WHAT ARE THEY? Most UTIs are caused by bacteria getting into the urinary tract, but they can also be caused by fungi and viruses in some cases. Contrary to popular belief, UTIs can happen anywhere in the urinary tract, including the kidneys. (A UTI in the kidneys is usually more severe; thankfully, they are also much less common.) Symptoms of a UTI vary depending on the location of the infection. If a UTI occurs in the lower urinary tract, there’s usually inflammation and pain when urinating, frequent urges to go, and cramps. A UTI in the upper urinary tract tends to present with fever, chills, nausea, and back pain. Kids don’t always notice symptoms, so watch out for cloudy or foul-smelling urine. For those prone to UTIs, pregnancy often exacerbates the issue.
DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH Drinking plenty of water throughout the day should be the first step in treating a UTI to flush bacteria out of the system. Also, drinking enough water helps the body retain nutrients. According to a 2013 study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, UTI infections may be linked to being chronically low on fluid. Aim for 6–8 (8-ounce) glasses of water every day. If that wasn’t convincing enough, proper hydration also helps boost energy levels, promote weight loss, relieve headache symptoms, and prevent kidney stone formation.
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