Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, occur when the bacteria present in the urinary tract are pushed back into the kidney, bladder, or urethra. Urinary tract infections mostly affect females. It can be really painful and irritating if not treated properly, and if not treated at all, it can spread to the kidneys (leading to kidney pain or infection). There are several home remedies for a UTI that prevent the infection from getting worse. Generally, plenty of water and a good antioxidant should heal your UTI in just 2–4 days. However, if the problem persists, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection
The diagnosis of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually something you can detect very early on. Common UTI symptoms include; Frequent urge to urinate and pain or a burning sensation while urinating (dysuria). Sometimes you may also feel pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or back.
In case you are feeling the above, we strongly recommend starting the home remedies right now by drinking plenty of water and running to the supermarket to supply yourself with the necessary before the symptoms get worse.
Other symptoms that may occur are cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine, feeling tired or shaky and occasionally some people might get a small fever or chills (indicating a possible kidney infection).
A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to check for signs of infection or tenderness in the abdomen or back and take a urine sample analysis, which includes:
- Urinalysis: This involves examining a urine sample for signs of infection, such as the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, and abnormal pH levels.
- Urine Culture: If a UTI is suspected, a urine culture may be performed to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
UTI mainly occurs due to the following reasons:
- Cystitis: It is one of the most common causes of UTI. It mainly happens due to sexual intercourse when the harmful bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract cause infection in the bladder. Though, sometimes, females can also develop cystitis without having intercourse.
- Urethritis: When harmful bacteria are pushed back into the urethra, urethritis occurs.
- Pregnancy;
- Kidney stones;
- Diabetes;
- Menopause;
- Waiting too long to urinate.
When to See a Doctor With Bladder Infections
Seek medical attention for a bladder infection if:
- Symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment.
- You have a fever, chills, or blood in your urine.
- You experience recurrent infections (more than three in a year).
- You have a history of kidney stones, diabetes, or other underlying medical conditions.
- You’re pregnant, as untreated UTIs during pregnancy can be risky.
- You have pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
Prompt medical evaluation can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
Best Natural Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
Increasing water intake and consuming cranberry products, like cranberry juice or supplements, are the most recommended practices of a holistic approach to UTI management and prevention.
Please be aware that regular supermarket cranberry juice may not be effective in preventing or treating UTIs, as they often contain added sugars that can negate the beneficial properties of cranberries. It’s advisable to choose pure cranberry products and avoid sugary drinks during this time. Trust that your body has the ability to heal, and with the right measures, you should see improvement within 2-4 days.
How to deal with frequent urinary tract infection?
If you find yourself frequently dealing with urinary tract infections, it’s possible that improper hygiene practices may contribute to the issue. It’s essential to maintain good hygiene habits, which include ensuring both partners clean their genital areas before engaging in sexual activity. Additionally, urinating both before and after sex can help flush out any potential bacteria. Avoiding prolonged periods of holding in urine, when possible, is advisable. Lastly, never wearing damp or humid underwear is crucial in reducing the risk of UTIs.
It’s important to keep you water intake very high when you feel a UTI might be coming up. You may consider having melissa essential oil on hand to add some drops to your water. Melissa essential oil, derived from the lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis), is believed by some to possess antioxidant properties that can be beneficial for health.
How To Avoid UTI
When dealing with frequent bladder infections, it’s essential to adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. Here are some key practices to keep in mind to help prevent bladder infections:
- Urinate Before and After Sexual Intercourse: Emptying the bladder both before and after sexual activity can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during intercourse.
- Proper Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene practices when using the toilet. Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the urethra.
- Dry and Clean Underwear: Avoid wearing damp or humid underwear, as moisture can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Choose breathable, cotton underwear and change it regularly.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with water. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria and keeps the urinary tract healthy. Limit sugary drinks and excessive coffee consumption, as they can irritate the bladder.
- Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotics into your daily routine. Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut and potentially support urinary tract health.
- Garlic: Some people believe that garlic cloves may have antibacterial properties. Including garlic in your diet or as a supplement may be considered for its potential health benefits.
