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If you’ve ever experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how uncomfortable and painful it can be. UTIs are commonly treated in a healthcare professional’s office. But you can provide some relief to it through holistic care and natural home remedies for urine infections.
Some of the most effective natural home remedies for urine infection include applying a warm compress, taking Vitamin C, cranberry juice, probiotics, garlic, and apple cider vinegar, having a vinegar bath and using baking soda, consuming herbal medicine, taking a proper diet, and practicing good self-care.
Natural Home Remedies for UTI
UTIs are common bacterial infections that can affect anyone, but infections in women are more common. The good news is, there are home remedies and natural products that can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
Here are some simple and effective ways to treat bladder infections in women and men and symptoms such as cloudy urine, pelvic pain, and burning sensation without relying solely on antibiotics that you can do at home:
1. Warm Compress
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Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your lower abdomen can help relieve bladder infection pain and symptoms. The warmth can soothe abdominal pain, inflammation, and promote relaxation. Just make sure the compress isn’t too hot to avoid burning your skin.
2. Vitamin C
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Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that offers numerous health benefits. When it comes to bladder infections, Vitamin C intake can be beneficial in various ways:
– Acidic Urine Production: Vitamin C has the ability to make your urine more acidic. This increased acidity creates an unfavorable environment for E. Coli bacteria to grow and thrive in the urinary tract. Acidic urine effectively inhibits the growth and spread of harmful bacteria, helping to alleviate UTI symptoms.
– Enhanced Immune Response: UTIs occur when bad bacteria, like E. coli strains, enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. Vitamin C boosts your immune system’s response, enabling your body to fight off infection more effectively.
– Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Inflammation is a common symptom of UTIs and can cause discomfort and pain. Vitamin C possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the urinary tract, providing relief from these symptoms.
3. Cranberry
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Cranberry is a natural home remedy that can help treat urinary tract infection in children and adults. It has been used for many years to help prevent and alleviate the symptoms of UTIs.
One of the key ways how cranberry helps with UTIs is through its inhibitory activity against uroepithelial cells. Uroepithelial bladder cells line the urinary tract and can be a target for infection-causing bacteria. Cranberry contains special compounds that prevent these bacteria from attaching to the uroepithelial cells, making it harder for them to cause an infection. This inhibitory activity and antiadhesive activity is one of the reasons why cranberry is so effective in fighting uroepithelial cells.
Cranberry extracts can also help prevent the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are communities of bacteria that stick together, making them more resistant to treatment. Cranberry contains bioactive compounds that can disrupt the formation of these biofilms, making it easier for the body to eliminate the infection.
The cranberry group is available in different forms of OTC treatment, including the consumption of cranberry juice and cranberry supplements. Both forms can be effective in treating and preventing UTIs. Choose unsweetened cranberry juice cocktail or cranberry capsules to get the full benefits of the extracts from cranberry without any added sugars.
4. Probiotics
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Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are good for your health, and they can help keep your urinary tract healthy too.
One group of probiotics called Lactobacillus is especially helpful in preventing UTIs. These healthy bacteria work by stopping harmful bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract cells. When harmful bacteria can’t attach, they can’t cause an infection.
Not only do Lactobacillus bacteria prevent attachment, but they also produce antibacterial agents that can kill harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus can also lower the pH of your urine, which creates an environment that is less favorable for harmful bacteria to grow in.
You can get probiotics from different sources. Some foods, like yogurt and kefir, contain Lactobacillus bacteria. Another option is to take probiotic supplements, which are pills or capsules filled with beneficial bacteria as dietary supplements.
5. Garlic
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If you’re looking for a natural home remedy for urine infections, you might be surprised to learn that garlic can actually help! Garlic is not just a tasty ingredient in your favorite dishes, it also has powerful properties that can fight against bacteria and keep your urinary tract healthy.
Garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties, which means its antimicrobial peptides can fight against harmful bacteria that cause UTIs. Garlic also supports your immune system. A strong immune system can better defend your body against infections, including UTIs.
There are also garlic extract capsules available that can provide you with all the benefits of garlic without the taste if you aren’t a fan of it. These capsules contain concentrated amounts of the active ingredients in garlic and make it easy to incorporate into your routine.
Other than that, garlic also has positive effects on heart health and cholesterol levels. So, by adding garlic to your diet, you’re not only taking care of your urinary tract but also supporting your overall health.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
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If you’re looking for a natural remedy to help with urine infections, you might want to consider trying apple cider vinegar. This common household ingredient has been praised for its many health benefits, including its potential to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial properties, which means it can help fight against harmful bacteria that can cause UTIs. It also has antifungal properties, making it effective against fungal infections as well. As you incorporate apple cider vinegar into your routine, you may be able to reduce the growth of these harmful bacteria and fungi, potentially helping to prevent or alleviate UTIs.
