10 Home Remedies For UTIs (Urinary Tract Infection)

What is UTI?

A UTI is an infection that affects your urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters. UTIs happen when bacteria, usually from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra. You can get an infection along any part of the urinary tract, but bladder infections are the most common. While most of the UTIs are caused by bacteria, it can also be caused by fungi.

UTI Symptoms

Some common symptoms of UTI include:

1. Cloudy or dark urine

2. Pain in the pelvic area

3. Frequent urination

4. Foul-smelling urine

5. A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

6. Burning sensation when peeing

Home remedies for UTI

UTIs are more common under warm weather, and learning about its home remedies will keep your summer health in check. Here are the 10 most well-known home remedies for UTI that you can consider:

1. Increase intake of food rich in vitamin C

Some studies suggest that increasing the intake of vitamin C can help prevent and manage UTIs. Apart from boosting immunity, vitamin C turns urine more acidic, making it capable of killing infection-causing bacteria. Natural sources of vitamin C-rich foods include watermelon, orange, mango, strawberries, tomatoes, etc.

2. Drink plenty of water/ fluids

Staying hydrated and meeting your fluid needs is one of the best home remedies for UTIs. Make sure you drink sufficient water throughout the day as dehydration is linked to increased risk of UTIs. This is because frequent urination can help flush out the bacteria from urinary tract to prevent infection. When you don’t urinate frequently, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

3. Probiotics

Studies suggest that probiotics may reduce the risk of UTIs as it produces hydrogen peroxide in urine and lowers its pH. They are also beneficial for restoring gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment. Probiotics are found in various food sources, such as kefir, yoghurt, kimchi, etc.

4. Garlic

Garlic is one of the most easily available natural remedies under “How to treat a UTI at home?”. It contains a compound called Allicin which has a variety of antimicrobial activities and which has also shown strong antibacterial effects against UTI-causing bacteria, such as E. Coli.

5. D-Mannose

This is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Studies suggest that it can prevent certain bacteria from sticking to the wall of urinary tract and hence is effective in treating UTIs & decreases its recurrence. This is a natural supplement available in capsule form.

6. Cranberry juice

One of the best natural remedies under “How to treat a UTI at home?” is to drink unsweetened cranberry juice. It helps in preventing harmful bacteria from adhering to urinary tract lining. However, do note that cranberry juice with added sugar will not have the same effects as compared to its unsweetened form.

7. Stay clean and dry

Wearing tight & nylon material clothes can be problematic because it can trap moisture which allows bacteria to grow.

8. Maintain personal hygiene

Maintaining self-hygiene and cleanliness can lower the risk of developing UTIs. This includes practising safe sex, urinating before and after intercourse, avoiding holding urine for long periods, etc.

9. Clove oil

One of the most common home remedies for UTI is clove oil. It is said to have prominent antibacterial effects that may help kill UTI-causing bacteria such as E. Coli. Clove oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate pain associated with the infection.

10. Avoid eating bladder irritant food products

When you have UTI, intake of caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, nicotine, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners can irritate your bladder further, making it harder for your body to heal.

These are the 10 home remedies for UTI that you can consider. However, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before following opting for any of them.

Other Tips for Managing UTIs

The following are some tips for managing UTIs and preventing reoccurrence —

1. Empty your bladder often:

Make it a point to urinate every few hours. This helps flush out harmful bacteria and prevents them from multiplying.

2. Wipe from front to back:

After using the restroom, you must wipe from front to back to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urethra. This small precautionary measure can prevent UTIs caused by bacteria found in the intestines and around the anus.

3. Use a heating pad:

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort due to UTI, applying a heating pad or hot water bag to your abdomen can help relieve symptoms and alleviate bladder pressure.

4. Take the prescribed medicines:

If your healthcare provider has prescribed medicines, make sure you follow the dosage and duration. Most importantly, you must complete the full course of antibiotics even if you start feeling better.

5. Change your birth control method:

Some birth control methods promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the urethra. Hence, if you experience frequent UTIs and you think your birth control method may be a reason, talk to your doctor about this to find an alternative way.

When to Consult a Doctor?

While above listed natural remedies may help, it’s important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI as they can diagnose it and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. When left untreated, UTIs have a risk of severe complications, including spreading to your kidneys.

Conclusion

UTIs are a common and frustrating problem, particularly if they keep recurring. Home remedies can help prevent UTIs, but they can’t always completely eliminate the bacteria causing your infection. If you’re trying home remedies but still have symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional to avoid any complications.

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Source: Healthline, MedicalNewsToday

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on April 24, 2023