There are plenty of reasons to exercise regularly, many of which are common knowledge at this point—added years to your life, strengthening your bones, reducing the risk of cancer, reducing stress, improving memory, the list goes on. But one benefit of getting up your heart rate has only just been discovered — and it's major.
It turns out that moving around regularly can prevent the formation of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections. When scientists analyzed almost 19,000 people's self-reported activity levels along with their prescriptions over the course of a year, they found a link between the two: those who didn't break a sweat for at least four hours a week were more likely to have filled a prescription for medication for a UTI. The study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, is great news for anyone who regularly suffers from UTIs, which are truly one of the least pleasant common infections.
If regular exercise is already your thing though, there are plenty of other ways that have been known to decrease the risk of UTIs. Most often, UTIs form when bacteria gets pushed inside of the vagina — for example, from forgetting to wipe front to back after a bowel movement, or through sex. Other ways to prevent UTIs include flooding your body with fluids, since that empties your bladder more frequently; some research has also suggested that consuming cranberries (dried or juice form) can help prevent UTIs. Those more prone to UTIs can do a few more advanced things to save themselves a trip to the doctor, like wearing more breathable underwear, eating foods with probiotics such as yogurt, and avoiding baths. One thing everyone should do though, regardless of their risk level, is change out of wet clothes ASAP — which includes gym clothes, for those inspired to work up a sweat after reading this.
- Why You Should Never Ignore a UTI
- Everything You Need to Know About UTIs, From Prevention to Treatment
- Is My Vaginal Discharge Normal?
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