It’s important to note that while these practices may reduce the risk of bladder infections, they may not be effective for everyone. If you continue to experience frequent bladder infections, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
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Bladder Infection Home Remedies
1. Baking Soda For Everything
Baking soda is one of the most effective home treatments for UTIs. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and wash the opening of the urethra with this solution. It helps to neutralize the acid content present in the urine, thereby, removing the infection.
2. As Mentioned, Drink Plenty of Water
Drink lots of water as it will flush out all the harmful toxins and bacteria from the body, resulting in fast removal of the infection.
3. Cranberry Juice For Urinary Tract Infection
Also mentioned above, this is the most common home treatment to cure UTI. Drink cranberry juice as it works great and does not allow the bacteria to remain in the urinary tract. Make sure to always drink pure cranberry juice, avoiding anything with added sugar or from a concentrated source.
4. Apply Heating Pad
This is an excellent home remedy for UTI pain. You can place a hot water bottle or heating pad over your abdomen to help soothe the pain caused due to an infection.
5. Have Pineapple
The enzyme, known as Bromelain, is found in pineapple. This enzyme imparts anti-inflammatory properties to this fruit and is helpful in trimming down UTI symptoms. Either eat a cup of fresh pineapple or drink the juice of half a pineapple on the daily basis. Avoid using the canned version.
6. Blueberry Juice
Drink blueberry juice (without adding artificial sweetener) or have some blueberries early in the morning. Blueberries have plenty of anti-oxidant just like cranberries and are a good home remedy for UTI.
7. Try Aromatherapy
This is also one of the best natural remedies for UTIs. As mentioned above having Melissa essential oil nearby might be a real lifesaver before the infection takes a toll. You can also take some sandalwood oil, bergamot oil, tea tree oil, juniper oil, and frankincense, and mix them well. Now, apply this mixture to the areas closer to the bladder. This process should be repeated for about 3-4 days to eliminate the symptoms.
8. Try Fruit Juices
You can also have lemon juice, carrot juice, or coconut water to eliminate harmful bacteria from the body. Sugarcane juice also works wonders in order to control and prevent a urinary tract infection. Coconut water is also available in most parts of tropical countries.
9. Radish Juice
Drink a cup of radish juice on a regular basis to get relief from the UTI.
10. Are bananas good for urinary tract infection?
Take out the juice of the banana stem and drink it to get rid of the urinary tract infection. Banana stem is considered a natural diuretic, which means it may help increase urine production. This can aid in flushing out bacteria and toxins from the urinary tract, potentially reducing the risk of UTIs.
11. Eat vitamin C Rich Fruits
Have fruits with a high content of Vitamin C, such as oranges, guavas, kiwis, melons, raspberries, and tomatoes. Vitamin C helps to kill the bacteria present in the urinary tract.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar also helps to flush out the bacteria accumulated in the urinary tract. Take a glass of water and add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to it. You can also add some honey and lemon juice to it. Drink it twice a day.
13. Cod Liver Oil Supplements
You can take cod liver oil supplements in order to fight against UTI. Cod liver oil also helps to boost the immune system while making the body strong to fight off any type of bacteria or viruses.
14. Blue Brinjal (eggplant) Leaves
Boil some blue brinjal leaves in water, and consume them at least 2 times a day. This is an excellent natural treatment for urinary tract infections. In general terms, brinjal is commonly known as eggplant.
15. Lotus Petals & Rose Petals
Boil some lotus petals and pink rose petals for some time. Strain, and then drink this concoction at least thrice a day in order to cure a urinary tract infection.
16. Coriander
Take 3 tablespoons of powdered coriander and mix it with 1 tablespoon of powdered rock candy in 3 cups of water. Leave it overnight. Drink a cup of this water the next day, at least thrice a day. This is a good remedy to treat the infection of the urinary tract.
17. Barley Water
Add one teaspoon of roasted barley water and ½ teaspoon of unrefined sugar (or powdered rock candy) into a cup of water. Drink this mixture twice a day. This combination is an excellent diuretic and a perfect cure for UTI.
18. Indian Gooseberry
Take 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry powder with a glass of water every morning before eating breakfast. It is a tested remedy for UTIs.
If not, mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and Indian gooseberry powder in a cup of water. Boil it until the water reduces to half. Drink the residue thrice a day for 3-5 days.
