5 tips to keep your urinary system healthy

5 tips to keep your urinary system healthy

More than 9 million doctor visits each year are due to problems with the urinary system, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Some of the most common urinary problems include: urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary stones, bladder infections and urinary incontinence.

So what steps can you take to prevent these issues? Dr. Robert Pasciak, a urologist at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill., has five tips on how to keep your urinary system healthy:  

1. Don’t wait too long to use the restroom. Withholding urination can put added pressure on your bladder which can lead to infection.

2. Pay close attention to hygiene – avoid harsh soaps and make sure to shower thoroughly after swimming in pools or lakes.

3. Avoid foods that may irritate the bladder. If you have an overactive or sensitive bladder, avoid carbonated and caffeinated drinks and alcoholic drinks.

4. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to keep a normal urinary pattern. This works to remove any waste products in your system.

5. Ask the right questions – If you suspect something is wrong, talk to your doctor.

Related Posts

Comments

10 Comments

  1. Helped for my story!

  2. I can help you.

  3. Helped a lot

  4. emily bennette April 28, 2016 at 8:42 pm · Reply

    Keeping your urinary system healthy is a good thing to do. It can be a tricky thing to do if you aren’t informed. I like that you pointed out that one of the best things you can do is to stay hydrated. It might also be a good idea to see a urologist if you are having issues.

  5. Annie Frances May 31, 2016 at 4:50 pm · Reply

    My brother has a bladder issue and it can sometimes be a struggle for him because he has to use the bathroom often. I didn’t know that caffeinated drinks could be affecting his bladder even more. I’ll be sure to let him know and see what his doctor says. Thanks for the help.

  6. I really like your advice to stay hydrated. That really can make a difference when it comes to stay healthy in general. At the same time, it also can be very beneficial to your urinary system. Do you have any other tips when it comes to urology? For example, what should I look for when I’m trying to find a urologist?

  7. I m 30 years old and I have a 6years old baby Last few years I m feel very weak some times bones problems with me and urinary system is so weak. So that’s why when I m not meet my husband in night i m eating many medicines but my problem is also with me plz recomend me what can I do I have also a problem of leaquira

  8. Westchester ny doctor April 2, 2018 at 9:09 am · Reply

    This was a very helpful article! Staying hydrated helps to remove any waste products in your system.

  9. Sydney Barnes May 30, 2018 at 2:18 pm · Reply

    I’m a long time sufferer of UTIs. I’ve even had a couple of kidney infections because of UTIs. Hydration is truly key. It flushes all those toxins out of the body. Yoga also helps, as does the regular supplement I use. Cystex has antibiotic properties and prebiotics, one tsp every day and I’m good. Haven’t had a UTI in two years. I also drink at least 3 liters of water daily.

  10. This helped a lot with my work! Thank you so much

Subscribe to health enews newsletter

About the Author

Sarah Scroggins
Sarah Scroggins

Sarah Scroggins, health enews contributor, is the director of social media at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She has a BA and MA in Communications. When not on social media, she loves reading a good book (or audiobook), watching the latest Netflix series and teaching a college night class.