13/03/2022
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NUTRITION
6 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, affecting about 150 million people worldwide each year (1Trusted Source).
Though UTIs are traditionally treated with antibiotics, there are also many home remedies available that can help prevent them from recurring.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra (1Trusted Source).
Bacteria are the cause of 95% of UTIs, but fungi can also cause infection (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
The most common strains of bacteria that account for UTI cases are Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (2Trusted Source).
Common UTI symptoms include
- burning sensation when p*eing
-frequent urination
-cloudy or dark urine
-urine with a strong odor
-feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
-pelvic pain
Though UTIs can affect anyone, women are more prone to infection. This is because the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, is shorter in women than in men. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter and reach the bladder .
In fact, about half of all women will experience a UTI at some point in their lives.
Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs and are sometimes used in low doses long term to prevent recurrence .
There are also several natural ways to protect against infections and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Without further ado, here are the top 6 home remedies to fight UTI.
1. Drink plenty of fluids
Hydration status has been linked to the risk of urinary tract infections.
This is because regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection.
A study examined nursing home residents and administered a drinking schedule to participants to increase their fluid intake, which decreased UTIs requiring antibodies by 56 percent.
SUMMARY
Drinking plenty of liquids can decrease the risk of UTIs by making you p*e more, which helps remove bacteria from the urinary tract.
2. Increase vitamin C intake
Some evidence shows that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against urinary tract infections.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off the bacteria that cause infection .
3. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections.
Cranberries work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing infection (13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).
4. Take a probiotic
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and probiotic yogurt.
The use of probiotics has been linked to many things, from improved digestive health to enhanced immune function ,
Antibiotics, the main line of defense against UTIs, can cause disturbances in levels of gut bacteria. Probiotics may be beneficial in restoring gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment.
UTI supplement options
Read our full review of Uqora, a company that focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.
5. Practice these healthy habits
Preventing urinary tract infections starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, it’s important not to hold urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection (26Trusted Source).
P*eing after s*xual in*******se can also reduce the risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria (11Trusted Source).
Finally, when you use the toilet, make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs (
6. Try these natural supplements
Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.
Here are a few supplements that have been studied:
D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests it’s effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence (29Trusted Source).
Bearberry leaf. Bearberry leaf is also known as uva ursi. One study showed that a combination of bearberry leaf, dandelion root, and dandelion leaf decreased UTI recurrence (30).
Cranberry extract. Like cranberry juice, cranberry extract works by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
Garlic extract. Research shows garlic and garlic extract to have antimicrobial properties and suggests it may be able to block the growth of bacteria to prevent UTIs (31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source, 33).
D-Mannose, bearberry leaf, and cranberry extract are natural supplements that have been shown to prevent UTIs and decrease recurrence.
The bottom line
Urinary tract infections are a common problem and can be frustrating to deal with.
However, staying hydrated, practicing health-promoting habits, and supplementing your diet with some UTI-fighting ingredients are good ways to lower your risk of these infections.
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply. They affect one or more areas within the urinary tract. This can include the:
urethra
bladder
ureters
kidneys
They can cause:
painful and frequent urination
lower abdominal pain
bloody urine
These infections are responsible for roughly 8 million doctor visitsTrusted Source each year.
UTIs are the second most common type of infection to occur in the human body. They occur more often in women but can affect men, too.
People assigned female at birth have a shorter urethra, so it’s easier for bacteria to enter their bladder. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that 40 to 60 percentTrusted Source of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime.
Urinary tract infections in men are often related to an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy) blocking the flow of urine. This allows bacteria to have an easier time occupying the urinary tract.
In almost 90 percent of cases, the bacterium Escherichia coli is the cause of the UTI. E. coli is normally found inside the intestines. When confined to the intestines, it’s harmless. But sometimes, this bacterium gets into the urinary tract and causes an infection.
S*x may trigger a UTI in women. This is because in*******se can move bacteria from the a**l area to near the opening of the urethra. Women can lower their risk of infection by cleaning the ge***al area before any s*xual activity and by urinating afterward.
Using spermicides, diaphragms, and condoms also raises the risk of a UTI. The risk is higher in people with a weakened immune system as well.
