What Are Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections
An individual should always have a urinary tract infection diagnosed and treated by a health care professional, but there are some home remedies to try that may ease symptoms and help prevent future UTIs.
- Drink plenty of water. Medical professionals recommend that you drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.
- Reduce or eliminate processed foods, fruit juices, alcohol, and sugar.
- Use a heating pad.
- Take non-antibiotic supplements such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zinc to help boost the immune system. Talk to a doctor to determine the right dose.
Cranberry juice, cranberry products, and other herbal remedies containing cranberry are widely touted as helping prevent bladder infections , however, the current evidence does not fully support this.
Probiotics such as lactobacillus and acidophilus may help to protect against infections in the urinary tract, however, more studies are needed to definitively determine their efficacy.
Drinking a mixture of 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar plus 3 tablespoons of water is also touted as a natural remedy to cure a urinary tract infection. Some believe that the acidity of the vinegar will create a more acidic urine, which will help slow or stop the growth of bacteria. However, more acidic urine may cause a burning sensation when you urinate. Talk to your health care provider before trying this or any other home remedy to treat a UTI.
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Flush Bacteria Out With Cranberry Juice
Cranberry contains a phytochemical known as tannin, which reduces vaginal colonization of E. coli.6 It is high in vitamin C, and drinking its unsweetened juice flushes out bacteria from your urinary system and reduces recurrent UTIs.7
Note Of Caution: If you are on medication, consult your doctor before drinking cranberry juice as it interferes with certain types of medication, especially blood thinners.8
One of the active ingredients of cranberry is D-mannose, a type of sugar that prevents UTIs.9 Since you have to consume an excess of cranberry juice to have enough D-mannose in your system to fight UTIs, you can also go for D-mannose supplements. It is considered safe for most adults, but you should avoid taking it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
The typical treatment for a UTI is antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. To diagnose a UTI, your doctor may identify your symptoms and prescribe you the appropriate medication.
In other instances, if your symptoms aren’t straightforward, or if you’ve been struggling with recurrent UTIs, your doc may suggest further testing.
More in-depth testing may involve:
- Additional bacteria cultures of a urine sample
- Ultrasound, computerized tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging
- Cystoscopy using a camera to look inside your urethra and bladder
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How Can You Cure A Uti
For all the anti-antibiotic people out there, I have bad news. You cant cure the infection with natural remedies. Sorry. Though there are natural solutions that might help prevent UTI , all the unsweetened cranberry juice in the world wont actually help you. In fact, in the study Cranberry juice fails to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection, cranberry juice cocktail had the exact same effect as a placebo in recurrent UTIs. Barbosa-Cesnik C, et al. . Cranberry juice fails to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection: Results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial. DOI: Though you probably guessed that from the study title.
The only way to totally get rid of a UTI is with antibiotics. If youre experiencing symptoms, its best to get to the doctor quickly. Theyll test your urine, and if its indeed a UTI, youll get a weeklong course of antibiotics. Usually, your symptoms go away in a few days and you can enjoy pain-free peeing again. But you must continue your antibiotics until youve completed the prescription.
What Causes Bladder Infections
All urinary tract infections are the result of interactions between the infecting organism , the number of organisms that are present in the bladder, and the bodyâs ability to fight off the organism .
The most common way bacteria gain access to the urinary system from the outside is through the urethra .
- The most common source of bacteria that cause UTIs is stool.
- In women, the bacteria from the stool travel first to the vagina and then enter the urethra.
- Sometimes bacteria may enter the bladder via the urethra from nearby skin.
- In general, women are more susceptible to bladder infections due to their shorter length of the urethra.
- In the first year of life, boys have a higher risk of UTIs, but thereafter girls have a higher risk that persists in adulthood.
- Increasing age is a risk factor for UTIs.
In terms of specific bacteria, E. coli is by far the most common organism responsible for bladder infection or cystitis. Staphylococcal organisms and other gut bacteria are other bacteria that can cause cystitis and other forms of urinary infections. The type of organism causing the infection can vary with the individualâs age. For example, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, a skin bacteria, causes approximately 10% of symptomatic bladder infections in young sexually active women, whereas it rarely causes bladder infections in males and elderly individuals.
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Evidence Base For Tea Ingredients
Thyme Lagha et.al. discovered in 2019 that Thyme essential oil can be considered a good alternative to antibiotics in vitro.