To use apple cider vinegar for UTIs, you can mix one to two tablespoons with a glass of water per day. Drink this mixture that will serve as a natural therapeutic to your UTI.
7. Vinegar Bath
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If you’re dealing with a urine infection and want a natural home remedy, a vinegar bath might be worth a try. It’s a simple and easy way to potentially help ease the discomfort and fight off bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections.
A vinegar bath works by balancing the pH levels in your urinary tract. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline something is, and when the pH levels in your urinary tract are balanced, it creates an environment that is less favorable for bacteria to grow.
To prepare a vinegar bath, all you need is some apple cider vinegar and warm water. Start by filling up your bathtub with warm water and then add about half a cup of apple cider vinegar to it. Mix it well so that the vinegar is evenly distributed in the water.
Once you have your vinegar bath ready, you can relax in it for around 15 to 20 minutes. You can also gently swish the water around your genital area to help target that specific area.
8. Baking Soda
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Yes, the same white powder you use to make cakes and cookies can potentially offer some relief for those pesky UTI symptoms.
One of the reasons baking soda is believed to be helpful in UTI treatment is because of its alkalizing properties. UTIs often occur when bacteria thrive in an acidic environment in the urinary tract. Baking soda has the ability to neutralize the acidity of urine, creating a less favorable environment for those pesky bacteria to grow. This may help reduce the discomfort and symptoms associated with UTIs.
Different Ways to Use Baking Soda For UTI
Now that we understand the potential benefits of baking soda in treating UTIs, let’s explore different ways to use it:
1. Baking Soda Water Mix: Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and mix it well. Drink this mixture once a day to help neutralize the acidity in your urine.
2. Baking Soda Tablets: Some health stores offer baking soda tablets that can be taken as a supplement. Follow the recommended dosage provided on the packaging or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
9. Herbal Medicine
Medicinal herbs have been used for centuries to help with various health issues, and these Ayurvedic herbs are no exception to treat urine infections in women and men.
Uva Ursi
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Uva Ursi is known for its diuretic activities, which means it can help increase urine production. This can be beneficial in flushing out bacteria from the urinary tract.
This medicinal herb also has the potential to reduce inflammation and decrease harmful bacteria. Inflammation is the body’s way of responding to infection, and by reducing it, Uva Ursi can help alleviate some of the discomfort that comes with urine infections. Uva Ursi is typically available in the form of capsules or tea.
D-Mannose
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D-Mannose is a simple sugar found in various berries, or more specifically, a monosaccharide. But don’t let its fancy name confuse you – it’s actually quite amazing. When you consume D-Mannose, it gets absorbed into your body quite quickly. But instead of being used as energy like other sugars, it mostly heads straight to your urinary tract.
As it travels through, D-Mannose is believed to attract the bacteria, like a magnet. Once they’re bound to the D-Mannose, they’re effectively prevented from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract.
In fact, a clinical trial was conducted on women who had experienced recurrent infections. They were given a powdered form of D-Mannose to take regularly. The results showed a significant reduction in the risk of recurrent urine infections among those women.
Goldenseal
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Goldenseal is a seed extract that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, including its ability to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Goldenseal contains active ingredients known as berberine and hydrastine, which have been found to have antimicrobial properties. These compounds can help fight off the harmful bacteria that cause UTIs, such as E. coli. A recent control study found that a formula containing Goldenseal was effective in treating recurrent cystitis, a type of chronic infection that keeps coming back.
Using Goldenseal as an alternative treatment for UTIs can be a natural and effective option. You can find Goldenseal in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, or teas.
Horsetail
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Horsetail is a unique herb that has been used for centuries due to its therapeutic properties. One of its amazing benefits is its ability to fight off unwanted bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, such as resistant strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae.
The antibacterial properties of Horsetail are primarily attributed to its high levels of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids. These compounds have been found to have a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of urinary tract pathogens. In other words, they can help stop the harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing further infection.
Equisetum arvense, commonly known as Horsetail, can be consumed as a tea or taken as a supplement. However, it’s important to note that herbal remedies should always be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Horseradish
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Horseradish root extract, scientifically known as Armoracia rusticana, contains compounds called isothiocyanates. These compounds are responsible for horseradish’s powerful antibacterial activities. Specifically, they have the ability to block the pathogenic process of human cell penetration by uropathogenic bacteria, a common culprit in urinary tract infections.
