Natural Health: What can I do to prevent passion-killing UTI? 

Plus how to bounce back from a viral infection

Women are more likely than men to develop urinary tract infections due to their shorter urethras.

I’m in my early 40s and recently picked up a UTI after having sex with my husband. It’s not the first time this has happened. I’m taking cranberry juice and cranberry supplements, which are helping to ease the symptoms. What can I do about stopping the passion-killer infection in the first place?

The thought of developing a UTI is certainly a passion killer. No doubt you are already aware of the need to urinate after sex in order to help flush out the bacteria. Using a water-based lube can also help, particularly after age 40, when our internal and external tissues begin to change as hormone levels shift.

Women are more likely than men to develop urinary tract infections due to their shorter urethras. Sexual intercourse can irritate the urethra or introduce bacterial infection.

One of the most effective supplements for preventing and treating UTIs is D-mannose. It works by binding to the bacteria responsible for bladder and urinary tract infections, which you can then flush out by drinking plenty of water. It’s water-soluble, which means that it is absorbed relatively quickly to treat an existing infection.

Cranberry juice can help, but only if it is unsweetened. Cranberries are naturally very tart, so the juice typically contains sugar or an artificial sweetener added to make it more palatable.

Your cranberry supplement will likely be high-potency and more effective, though it is worth noting that these should not be taken with blood-thinning or anticoagulant medications such as aspirin and warfarin.

It is also vital to avoid perfumed or heavily fragranced body care products, keep your body wash as natural and pure as possible, and avoid irritants such as feminine hygiene sprays and vaginal douches.

Ensure that your underwear is made of a natural, breathable material such as bamboo or cotton. In fact, it is a good idea to avoid tight synthetic outerwear and instead opt for loose, natural clothing.

Processed foods can trigger bacterial growth, particularly when high in sugar or unhealthy fats. The combination of fats with sugars is thought to trigger a candida imbalance, which may be responsible for many recurring urinary tract infections.

Keep a close eye on your symptoms for any signs of infection, such as blood in your urine, pain in your kidney region, nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills. If any of these symptoms show up, call your doctor or go to an after-hours emergency room for urgent antibiotic treatment.

I’m recovering from a viral infection - a lot of sneezing and nose blowing. I’m finding my energy levels are very low, and I want to sit down after work. What would you recommend?

Post-viral fatigue can leave you feeling run-down and lacklustre. Medicinal mushrooms are an excellent way to restore and support immune function, as well as address post-viral fatigue.

Reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, lion’s mane, chaga, and maitake are all good choices. You can either try them as individual powders to find which one suits you best or choose a combination supplement to cover your bases.

Another simple remedy to try is liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). This boosts energy levels and is a natural immune support. The dried root makes a wonderful tea (unless you don’t like liquorice or anise type flavours), which develops quite a sweet flavour as it brews. Use a generous teaspoon per cup of boiling water and steep for as long as you like — you can also re-infuse the root two to three times.

The common flu home remedy of lemon, garlic, ginger, honey, and cayenne brewed into a hot drink is very effective in supporting constitutional health.

These are all remedies commonly used for viral and immune support in Ayurvedic medicine.

• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.