Nettle Al-Sorchee et.al. discovered in 2016 that Nettle was between 50-100% effective at inhibiting UTI causing bacteria.
I could only find traditional references for the use of Marigold as it is an unusual choice but I prefer it to other more exotic plants for ecological reasons.
Neither has the demulcent effect of Marshmallow root been investigated by modern science.
Homeopathic Remedies For Bladder Infections
1. Cantharis : When the person experiences an acute pain due to the bladder infection along with a sudden urge to urinate but not able to urinate, this remedy is used.
2. Pulsatilla : This remedy is helpful when there is frequent pain along with a sudden urge to urinate and the bladder infection commence after getting the feet cold and wet.
3. Nux vomica : This remedy can be taken when there is a frequent urge to urinate and the urge never get fully satisfied, even after urination.
4. Sarsaparilla : This remedy is recommended when the person feels a burning pain while urinating, due to a bladder infection.
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Use Essential Oils With Caution
Oregano essential oil is well known for its strong antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that oregano oil can be very effective at killing E.coli, but it should be noted these studies are generally done in vitromeaning in a lab using scientific techniques, not performed in humans with infections. Lemongrass oil and clove oil may also be a home remedy for UTIs because of their antimicrobial properties, but both have been studied against harmful bacteria in similar experiments as Oregano oil.
Its important to take care before using essential oils as a treatment. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy advises against ingesting these oils. Instead, essential oils may be safely used topically with a carrier oil or inhaled from a diffuser.
Practice Good Sexual Hygiene
The also says that sexual intercourse introduces bacteria and other microbes from outside the body to the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce the number of bacteria that people can transfer during intercourse and other sexual acts.
Examples of good sexual hygiene include:
- urinating before and immediately after sex
- using barrier contraception, such as a condom
- washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
- washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal sex to vaginal sex
- ensuring that sexual partners are aware of any current or previous UTIs
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Home Remedies For Uti Cranberry Juice
Proanthocyanidins in cranberries can help you in preventing the bacteria from getting in touch with the walls of urethra causing UTI. In addition, the cranberry juice has a mild antibiotic affect, so it is very useful for preventing urinary tract infections from coming back again. To utilize the cranberry juice for preventing UTI infections, you can follow the following steps:
- Drink 1/2 glass of the unsweetened cranberry juice per day for preventing UTI infections.
- Drink about 3 to 4 glasses of the unsweetened cranberry juice per day for preventing the infection from causing the damage to kidneys.
Pay attention: people with kidney stones should not use this solution.
When To See A Doctor For A Uti
Always go to your primary care physician immediately if there is blood in the urine, if you have a fever, and/or low back pain with your UTI symptoms, Sajdak advises. UTIs can move fast, so its better to go sooner than later.
Although natural remedies can be beneficial for alleviating UTI symptoms and preventing recurrent UTIs, they may not be effective in treating the infection.
If symptoms still persist after three days then it is time to move on to antibiotics, says Ivy Branin, ND, a naturopathic doctor in New York City who specializes in womens health. I often recommend a patient to see their doctor for a UA and a prescription for antibiotics just in case and to fill it if they have no improvement after three days.
Leaving a UTI untreated can cause additional health problems. Bacteria can reach the ureters or kidneys and cause kidney infections. Untreated UTIs during pregnancy can also potentially cause early labor and low birth weight. Seeking treatment for UTI that isnt going awayor one that keeps coming backis always a good thing.
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Take An Epsom Salt Bath
Both Epsom salts and warm water can ease pain. This can help make the uncomfortable side effects of the kidney infection a little more tolerable while you wait for the antibiotics to take effect.
Since abdominal pain is sometimes a symptom of antibiotics, as well as kidney infections, Epsom salts could also help even after symptoms from the kidney infection are resolved.
How To Prevent Utis: Home Remedies That Work
Some home remedies for UTIs really do work, like drinking more water, changing your birth control method and using vaginal estrogen.
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Eating To Reduce Constipation
Sometimes constipation can place extra pressure on your bladder. You can prevent constipation by exercising regularly and including more fiber in your diet. Foods high in fiber include beans, whole-wheat breads, fruits, and vegetables.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends eating 2 tablespoons of a mixture of 1 cup of applesauce, 1 cup unprocessed wheat bran, and 3/4 cup of prune juice every morning to promote bowel regularity.
Best Remedies For Bladder Infections
About bladder infections
Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection . They can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and travel into the bladder.
