Prevent Bladder Infections Naturally

Bladder Infections or UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections) can be prevented naturally in the Elderly. As we get older, our bodies need a little more help when taking care of ourselves. It may be harder to clean ourselves efficiently or remember to drink enough water. This could result in getting more bladder infections.

Following is a list of 8 helpful tips to Preventing Bladder Infections:

Routine Daily Hygiene

Daily cleanliness is important for preventing bladder infections. Showering daily would be very helpful in keeping the peri area clean. If you don’t shower daily, it would be helpful to use a spray bottle with water to cleanse the area.

When you are cleaning yourself, it is important to wipe from front to back. Bladder infections are more common in women when they are not careful in how they wipe after bowel movements.

Clean with Peri wash or Colloidal silver spray when incontinent

Incontinence and wearing adult briefs increases the amount of bladder infections in the elderly. It is important to make sure the elderly are cleaned really well with each brief change. If someone struggles with incontinence, each time their brief is changed, they should be cleaned with water, peri wash or Colloidal silver spray.

Eat Healthier

Eating whole foods like fruits and vegetables will strengthen your body's natural defense systems, build your immune system, detox out any toxins, and help you feel better in the process. Green leafy vegetables are superfoods for feeling your best.

Decrease Sugar Intake

Eating sugar decreases the strength of your immune system and it’s defense systems. Decreasing the amount of sugar you eat will increase your body’s ability to fight off infections like bladder infections.

Take Supplements

For some elderly, it has been helpful to take certain supplements daily:

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that improve digestive health and enhance the immune system. They are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha and probiotic yogurt.

Cranberry is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections. Cranberries work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing infection.

Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off the bacteria that cause infection. Vitamin C also builds the immune system.

D-Mannose, bearberry leaf, and garlic extract are natural supplements that have been shown to prevent UTIs and decrease recurrence. Always consult your physician about any supplements.

Drink more water

Staying Hydrated can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. Studies have shown that an increase in fluid intake led to a decrease in UTI frequency. Taking the time to drink water every 1-2 hours throughout the day is best for infection prevention.

Decrease Caffeine intake

Caffeine can increase the amount of bladder infections because it irritates the bladder. It is better to drink non-caffeinated drinks or just water, if possible.

Go to the bathroom more often

As you increase your water intake, you will automatically have an increase in the amount of bathroom visits you will need. It is important to urinate as soon as possible when you get an urge. Holding your urine for too long can increase the risk of a bladder infection.

Even though it is a little harder to fully prevent bladder infections in the elderly than in younger adults, these ideas are ways to be proactive in helping their body function normally.

Fairbrook Grove Assisted Living Home in Mesa AZ works diligently every day to prevent bladder infections. Each of our caregivers are properly trained in how to keep residents clean and help them practice the daily self-care needed to prevent these infections. We also are very alert and aware of our residents and their moods and habits. So if we notice someone showing signs of a bladder infection, like irritability, having trouble walking, weakness or having odorous urine, we immediately consult their doctor, get their urine tested and offer other treatment.

Here’s to healthy bodies and bladders!

-The Fairbrook Grove Management Team