Health

Water and the Urinary Tract

The urinary tract is made up of several organs, all of which to work together to fulfil their roles as part of the urinary system. The organs which make up the urinary system are the:

·         Kidneys

·         Bladder

·         Ureters

·         Urethra

Why is the urinary tract important?

The urinary system has an important role in our everyday health. Primarily, the system removes toxins from the body and ensures the body absorbs enough water to keep it functioning appropriately, preventing dehydration.

The two kidneys work by:

·         Preventing the build-up of waste products and extra fluid in the body

·         Producing hormones which regulate the blood tissue

·         Producing red blood cells

·         Stabilising electrolyte levels such as potassium and phosphate

Water and the Urinary System

Water is essential for the health of the urinary system. Sipping water throughout the day is the best way to keep the urinary tract healthy. Drinking water at regular intervals helps to prevent urinary tract problems.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common reason antibiotics are prescribed in the western world. The infections occur when bacteria colonise within the urinary. If in the upper tract they are commonly referred to as kidney infections or in the lower tract, bladder infections.

Women are more likely to contract urine infections than men with cystitis being the most common. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder which causes you to urinate more often and can cause stinging when urinating, making it an uncomfortable condition. You can help to prevent cystitis, and other UTIs, by staying well hydrated. Water helps to flush out the system and remove bacteria from the urinary tract. The elderly are also more at risk of developing UTIs because they tend to not drink water often, avoiding frequent toilet visits.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are crystals which form in the kidneys. They occur when waste products from the blood are filtered by the kidneys but form crystals because their concentration in water is too low. The crystals eventually form stones and large stones can block the urinary tract, resulting in severe pain and infections. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and poor hydration are thought to contribute to the development of kidney stones.

Tips for keeping your urinary tract healthy

Having a healthy lifestyle is the key to keeping your urinary tract healthy.

1.    Sip water regularly throughout the day. Remember you will need to increase your water intake if you are exposed to hot temperatures or you’re exercising.

2.    Supplement drinking water with water-rich foods such as yoghurt, soups, strawberries, melon, celery, cucumber etc.

3.    Not drinking enough during the day just to avoid frequent trips to the toilet can aggravate the lining of the bladder. This is because the longer the urine is left the more concentrated it becomes.

4.    Try to maintain a healthy body weight because being overweight can increase the risk of kidney stones.

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