UTI fast facts
UTIs are the second most common type of infection.
E. coli is the cause of most UTIs, but viruses and other germs can also cause them.
There are 8 millionTrusted Source UTI-related doctor visits per year in the United States.
Why antibiotics sometimes don’t work
Most UTIs aren’t serious. But if left untreated, the infection can spread up to the kidneys and bloodstream and become life threatening. Kidney infections can lead to kidney damage and kidney scarring.
Symptoms of a UTI usually improve within 2 to 3 days after starting antibiotic therapy. Many doctors prescribe an antibiotic for at least 3 days.
While this type of medication is the standard treatment, researchers are noticing that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are reducing the effectiveness of some antibiotics in treating UTIs.
Some UTIs don’t clear up after antibiotic therapy. When an antibiotic medication doesn’t stop the bacteria from causing an infection, the bacteria continue to multiply.
1. Try cranberries
Cranberries may contain an ingredient that stops bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract.
2. Drink plenty of water
Although urinating can be painful when you have a UTI, it’s important to drink as many fluids as possible, particularly water. Most adultsTrusted Source should aim to drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
The more you drink, the more you’ll urinate. Urinating helps flush harmful bacteria from the urinary tract.
3. P*e when you need to
Holding your urine or ignoring the urge to urinate can allow bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract. As a rule of thumb, always use the bathroom when you feel the urge.
It’s also important to make sure you’re fully emptying your bladder when you urinate and to always urinate after s*x, especially if you have a va**na. If you do, it’s also important to wipe front to back after you urinate.
4. Take probiotics
Probiotics promote healthy digestion and immunity. They also may be effective in treating and preventing UTIs.
With a UTI, bad bacteria replace good bacteria in the va**na, especially those of one group called Lactobacillus. Probiotics can restore good bacteria and might reduce the recurrence of a UTI.
Though some researchTrusted Source proves probiotics to be effective in UTI prevention and treatment, more research is needed.
5. Get more vitamin C
Increasing your intake of vitamin C may help prevent a UTI. StudiesTrusted Source show that vitamin C strengthens the immune system and may help acidify the urine to prevent infection.
Some researchTrusted Source shows conflicting evidence for the effectiveness of vitamin C to treat UTIs, however, saying that not enough studies have been done to support this treatment.
6. Wear loose clothing
Wearing cotton-lined and loose-fitting clothing may help treat preexisting UTI infections by helping to keep the area dry and clean.
Tight-fitting clothing and certain types of fabric may trap moistureTrusted Source that allows bacteria to grow in the ge***al area, which could cause infection.
7. Consider switching birth control
Some older researchTrusted Source suggests that certain contraceptives may contribute to the cause of UTIs in some women.
If you use diaphragms, spermicides, or nonlubricated condoms and get frequent UTIs, it may be worth talking to your doctor to find other methods of birth control.
UTI supplement options
Read our full review of Uqora, a company that focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.
Are there any risks to treating a UTI without antibiotics?
It’s not uncommon for UTIs to go away on their own with at-home care and without the use of antibiotics.
However, there are some serious risks that can come from leaving a UTI untreated, including pyelonephritis and sepsis.
When to see a doctor
UTIs are painful, but with treatment, you can alleviate an infection and prevent recurrent infections. Talk with your doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. With proper treatment, you should begin to feel better in a few days.
Take your antibiotics as instructed — even after your symptoms improve — to prevent complications or a secondary infection.
If the UTI doesn’t resolve after antibiotic treatment or you end up with multiple episodes of a UTI, your doctor will likely do further testing.
This could be in the form of:
a repeat urine culture
urinary tract ultrasound
plain film X-ray
CT scan
cystoscopy
urodynamic testing
Ways to Reduce Your Risk of a UTI
UTI prevention involves things like changing your bathroom habits, drinking lots of fluid, urinating before and after s*x, and more. There are also…
What Causes Painful Urination?
Painful urination may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), s*xually transmitted infection (STI).
What Is a Bladder Infection ?
A bladder infection is a type of UTI, which refers to infection in the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. Learn about the causes, treatment.
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