Traveling can come with a lot of different feelings and emotions. And be it for business or pleasure, it can put a lot of stress on the body. Many people experience jet lag during and after vacations. Some tend to get sick after being exposed to unfamiliar germs in a new place. For women, it’s not uncommon to develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) during or after their travels.
That’s because UTIs are more likely to occur during times of both acute and prolonged stress, both of which can negatively impact your immune function. When your immune system doesn’t work optimally, your body becomes more susceptible to all sorts of illnesses and infections.
Here are a few things you should know if you’re making wellness a priority and want to stay UTI-free throughout the upcoming travel season.
Why Traveling Increases Your Risk of UTIs
There are various reasons your fun road trip could turn into a UTI nightmare. Here are a few things that may increase your risk of urinary tract infections when traveling:
- Increased sweating in warmer climates
- Dehydration from drinking less water
- Holding urine longer than usual on long road trips or flights
- Fewer opportunities to maintain good hygiene while camping, taking long flights, or vacationing on cruise ships
- Swimming in bodies of water that may not be very clean
- Increased sex while vacationing
- Excess stress from being in a new location and getting insufficient sleep
Any of these factors can potentially make you more susceptible than usual to urinary tract infections.
Top Supplements to Reduce Your UTI Risk While Traveling
If you’re tired of getting UTIs during or after vacations, don’t cancel your upcoming traveling plans just yet! Instead, consider taking supplements before, during, and after your trip to decrease your likelihood of developing an infection. Here are some of the top supplements recommended for UTI prevention.
Proanthocyanidin Supplements
Proanthocyanidins are a type of chemical compound known as polyphenols. They’re found in cranberries, blueberries, and other vibrantly colored fruits and plants. Proanthocyanidins have various health benefits and are rich in known antioxidants and antimicrobials. They’re particularly helpful for preventing UTI-causing bacteria from getting a hold on the walls of the urinary tract.
To decrease your risk of getting a UTI during your next vacation, look for a UTI supplement that contains proanthocyanidins. Keep in mind that not all such supplements are created equal. For the best results, research shows you need to take a supplement with at least 36mg of proanthocyanidins in each daily serving.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplementation may help prevent and treat UTIs. However, more human trials are needed to fully understand its efficacy for this purpose. However, research suggests that vitamin C can make the urine more acidic. Acidic urine makes it harder for UTI-causing bacteria to thrive in the urinary tract.
Vitamin C may be more effective for preventing UTIs when combined with an antibiotic called methenamine. This antibiotic may stave off UTIs by stimulating the production of formaldehyde in the urine. Formaldehyde doesn’t kill bacteria, but it does prevent bacterial colonies from growing in the urine. Most experts don’t recommend using vitamin C and methenamine for UTI prevention unless other methods have failed.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial for physical function. Your gut, vagina, and urinary tract contain their own ecosystems of probiotics. When these ecosystems become imbalanced or overrun with bad bacteria, you can develop inflammation or infections.
If you’re prone to urinary tract infections while traveling, bring probiotics along with you and take them regularly. Specific strains like Lactobacillus can be particularly helpful for preventing UTIs. Many probiotics require refrigeration, so look for non-refrigerated strains to take with you during vacations.
While focusing on urinary tract health, travelers may also consider supporting overall physical performance and muscle maintenance with creatine monohydrate tablets, especially during active vacations or long travel days.
Other Ways to Prevent UTIs
Besides taking the suggested supplements for UTI prevention, here are a few more things you can do while traveling to maintain optimal UTI health:
- Avoid holding your urine. Failing to urinate frequently gives bacteria a chance to grow in your urinary tract.
- Drink plenty of fluids. It can be difficult to stay hydrated while traveling, but it’s important to do it anyway. Proper hydration helps flush bacteria out of your system before it has a chance to propagate.
- Use the bathroom before and after intercourse. This will help flush out any bacteria introduced to your urethra during intercourse.
- Maintain good hygiene. Always wipe front to back and shower or bathe frequently during your travels.
- Don’t use scented feminine hygiene products. Opt for plain, pH-balanced soap and water when washing your sensitive areas while on vacation.
Don’t forget to keep your stress levels low by preparing for your trip in advance. Plan where you’ll stay and eat, and know how you’ll get from point A to point B before you go. That way, you’ll put less stress on your immune system during your travels and have more time to focus on the adventure.
Traveling doesn’t have to be synonymous with urinary tract infections. Take these supplements and follow these UTI prevention tips to enjoy a pain-free vacation.
