long can weaken your bladder muscles
4.
Drink plenty of water: When you don’t drink enough water the urine in the bladder can become concentrated. Concentrated urine can cause burning when you urinate, and increase your risk of bladder infections or kidney stones.
Drinking extra water also dilutes the substances in urine that lead to stones.
5.
Pelvic floor exercises: Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, help hold urine in the bladder.
Daily exercises can strengthen these muscles, which can help keep urine from leaking when you sneeze, cough, lift, laugh, or have a sudden urge to urinate.
6.
Constipation: Constipation causes excess stool buildup in your colon, placing pressure on your bladder and keeping it from expanding as it should.
7.
Low physical activity: Being physically active could help prevent bladder issues as well as constipation. It could also help you maintain a healthy weight.
8.
Urinate after sex: Both women and men should urinate shortly after sex to flush away bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex.
9.
Go Easy on the Salt: Too much salt in your diet keeps the salt/mineral/water balance in your kidneys off kilter. A high-sodium diet has been associated with elevated blood pressure. Long-term, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage. A high-salt diet may also contribute to the development of kidney stones.
10.
Healthy Diet: Aim for a rainbow of fruits and vegetables on your plate. Examples include blueberries, carrots, yellow peppers, asparagus, strawberries, and cauliflower. Bladder-friendly foods include bananas, nuts, eggs, green beans and whole grains. Be mindful of the sugar, sodium and calorie content of your favorite foods.