a ee lt-fy A _ Lak 1 CT LYMESS Aoid Threats To Urinary Tract Health by Sherry Torkos, B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. (NAPSA)—Scientists hae found an important fact about a sensitie topic. The discomfort of a urinary tract infection (UTI)is all too common—for a surprising reason. According to a study in the Journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, it can come from consuming chicken or eggs polluted with antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria. What To Watch For The condition affects nearly half of all women at sometime in their lies and 12 percent of men. Symptoms can hit suddenly. They include urinary frequency, burning and pain. There can also be cloudiness or blood in the urine. Getting prompt medical attention is critical. If left untreated, the infection can become serious and cause kidney damage. What To Do Fortunately, there are fie steps you can take to preent the problem: *Go organic. Until more rigorous laws are enforced on antibiotic use with liestock, choose organic meats and eggs and make sure your meat is thoroughly cooked (chicken should always be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit). Designate a cutting boardsolely for raw meat and poultry and wash it immediately after use with hot, soapy water. When preparing chicken, be sure to clean your handsthoroughly afterward Drink plenty of water. The Institute of Medicine recommends about 72 ounces a day. Dehydration increases the risk of bacterial growth. Aoid tight clothing. *Be cautious with OTC drugs. Antihistamines and certain Cranberries can boost your ability to aoid an unpleasantinfection. cold medications can cause urinary retention, which increases the risk of a UTI. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about alternaties. *Supplement with cranberry. Cranberries can keep bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. The actie components responsible for this effect are the condensed tannins or proanthocyanidins (a type of flaonoid). A concentrated cranberry ingredient called Cran-Max has been shown in clinical studies to be comparable to traditional antibiotics but without the side effects. The supplement ingredient is unique in that it contains all the ital parts of the cranberry—the fruit, seeds, skin and juice—in a special deliery system called Bio-Shield that protects the actie compounds from destruction by stomach acid. It’s aailable in supplements at pharmacies and health food stores. Where To Learn More You can find further facts at www.cranmaxinfo.com, www.sherry torkos.com and www.facebook.com/ holistic.sherry or on Twitter at @Sherry_Torkos. Ms. Torkos is a holistic pharmacist and the author of 18 books including “The Canadian Encyclopedia ofNatural Medicine.”
