Cloudy urine is by and large a sign of urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are almost always caused by bacteria and at times by viruses, fungi, and parasites. In UTIs caused by yeast infection, Candida albicans is usually the main organism involved. Candida along with various bacteria forms a part of the normal flora. When the bacteria are eliminated due to antibiotic treatment or in people with impaired immune system or patients with catheter in the bladder or in diabetics, yeast infection results, characterized by cloudy urine, pain and burning during urination. Women are more likely to get UTIs than men because of anatomical reasons as their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus.
Cloudy
urine due to urinary tract infections are extremely
common and are usually caused by bacterial invasion from
the anus to the urethra or from mechanical grazing by
micro-crystals of calcium phosphate in urine leading to
inflammation and infection of the urinary tract. If a
yeast infection is suspected to be causing cloudy urine,
it is always better to have it confirmed by your doctor
before starting antifungal medication. A bladder
infection left untreated for a long time could progress
into a kidney infection, which is much more
serious.
The most
effective remedy for yeast infection has been the
age-old "grandmother's remedy" of drinking cranberry
juice. Researchers have recently found that cranberries
contain chemicals that cause the urine to become acidic
thus preventing the yeast from multiplying. It is also
believed to contain substances that prevent the
pathogens from sticking to the walls of the urinary
tract. Drinking cranberry juice is safer than using
antifungal medications. These medications are not only
toxic causing serious side effects but also their
indiscriminate use can lead to resistant infections
which are difficult to treat.
Several
precautions can prevent urinary yeast infections and are
listed below.
1.
After
urination or a bowel movement always wipe from front to
back to prevent spread of
pathogens.
2.
Answer
nature's call as quickly as possible. Holding urine in
the bladder is an invitation to
infections.
3.
Keep the
genital area clean and dry.
4.
Urinate
soon after sexual activity.
5.
Use cotton
underwear instead of silk or synthetic fabrics. Avoid
tight-fitting clothes. Underwear with a cotton crotch
will help prevent
infection.
6.
Drink
plenty of water. Avoid caffeinated beverages, alcohol,
and citrus juices till infection clears.
7.
Avoid douching,
feminine sprays, scented toilet paper, deodorant
tampons, and harsh washing detergents.
8.
Most
important, avoid sugar in any form. Yeasts thrive on
sugar, making the infection that much more difficult to
eradicate.
9.
Built up
resistance by eating a balanced diet, exercise, rest,
and avoiding stress.
Cloudy
urine due to yeast infections crop up
due to imbalance in the physical, emotional, and mental
factors of the body. Antifungals will only eliminate the
symptoms without removing the cause, resulting in
recurrent infections. The only way to get out of this
vicious cycle is to go for holistic cure. This will help
you internalize good eating and living habits and teach
you ways to relieve stress. A healthy immune system will
keep yeast infections away.