Over the Counter Medicine and Antibiotics for Bladder Infection
It’s important to note that antibiotics should not be taken lightly, and it’s generally better to explore natural remedies as a first step. When dealing with a potential bladder infection, you can try natural remedies, such as the ones above. If your symptoms persist for longer than 4 days or worsen, or if you suspect a kidney infection, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your condition, and if necessary, prescribe antibiotics. Responsible antibiotic use is essential to combat antibiotic resistance.
Commonly prescribed antibiotics for uncomplicated bladder infections include:
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
In case you are looking for over-the-Counter Options for Bladder Infection Symptoms you’ll find:
- Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help alleviate discomfort and reduce fever associated with a bladder infection. Follow the recommended dosages and guidelines on the packaging.
- Urinary Analgesics: Some OTC urinary analgesics (e.g., phenazopyridine) can help relieve the burning or pain during urination associated with a bladder infection. These medications are not antibiotics and do not treat the infection itself but provide symptom relief. Use them as directed and only for a short duration.
Herbal Remedies for bladder infections
There are several herbal remedies, which are also used to cure a urinary tract infections:
1. Uva Ursi: this herb contains a compound, known as arbutin, which kills the bacteria present in the lining of the urinary passage. It also helps in stimulating urination.
Note: Children, nursing or pregnant women, and people with liver or kidney disease should not take this herb.
2. Horsetail is a good diuretic, which aids in the proper urine flow as well as stops bleeding during urinary tract infections.
3. Echinacea works as a natural antibiotic. Therefore, it helps to fight against the viruses and bacteria that are the main cause of infection in the urinary tract.
4. Parsley seeds are also helpful in treating urinary tract infection as it reduces the inflammation and pain caused due to UTI.
5. Mullein: another effective herb for treating the inflammation caused due to the UTI is Mullein.
6. Horseradish is a natural antibiotic, which is good for controlling the infection of the urinary tract.
7. Goldenseal: the compound berberine found in this herb stops bacteria from sticking to the urethra walls.
Homeopathic UTI Treatment
1. Aconitum apellus : this remedy is useful when there is a feeling of anxiousness both before and while urinating. It is also good for UTI-burning relief.
2. Belladonna: if there is a frequent feeling of urination along with cramps in the area of the bladder, accompanied by a very small amount of colored urine, this remedy is helpful.
3. Apis mellifica: this remedy can be taken if there is a frequent urge to urinate along with a burning sensation and soreness in the abdominal area.
4. Borax: this remedy is helpful to treat acute cystitis accompanied by pain in the bladder as well as urinary opening.
5. Chimaphila umbellata: if a person has to strain a lot in order to pass the urine, along with a scalding sensation, this remedy works well.
6. Staphysagria: this remedy is quite useful for women if cystitis occurs due to sexual activity. This condition may be accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the bladder even after urinating.
Apart from these, you can try some other homeopathic treatments, like Berberis Vulgaris, cantharis, clematis, lycopodium, equisetum, nux vomica, sepia, and sarsaparilla.
Preventive Measures for Urinary Tract Infections
- Drink lots of water.
- Urinate immediately every time you have sexual intercourse with your partner.
- Don’t hold back urine as it may also cause the bacteria to stick.
- Wear cotton panties.
- Have a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Avoid bathing in a bathtub as it may provide a site for the bacteria to grow;
- Avoid douching and scented pads.
- After using the toilet, always wipe in the direction of front to back as this may avoid any germs from getting into the urethral opening.
- Wash your hands properly every time you use the toilet.
- Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks when you are suffering from a UTI.
Conclusion
Have you ever had a urinary tract infection? If you have, you probably know how frustrating they can be especially if they keep coming back. Antibiotics are definitely able to do their job. However, these home remedies will be a huge help for you. Say goodbye to burning, and frequent urination with other unpleasant symptoms. Fight bacteria out of your system by following these methods. Make sure to keep your body healthy!
Going to the hospital and having regular check-ups with the doctor is the best option when it comes to your health concerns and overall wellness. But instances like distance, availability, and schedule can affect your appointments. So, one of the better alternatives is to try doing it in your own home. Learn and discover more about it on our website.