Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection
"Nature itself is the best physician"- Hippocrates.
Have you ever felt pain or discomfort during urination? Yes, it is the right time to take a step to protect your urinary tract. Urinary tract infections are very common among people due to various reasons. Individuals are often unaware of the symptoms and feel hesitant to speak about them. Even though antibiotics are effective against the harmful microbes that affect our urinary tract, they also affect the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which leads to digestive problems. To overcome these, natural home remedies help tackle UTI symptoms without causing any side effects. Come, let's learn more about home remedies for urinary tract infections (UTI).
UTIs: The Unwelcome Disruptors of Urinary Harmony
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of our urinary system, such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually caused by infectious bacteria that affect both the upper and lower urinary tract, leading to undesirable symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and painful or bloody urination.
Urinary tract infections are most common among both men and women; each year, over 150 million people are affected by UTIs worldwide. So, it is important to take proactive steps against the prevalent infection which affects our urinary system.
Unlocking Urinary Wellness: 10 Home Remedies For UTI
Urinary tract infection and its symptoms can be tackled in the following natural ways, which are given below:
1. Drink plenty of water: Water is the best natural source that helps flush out harmful bacteria from the body. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily will help you recover from a UTI. It not only helps you flush out the bacteria but also compensates for the loss due to vomiting (UTI symptoms).
2. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon or Vacinnium oxycoccus): Cranberry juice is a traditionally used home remedy for UTI. The antibacterial properties of cranberry help to fight the bacteria and prevent the symptoms caused by UTI. It helps to balance the pH of the urine and reduce the discomfort during urination. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada recommended cranberry products to reduce the recurrence of UTIs.
3. Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps prevent bacteria by increasing the acidity of urine. Eat a vitamin C-rich diet like red or yellow bell peppers, citrus fruits, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, spinach, leeks, chives, and tomatoes to reduce bacterial infection during UTI.
4. Garlic (Allium sativum): Garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties in most cases. It helps to reduce the frequency and pain during urination. Including garlic in your diet can help fight the bacteria in the urinary tract and also reduce the recurrence of UTIs.
5. Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help to promote the health of the body and also prevent the infection of harmful bacteria. Lactobacilli are probiotics that are effective in preventing UTIs. Yogurt or kerfir are rich in probiotics. You can also take a probiotics supplement, which helps prevent the growth of harmful gut bacteria.
6. Pineapple: Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce UTI symptoms. It is recommended to take at least one cup of pineapple juice to overcome the urinary tract infection. Consuming pineapple can help reduce the blood in the urine (hematuria), which UTI causes.
7. Dandelion (Taraxacum): Dandelion is a herb used to increase urine (diuretics), flush out bacteria, and relieve symptoms. It is also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The dried leaf and root parts are used in tea or coffee to improve the immune system.
8. Baking soda: Baking soda helps to relieve pain and neutralizes acidic urine. It also used to prevent the spreading of bacteria. Take a glass of water, mix one spoonful of baking soda, and drink once or twice a day. This helps to prevent the symptoms of UTI and also the recurrence.
9. Heat pads: Heating pads are used to reduce abdominal pain during UTI. If you're using an electric heat pad, it is essential to be cautious and avoid prolonged placement or sleeping.
10. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, which help to fight against infectious bacteria. Mix approximately 10 drops of tea tree oil with the water and use it to wash the urethra openings. This will help to fight the bacteria in the urinary tract and reduce the pain associated with the UTI.
Do's And Don'ts For UTIs
Do's
- Drink plenty of water
- Clean your gentile area daily
- Wear loss-fit clothes (breathable for the skin)
- Keep the blood sugar under control
- Use a clean toilet
- Maintain hygiene during menstruation
Don'ts
- Avoid holding the urine for a long period
- Avoid or limit alcohol consumption and smoking
- Avoid using scented products (soap or spray) in the intimate area
- Don't vigorously clean your genital area (it may cause damage to the skin and cause infection)
- Avoid constipation (constipation can raise the risk of UTI)
When To Call The Doctor
It is crucial to consult a doctor if you have persistent symptoms of UTI. Neglecting its symptoms poses the risk of severe complications, like spread of infection to the kidneys. You should consult your doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms.
- Have a high body temperature
- Feeling drowsy
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Blood in urine
- Persistent vomiting
- Shaking or chillness
EndNotes
Even though the above home remedies can treat urinary tract infections, it is crucial to seek your doctor at the right time before they become serious health issues like kidney disorders. Urinary tract infections can be prevented very early when we follow a proper diet and hygienic practices. Many people are unaware of the impact of UTIs and proper management, which leads to an increase in the number of UTI victims. Let's promote awareness about UTIs and effective ways to handle and address them.
