Approximately 150 million people around the globe are affected by urinary tract infections. Living with Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be extremely uncomfortable and irritable, but fortunately, there are some relief treatments. Taking antibiotics prescribed by doctors is the standard and effective treatment option for UTIs, but many easy home remedies can also help prevent symptoms of UTIs. These home remedies can support infection recovery and better deal with those potential UTI symptoms. Let’s directly read the article to learn about the best home remedies for UTI that can provide some temporary relief along with permanent treatment options and measures to prevent it.
Glance At The Topic:
- Urinary tract infection caused by bacteria is more common in the female population compared to the male population.
- Some at-home treatments are effective in preventing symptoms of UTIs like drinking a lot of water, taking vitamin C, having cranberry juice, etc.
- But, for an effective, safe, and permanent solution, antibiotic treatment is the only option.
- Along with treatment, preventive measures are a must to prevent the occurrence of UTIs in the future.
What Is UTI?
Before knowing the home remedies, let’s have a basic understanding of UTI. Well, UTI is a common infection in parts of the urinary system. This kind of infection generally begins in the lower part of the urinary tract where the bladder (that stores urine) and urethra (that releases urine from the bladder) are found. The main causes of UTIs are bacteria that grow in large numbers in the bladder. Though everyone is affected by UTI in their life, women are more prone to it compared to men, a study says. This is because the size of the urethra of women is shorter as compared to that of men. A shorter urethra eases the access of bacteria to the bladder.
Moreover, as the urethral opening is near the anus and vagina, which are also the origin of some bacteria, the chances of infection in females are high. The symptoms associated with urinary tract infections are frequent urination, pain or burning sensation during urination, blood in urine, abnormal urine color, strong or foul urine smell, and abdominal cramps. Sometimes, the infection might also affect kidneys and ureters.
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Did You Know? Bacteria contribute to nearly 95% of Urinary Tract infections (UTI), but sometimes fungi also play a role in causing infection. |
What are the Home Remedies for UTI?
Though antibiotic treatment is effective for UTIs, various home remedies can help prevent infections and lower the chance of recurrence. The following are the common home remedies for UTI:
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
One of the most natural home remedies for UTI is drinking plenty of water. Research says eliminating bacteria from the urinary tract depends on the flow of urine and the frequency of emptying the bladder. Having a lot of water causes regular urination which can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract, thus, preventing infection. It is recommended to have around 8 glasses of water in a day. If you do not enjoy plain water, try mixing some citrus to add flavor and boost the amount of vitamin C. Also, discuss the beverages with your doctors that will be suitable to prevent the recurrence of UTI.
Note: Do not consume alcoholic or caffeine-rich drinks as they can worsen the symptoms associated with UTI.
2. Take Vitamin C:
Emerging as one of the best home remedies for UTI in women, vitamin C can help the body fight against urinary tract infections. How? Vitamin C raises the acidic level of urine, providing antibacterial properties to urine. As per one research, women who took 100 milligrams of vitamin C during pregnancy have less chance of developing UTIs than those who don’t. To use vitamin C for UTI treatment at home, consult the doctors to know how much is enough. Another best way to boost your vitamin C intake is by including vitamin C-rich foods in your daily diet like citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli, and kiwi.
3. Take Probiotics
Do you know that probiotics nourish the healthy bacteria in the gut? The role of good bacteria is to maintain the natural flora of the body and improve resistance against harmful bacteria. A study says that strains of probiotics like Lactobacillus benefit in reducing the risk of UTI in adult women. This is how probiotics act as the best home remedies for UTI in women. Want to know where you can get probiotics? The following foods are the greatest sources of probiotics:
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Cottage cheese
- Tempeh
- Miso soup
4. Have Cranberry
The chemical compounds found in cranberries can stop bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining. Some studies state that cranberry juices can lower the risk of UTI. How much quantity of cranberry juice would you say is helpful? Well, for women, it is recommended, in general, to drink one 8 ounce of cranberry juice every day. Always check the packaging to make sure the product is real cranberry juice. Moreover, closely look for a brand that has low-sugar content.
5. Eat Garlic
Garlic is one of the most potent home remedies for male UTI. It has antimicrobial effects which help eliminate the bacteria responsible for UTI. In addition, it restores the functioning of the urinary system healthily. Moreover, garlic lowers the frequency of UTIs and also prevents pain while urinating. You can add garlic to your everyday diet in a raw form or have garlic supplements for quick relief from symptoms associated with UTI.
6. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Well, apple cider vinegar is known as a great source of potassium, enzymes, and many beneficial minerals. All these compounds play a major role in eliminating bacteria that are responsible for increasing or multiplying UTIs. How to use apple cider vinegar to prevent the infection? So, you can add 2 tablespoons of it to one glass of water. If you want, you can mix some honey for sweetness and lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Mix the ingredients well and sip it twice for a couple of days.
7. Apply Heating Pads
Looking for home remedies for UTI pain? Well, pelvic pain is a common symptom of urinary tract infection. Heating pads can be the easiest and quickest remedy for relieving pain as they help provide soothing effects. Apply the heating pad to the lower area of the abdomen and on your back for around 15 minutes. Do not overheat the pad and avoid touching the pad directly to the skin as it can burn or damage the skin.
8. Try Coconut Oil
Though coconut oil can not be utilized to treat internal symptoms of UTIs, it works excellently for external ones. Coconut oil helps relieve the burning sensation and also allows the swelling to decrease. Moreover, it can alleviate viruses and bacteria, causing infection. But, before you apply this oil directly on the skin, please make sure you are not allergic to it. To do so, apply 2 to 3 drops on your forearms to see any allergic reaction.
9. Have Fruit Juices
If your kid is above 6 months of age, pineapple, cranberry, and blueberry juices are the perfect home remedies for UTI in kids. These nutritious fruits inhibit the multiplication and growth of bacteria that cause infection in the urinary tract. But, always seek help from a licensed pediatrician before giving any of these juices to your child. Moreover, dilute the fruit juices as some of the juices can increase the acidic level of urine.
10. Eat Cucumber
The alkaline-forming minerals in cucumber contribute to the hindrance of bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Also, being a diuretic, cucumber prevents the buildup of fluid in the body and removes water through urination. Thus, through frequent urination, it helps flush out infection-causing bacteria. Moreover, cucumber emerges as one of the finest home remedies for UTI symptoms as it has anti-inflammatory properties, providing benefits in reducing pain and inflammation caused by urinary tract infections.
What Is The Fastest Way To Flush A UTI?
If a healthy person experiences mild symptoms and no recurring UTI, treatment without antibiotics can be possible. However, experts suggest antibiotics to avoid potential risks like the spreading of infection to other body parts like the bloodstream or kidney. Though this case is rare, it can be harmful to the overall health. So, if you notice any of the symptoms of UTI that last for several days, consult the medical professionals.
Doctors will help prescribe antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim (Bactrim), Fosfomycin (Monurol), Cephalexin, Ceftriaxone, etc. These medications treat UTIs within a few days, helping you feel better. But, make sure to take the dosage as instructed by the healthcare providers. Overdosing of these antibiotics can lead to mild side effects such as skin rashes, diarrhea, and nausea. So, if your UTIs keep occurring back, antibiotics are the most effective, safe, and fastest urinary tract infection treatment.
What Are The Preventive Measures For UTIs?
Rather than only treating urinary tract infections, you can consider some preventive measures to prevent them from occurring in the future. The following are some tips that can help avoid UTIs.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day which can help flush out harmful bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Urinate when you have an urge as holding the urine can give rise to bacterial growth in the urinary tract.
- Wipe your genital area from the front side to the back side after defecating and urinating.
- Frequently change your pads and tampons during periods.
- Never use highly fragrance products in your genital area as they can irritate or upset your urethra.
- Immediately urinate after sex as it helps remove harmful bacteria.
- Stop wearing tight underwear as moisture can trap around your urethra and can irritate it. So, better to wear breathable, cotton-made underwear.
- Avoid using spermicide condoms and diaphragms when struggling with UTIs.
- Don’t consume foods and beverages that can upset your bladder. Those may include spicy foods, carbonated drinks, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol.
Summing Up
This article provides home remedies for UTI. We learn urinary tract infections are common issues in women, males, and even kids. But, they can be frustrating and bothersome, especially when the infection keeps occurring back. Though home remedies can help prevent the symptoms associated with UTIs, they can not permanently kill the infection-causing bacteria. So, if you still experience some symptoms even after trying the home remedies mentioned in this article, schedule an appointment with the best doctor in your location. They will help you with the antibiotic treatment that is most effective and safe, avoiding complications in the future.
