Natural Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection

According to Britain’s National Institute for Health Research, urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect over 92 million people worldwide. Caused by bacteria, UTIs are more common in women than men and often reoccur in the same individuals. The symptoms of UTI include discomfort, a frequent need to urinate, and cloudy urine. In more severe cases, the condition can even lead to sepsis and kidney damage. While the traditional treatment for UTI includes taking antibiotics, several home remedies can also ease the severity of the condition. 

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking eight glasses of water a day when suffering from a UTI helps to minimize infection by flushing out bacteria from your urinary tract. Not going to the toilet, on the other hand, lets bacteria multiply in your system. Fluids also dilute the urine, which can make going to the bathroom less painful. At the same time, try to drink fewer drinks that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea, and some sodas. One study involving 141 girls found that not drinking enough water and infrequent toilet trips were linked to increased UTIs risk. 

Take Turmeric and Vitamin C

Whether through food or supplements, increasing your turmeric and vitamin C intake can help alleviate UTI. The acidity in vitamin C kills bacteria as it passes through your system, reducing UTI symptoms. According to a 2007 study, pregnant women who took 100 milligrams of vitamin C a day decreased their risk of developing UTI by more than 50 percent. Some fruit rich in vitamin C include grapefruit, lemons, and oranges. 

Turmeric is often added to marinades and spice rubs. It can also be found in smoothies, stews, and curries. The root is considered anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and can be taken to reduce the risk of infections, including UTIs.

Drink Cranberry Juice

Rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, unsweetened cranberry juice is often used for treating bladder infections. It is also an anti-inflammatory and an antibacterial that prevents bacteria from latching onto the urinary tract. As a rule of thumb, people prone to UTIs drink around 400 milliliters of juice with a 25 percent cranberry content each day. 

Take Probiotics 

Ingested foods or supplements, probiotics are full of good microorganisms that can restore equilibrium in your gut. Some foods that contain probiotics include yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods. Lactobacillus, which is a strain of probiotic, is particularly useful in the fight against UTI. Probiotics work by stopping bacteria from adhering to urinary tract cells and increasing the level of hydrogen peroxide, which has antibacterial properties, in the urine. Besides, taking probiotics can restore good bacteria in the gut following antibiotic treatment for UTI. 

Wear Loose Clothing 

Since bacteria love warm and moist environments, wearing loose-fitting clothing can go a long way to preventing UTIs. On the other hand, tight clothes can trap moisture, promoting the growth of vaginal bacteria. As such, try not to wear tight jeans or underwear made from synthetic materials. Instead, wear underwear made from cotton or other natural fibers that promote airflow. Also, be sure to change your tampons and pads frequently, as they can also expose you to bacteria, increasing your risk of developing UTI.