Burning and pain, while urination along with increased frequency and urgency to pass urine, is a clear sign of Urinary tract infection. After respiratory tract infection, it is the second most common infection.
UTI may be defined as an infection that involves ureter, bladder, urethra or kidneys. This means it may involve any structure of the urinary tract through which urine pass and is eliminated from the body. In the case, of upper urinary tract infection that involves kidney and ureter, along with above-mentioned symptoms nausea, vomiting, fever and chills may also be present. However, UTI commonly affects the bladder or urethra and is easily treatable.
The symptoms of UTI are almost similar in both males and females except that males may have pain in the rectum and females around the pubic bone.
The causative agent behind UTI is bacteria (commonly E.coli) infesting urinary tract and bladder. Usually, these bacteria live around the anus and colon and enter the urinary tract through the bloodstream or more commonly urethra.
In comparison to males, adult females are more at the risk of acquiring it. The reason behind is that the urethra of the females is short and thus bacteria have quick access to the bladder through it.
The risk factors of UTI include:
- Holding urine for long
- Pregnancy
- Intercourse
- Poor hygiene
- Bowel problems
- Use of diaphragms
- Recurrent UTI may also be a sign of diabetes and kidney stones.
Usually in a week or so the symptoms of UTI subsides. But to ease the pain, discomfort and quick the recovery your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and painkillers. But, simple home remedies can also treat this condition effectively without taking antibiotics. In this article, we will discuss the usefulness of home remedies for UTI.
7 Natural solutions to get rid of a UTI
- Increase your water intake– No doubt the most effective home remedy for UTI is water. It flushes out the toxins and bacteria out of the urinary tract. This, in turn, eliminates the infection fast. Also, if you are drinking more water your urine gets diluted and urination becomes less painful and may not burn. Aim for 10 to 12 glasses of water per day.
Along with increasing your water intake better avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and soda as they may irritate your bladder and increase your problem.
- 2. Cranberry juice– It is one of the best among all home remedies for UTI. Cranberries contain a compound known as proanthocyanidins. This compound is known to stop the UTI causing bacteria that are trying to reach and cross the urethral walls. Also, cranberry acts as a natural antibiotic
If you are suffering from UTI drink about 4 glasses of cranberry juice daily. This will not only treat your condition, but also prevent the damage to the kidneys.
If you suffer from recurrent UTI better make a habit of drinking a half glass of cranberry juice daily.
Do remember not to add sugar or any other artificial sweetener to the juice or its effectiveness will be reduced. If you find its taste disagreeable you may add apple juice to it.
* Patients with a history of kidney stones should avoid it.
- Apple cider vinegar– Apple cider vinegar acts as a natural antibiotic. It contains potassium, certain enzymes, and minerals that render it an antibacterial property. Thus, apple cider vinegar restricts the growth of bacteria and kills them.
Take a glass of water and add 4 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to it. Also, add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of lime juice to make it taste agreeably. Mix well and drink this solution 2 times in a day for a week.
- Baking soda- Due to its alkaline nature, baking soda neutralizes the urine. This property of baking soda makes it a very effective natural solution to get rid of a UTI. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and drink it empty stomach in the morning. Repeat this for a week or so and you will find relief in burning and pain while urinating.
- Vitamin C– Load your diet with vitamin C. Rich sources of vitamin C are guava, Indian gooseberries, strawberry, broccoli, dark green vegetables, and citrus fruits. Vitamin C will make your urine acidic and this will prevent and restrict the growth of bacteria. Indian gooseberry will be the best choice among all sources of vitamin C. You may eat it either raw or boiled or extract its juice.
- Blueberries– The bacteria inhibiting property of blueberries make it an effective home remedy for UTI. Add a handful of fresh blueberry to your diet or drink a glass of its juice 2 times in a day.
- Hot compress– To relieve the pain in the abdominal region due to UTI, your doctor may prescribe you painkillers. But we have a natural and totally safe as well as equally effective solution for you. Why not try hot compress. You can use heating pads for this purpose which are easily available at the drug stores. You just need to put them across the back or abdomen. This will relieve the dull aching pain caused due to infection of the urinary tract. Before using the heating pads better follow the instructions written on the package. In the case, you do not get the heating pad soak a towel in hot water, strain it and place it over the abdomen or back.
To avoid recurrent infections you must take following preventive measures:
- Drinking lots of water
- Maintaining vaginal hygiene
- Urinate before and after sex
- Emptying the bladder frequently
- Avoid public toilets
- Avoid spermicidal contraceptives
- Avoid tampons
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid tight clothing
- Wipe anus forward to back.
Dear readers, I hope after reading this article you have acknowledged that antibiotics are not the only way to get rid of a UTI.
We hope you find this article helpful. If you have any queries regarding home remedies for UTI do let us know.
