Getting Frequent Urinary Tract Infections? Time To Look Into Your Fridge

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can occur anywhere in the urinary system including the ureters, bladder, urethra, and kidneys. The bladder and urethra, part of the lower urinary tract, are most commonly affected by these infections. Compared to men, women are more likely to get a UTI.

A UTI can be uncomfortable and painful, but if it spreads to the kidneys, it can result in serious health complications. If you often struggle with UTIs, it possibly could be because of an item in your fridge.

A study published in One Health shows that recurrent UTIs have been linked to the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, frequently detected in meat.

According to Newsweek, the spread of UTIs has significantly increased between 1990 and 2019. The number of infections has risen from 25.2 crore globally in 1990 to over 40 crore in 2019.

Urinary Tract Infection: What Causes UTI?

The common cause of UTIs is the growth of bacteria in the bladder that enters the urinary tract through the urethra. The most common cause of these infections is the bacteria E. coli, which often lives in the intestines of animals. The risk of contracting the illness might be raised by factors like sexual activity, poor cleanliness, and specific medical problems.

Why untreated UTIs can be dangerous?

A UTI may worsen into more serious problems if it is not addressed. Frequent urination and experiencing pain when urinating are signs of a moderate UTI. On the other hand, if left untreated, infections can move to the kidneys and cause a more serious illness known as pyelonephritis.

UTIs and contaminated meat

According to the 2023 study, E. coli-contaminated meat is a major contributing factor to the rise in UTIs, with an estimated 5 lakh cases of UTIs occurring in the US annually. It also suggests that 30 to 70 percent of meat items sold by retailers have E. coli. The widespread use of antibiotics in cattle, which contributes to the emergence of antibiotic resistance to bacteria in people, exacerbates the issue. A National Geographic study illustrates the possible connection between the rise in antibiotic-resistant UTI cases and this rising resistance. Antibiotic resistance can make infections more difficult to treat.

To avoid a possible UTI, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated. Experts note that Enteroinvasive E coli, a form of E. coli, can cause problems including diarrhoea. So, one should be mindful of what they eat and avoid having meals prepared in an unhygienic condition,