Lovers planning a romantic evening, relax and rejoice. There are some healthy, natural options instead of antibiotics for unwanted side effects from your intimate moments.
Valentine’s Cystitis, or Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) after sex are common for many women. In fact UTI’s are the second most common type of infection, affecting a lot more women than men. Please note that we are not trying to spoil the mood! We want you to enjoy a healthy, physical relationship and that includes being aware of your womanly zones and keeping them just as happy as your gut.
Instead of letting a UTI ruin your Valentine’s Day spark try these natural remedies:
- D-Mannose from Cranberry Juice
It’s the active ingredient in cranberry juice. It is a naturally occurring sugar that sticks to E. coli bacteria (which cause 90% of UTI’s), so it can be effectively flushed out when you urinate. Instead of drinking sweetened cranberry juice, try D-mannose from your health food shop. - Drink, drink, drink! (Water sorry!)
Drinking more pure filtered water is essential throughout the day to dilute urine and flush out unwanted bacteria from your kidneys and bladder. - Eat More Parsley & Celery
Parsley and celery and the seeds of the celery plant are nature’s great diuretics. Add to meals or a great addition to a green smoothie for a refreshing taste or a replacement for extra fruits. Make your own parsley water tonic for UTI’s. Bring 1 litre of water to the boil and add 1 cup of fresh chopped parsley. Reduce the heat and simmer for six to 10 minutes, allowing the leaves to infuse the water. Once done, strain out the leaves and drink the liquid hot or cold. - Bicarb of Soda
Sodium bicarbonate is a natural alkalising agent that is produced naturally in the body. Interestingly, it is also used in dialysis machines for kidney therapy. Add 1 teaspoon of bicarb to a cup of water and stir to dissolve. Take first thing in the morning mid morning, mid afternoon ½ hour before meals. Source an organic brand from your health food shop if possible. - Probiotics & Fermented Foods
Beneficial bacteria in fermented foods supports the health of the urinary tract by keeping E.coli bacteria in check. Research shows that probiotics can also prevent recurring UTI’s. Probiotic Foods such as Gluten and Fructose Intolerant is designed for women who are sensitive to sugars, fruit and other foods and who experience issues with digestion and UTI’s. - Good Hygiene Practices
Having a wee before and after sex helps to flush away bad bacteria. Also wiping front to back can make a big difference to your urinary health as it prevents bad bacteria travelling to where they don’t belong, the bladder. Use only unscented natural toilet paper and organic cotton pads and tampons if you have problems with UTI’s. - Avoid Antibiotics if Possible
Antibiotics don’t always kill the offending bacteria and can leave you vulnerable to a whole host of side effects, including destroying your good gut flora.
Happy Valentine’s Day sweetheart and we wish you a wonderful evening with your special someone. For more info Call the Gut Help Hotline on (07) 554 66 086.
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