The urethra is the tube that takes urine out of the body. Once bacteria go into the urethra, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly.
The resulting infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as the sudden urge to urinate. It may also cause pain while urinating and abdominal cramping.
A combination of medical and home treatments may ease these symptoms. If left untreated, bladder infections can become life-threatening. This is because the infection can spread to the kidneys or blood.
Here are seven effective bladder infection remedies.
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What Are Utis In Dogs
You assume a UTI means your dog has a urinary tract infection caused by a urinary pathogen or bacterial infection. But your dogs urinary tract disease might not be what it seems. Bladder issues often stem from inflammation with no bacteria causing them at all. In fact, many holistic vets say that UTI stands for urinary tract inflammation . This is important to help you treat bladder problems in your dog.
Home Remedies For Uti Indian Gooseberry
One of other home remedies for UTI infections is using Indian gooseberry. This herb is very rich in vitamin C that in turn can inhibit the development of bacteria. To utilize Indian gooseberry for treating urinary tract infections, you can follow the following steps:
- You take 1 cup of water.
- Then you add 1 tsp of the Indian gooseberry powder with 1 tsp of turmeric powder into this water.
- Then you boil this water till 1/2 water evaporates.
- You can drink this solution 3 times per day for 3 to 5 days.
- In addition, you can eat more fruits such as bananas, guava, lemons, oranges, kiwi, melon, tomatoes, papaya, and raspberries that are rich in vitamin C.
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Urinate When The Need Arises
Frequent urination puts pressure on bacteria in the urinary tract, which can help to clear them out.
It also reduces the amount of time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of them attaching and forming an infection.
Always urinate as soon as possible when the urge strikes to and treat UTIs.
What Are The Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections
An infection occurs in the urinary tract when bacteria enter the urethra and sets up camp there. Sometimes they will migrate from there to the bladder, causing further infection. If you dont get treated, the bacteria can even move on to the kidney. When we urinate, we often flush out the bacteria, but sometimes this bacterium can take root.
You really dont want this to happen, as it can turn quite serious and require a hospital stay, as well as lead to an even worse kidney or bladder infection. These bacteria usually come from the colon. Sometimes other tiny organisms that are sexually transmitted can also cause these kinds of infections.
Common causes of UTIs include:
- Improper wiping, or anything which spreads bacteria from the anus to the genitals
- Sexual intercourse
- Kidney stones or other obstructions of the urinary tract
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder, often due to spinal cord injuries or other conditions
- Suppressed immune systems, which can occur with HIV/AIDS or diabetes
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Will A Uti Go Away On Its Own
As with any infection, an otherwise healthy woman’s body is technically equipped to fight and resolve a UTI on its own. An estimated 25-42% of UTIs resolve without conventional treatment.
The problem arises when the infection becomes too rampant for the immune system to handle. If immunity is compromised in any way, or if the infection has been building for a while, then it’s time to bring in some extra help to fight those bad bacteria.
The trouble is, antibiotic-resistant UTIs are increasing. As the New York Times reported, one in three simple UTIs is now considered resistant to one of the most common antibiotics used to treat them, Bactrim. One in five is considered resistant to other commonly prescribed antibiotics.
How To Prevent A Uti From Striking Again
Sick of dealing with urinary tract infections? Really, the best “natural remedy” is simple: just prevent one from striking in the first place! Here’s how:
Drink cranberry juice
Although it has often been thought of as a treatment option, cranberry juice can only help as a preventative measure. Cranberry juice can be helpful in preventing UTIs by making the urine more acidic and preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, Dr. Sherry explains. An acidic environment in the urine makes bacterial build-up more difficult and reduces your chance of getting a UTI. But even with this information, studies have conflicting evidence about cranberries being a reliable source for prevention. So if youre prone to UTIs, it wont hurt to drink unsweetened cranberry juice. But its definitely not the UTI cure-all it has always been thought to be.
Practice good hygiene after sex and ask your partner to, too
Overall health with increased water intake and exercise is the best way to improve health and help with decreasing UTIs, Dr. Shepherd shares. This includes good hygiene and being diligent about cleaning all of your lady parts. And make sure your partner does, too. Bacteria from sexual intercourse is one of the most common ways women can get a UTI, Dr. Shepherd explains.
Limit antibiotic use
Avoid feminine hygiene products with scents and chemicals
Wipe front to back
Stay hydrated
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