When uropathogenic Escherichia coli try to invade the urinary tract cells and cause an infection, they have to penetrate the bladder epithelial cells’ defenses. However, the isothiocyanates in horseradish can disrupt this process, preventing the uropathogenic E. coli from spreading and causing further harm.
10. Dietary Measures
Proper food and water intake is another aspect of the treatment of UTIs. As you make the right choices in your diet, you can help keep your urinary tract healthy and keep those pesky infections at bay.
Drink Plenty Of Liquids
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One important dietary measure to reduce the risk factors of UTIs is to make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Drinking water helps flush out common bacteria from your urinary tract, preventing them from causing an infection.
Aim for 8 glasses of water per day and avoid sweetened fruit juices and other sugary drinks, as sugar can actually promote bacterial growth. Stick to water as your main source of hydration.
Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods
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Certain foods have been shown to be beneficial in preventing UTIs. Cranberries are one such natural supplement. They contain compounds that can prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract, making it harder for them to cause an infection. Blueberries and other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can also help support a healthy urinary tract.
Take Foods High In Fiber
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High-fiber foods, like whole grains and legumes, can help regulate your digestive system and prevent constipation. This is important because constipation can lead to pressure on your bladder, increasing the risk factors of UTIs. Including lean meats, like chicken or turkey, in your diet can provide you with the necessary protein to support a healthy immune system.
Self-Care For Bladder Infections
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There are simple self-care practices that can help manage urinary infections. These practices are easy to follow and can make a big difference in protecting your urinary tract.
– Do not hold your urine: One important aspect of healthy hygiene habits is not holding your urine for too long. Holding your urine can allow these gram-negative bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract, increasing the risk of recurrence.
– Pee after sex: This helps flush bacteria in urine that may have entered your urethra and interfered with the activity in urine following intercourse.
– Do not use spermicides: Using spermicides can also increase the risk of UTIs. If you’re prone to urine infections, it’s a good idea to avoid them. Talk to your doctor about alternative birth control methods that are less likely to cause a recurrent infection.
– Properly wipe after peeing: Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the female urethra.
– Do not smoke: Quitting smoking is not only good for your overall health, but it can also reduce the risk of infection. Smoking can weaken your immune function, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.
– Choose loose cotton underwear and use fragrance-free personal hygiene products: Synthetic fabrics and fragrances can trap moisture and irritate your urinary tract, creating an environment that is more prone to infections.
– Practice good sexual hygiene: This means keeping your genital area clean and avoiding sexual activity that can introduce the growth of bacteria into your urethra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the natural remedies for UTI during pregnancy?
The natural ways to fight off UTI in pregnant women are the same as how you would treat UTI in an adult. Some home remedies include drinking enough water, taking unsweetened cranberry products, and consuming enough Vitamin C. Natural cures for UTI while breastfeeding, for postmenopausal women and premenopausal women are also the same.
Is it true that UTI can be treated without antibiotics?
While there are alternative treatments for UTIs that some people try, there is no definitive proof that these treatments work as effectively as antibiotic treatment.
Some may find relief with natural remedies, but it is always best to consult with a naturopathic healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and natural treatment of UTIs. They can provide guidance on the most effective approach for treating a UTI and prescribe you antibiotic treatment only if you really need them.
Does doxycycline for urine infection have side effects?
Doxycycline is one type of antibiotic that is prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs). It works by killing the bacteria that cause the urinary infection, which can help you feel better.
But like any medication, doxycycline can have its risks and complications. One potential side effect is that it may cause an upset stomach. This means you might feel nauseous or have diarrhea after taking it. Sometimes, it can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you’ll need to be careful and wear sunscreen. Antibiotic resistance or being drug resistant is also common if you take it for long periods of time.
What are some home remedies for urine infection during periods?
Urine infections can be quite uncomfortable, especially during periods. Drink plenty of water, take a warm bath, have a warm compress, drink cranberry juice, and practice good hygiene to provide relief when you have UTI and your period at the same time.
Try These Natural Home Remedies For Urine Infection With Guidance
Leaving UTI infections in women and men untreated can lead to serious complications. If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, it can cause kidney stones or a more severe kidney infection called pyelonephritis. In rare cases, untreated UTIs can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Seek medical attention if you suspect you have a UTI for a urine sample. And if natural home remedies for urine infections are your type of medical treatment, consult with a naturopathic urgent care provider like CleanCure today. They can help you prescribe the natural medications you’ll be needing, as well as Western medicine if there is a severe infection. Contact them today and experience relief within hours.
