UTI Home Remedies

Table of Content

• Introduction

• What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

• Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection 

• Home Remedies for UTI

• Home Remedies for UTI During Pregnancy

• Take Home Points

• FAQ on UTI Home Remedies

Introduction

UTIs or Urinary Tract Infections are illnesses that occur in any part of the urinary system. They are the most common infections that occur in both males and females at any stage in life. However, females are more susceptible to UTIs than males. Additionally, adults have a higher chance of contracting these infections than young people.

According to WHO, more than 150 million people across the globe are diagnosed with urinary tract infections annually. Statistics indicate that UTIs preference in females is 60% and 13% in males in their entire life.

With such widespread occurrence of urinary tract infections, it is important to read this blog and learn different UTI home remedies, symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Any infection in the urinary system is called a Urinary Tract Infection. Your urine may contain bacterial contamination to certain levels. However, bacterial contamination can occur along your urinary tract due bacterial exposure from outside your body. These infections can affect any part of your urinary system. Based on where they occur, they have different names.

·         Urethritis: An infection that occurs along the urethra or the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

·         Pyelonephritis: An infection in the kidneys, which filters water from your body.

·         Cystitis: an infection in the urinary bladder, an organ where urine is stored before it is expelled from the body.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection 

Signs and symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections vary depending on which part of your urinary system is affected and the severity of infection. In nearly every type of urinary tract infections, some of the common symptoms one experiences include:

·         Constant and persistent urge to urinate.

·         Increased frequency of urination with only a small amount of urine.

·         A burning sensation while urinating.

·         Urine that is cloudy in appearance.

·         Presence of blood traces in urine which may be pink or red in colour.

·         Urine with a strong odour.

·         Women may experience pain around the pelvis.

In severe cases of Urinary Tract Infections, symptoms you may experience include:

·         High fever

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Shaking and chills

·         Back pain

·         Discomfort in lower abdomen

·         Abnormal vaginal discharge

Home Remedies for UTI

Doctors recommend antibiotics as the fastest and effective way for managing urinary tract infections. However, there are some cases where antibiotics cannot be used due to underlying medical conditions.

Fortunately, there are some great UTI home remedies you can attempt to treat or prevent these infections. Some of the listed options can even help get rid of your UTI in just a few days.

·         Heat Application

Heat application in the lower back is one of the effective home remedies for Urinary tract infection in adults. It involves placing a heating pad or a bottle containing hot water on your lower abdomen or lower back to lessen discomfort. When using an electric heating pad, precaution is necessary because extended use can burn your skin.

·         Stay Hydrated

Studies have shown that taking water in plenty when experiencing UTI symptoms can assist in flushing away the bacteria. In taking a lot of water, you will have to relieve yourself more often, which is a key step in flushing toxins and bacteria from your body. Apart from taking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day, you can incorporate water-based foods in your regular diet. Examples of foods with high water content include watermelon, grapes, oranges, leafy greens, soups, and broths.

Ensuring you are well hydrated is one of excellent home remedies for UTIs and one of the effective ways to eliminate UTI fast. Take water throughout the day and don’t wait until you are thirsty because you will already be hydrated.

·         Urinate when the urge arises

Whereas the burning sensation that occurs when passing urine may not be pleasant if you have a UTI, it is quite necessary to relieve yourself if you get the urge. Draining your bladder frequently is a significant move to get rid of the bacteria. Holding off before going to the bathroom will give any bacteria in your bladder an opportunity to grow and replicate, which can worsen your infection. 

·         Use Methenamine  and Vitamin C

Methenamine provides antiseptic properties that help to decrease bacteria presence in the urinary tract. Methenamine produces formaldehyde in the urinary tract, which prevents the growth of bacteria in the urine.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps to acidify the urine, which can help to prevent and eradicate certain bacteria present along the urinary tract. When used as a supplement, vitamin C can enhance the effects of methenamine.

·         Try Cranberry Supplements

Some people prefer to use cranberry juice or supplements as one of the effective UTI home remedies. Cranberries are rich in compounds called proanthocyanidins. These compounds do not allow bacteria to attach to cells lining in the urinary tract.

It’s worth noting that cranberry juice or supplements are not used to treat UTIs but may help to prevent some bacteria from sticking. If you regularly experience UTIs, you can try a couple of glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice, or snack on the actual fruit.

It is important to talk to a healthcare provider or a pharmacist before starting any supplement.  The effects of cranberry supplements can vary depending on different variables, such as dosage, frequency of use, and interaction with other medications.

·         Use a probiotic

You can introduce a probiotic into your system as a home remedy for UTI pain because it may help in replenishing the naturally occurring healthy bacteria in your digestive system. Studies suggest that probiotics can prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract lining and make your urine more acidic.

Plus, if you already took an antibiotic to treat a UTI, using a probiotic is a great step to build healthy bacteria that may have been killed in the course of your treatment. You can find probiotics in the form of supplements. They also occur naturally in certain foods, such as kefir, yoghourts, and kombucha.

·         Consume Garlic

It is evident that garlic helps to ward off harmful bacteria from the digestive system. In a recent study, garlic extracts were found to be effective in reducing bacteria that cause UTIs.

·         Avoid Bladder Irritating Foods

There are certain foods and drinks that can trigger bladder irritation. These include very acidic foods, alcohol, caffeine, and foods containing artificial sweeteners. These types of foods and drinks can cause leaking in your bladder, making you susceptible to Urinary Tract infections. They can also worsen your infection if you already have UTIs. Try to avoid these bladder irritants to mitigate irritation to your bladder and UTI.

·         Wipe From Front to Back

Wiping from front to back is one of the preventative home remedies for UTI in women. This is mainly because most UTIs develop from the spread of bacteria that come from the rectum. It is thus important to pay some attention to how you wipe off after every bowel movement or after urinating. Wiping from front to back will prevent the bacteria from spreading to the urethra and onto your urinary tract.

·         Urinate after Sex

Urinating after sexual intercourse is one of the effective and preventive home remedies for male UTI. It is also practical for women. Urinating will help to wash away any harmful bacteria and prevent it from spreading to other areas in the urinary tract.

·         Try Vaginal Oestrogen

A vaginal oestrogen can be rewarding for UTI especially at the onset of menopause. During menopause, the vulva skin becomes thinner and vaginal pH increases. This transition can make menopausal women susceptible to UTIs. Luckily, introducing a vaginal estrogen can potentially lower the risk of Urinary Tract Infections.

·         Watch Out Your Birth Control Methods

The use of diaphragms and condoms containing spermicides can put women at higher risk of a UTI.  If you are using any of these birth control bands you feel that they are contributing to your UTIs, try different alternatives.

·         Maintain Hygiene in Kids

Maintaining hygiene is a crucial approach when it comes to home remedies for UTI in kids. UTI infections in kids often occur when toilet training starts. Girls are more prone to UTIs than boys because they have shorter urethras that are also closer to the anus. This makes it easier for bacteria to spread from the rectum to the urethra. Ensuring that your kids observe hygiene standards can prevent the risks of Urinary tract infections.

Uncircumcised boys below one year of age are also at a higher risk of UTI infections. Even though the urethra doesn’t harbour the bacteria, certain conditions can make it easier for bacteria to enter and remain in your child’s urinary tract. These include poor toilet and hygiene habits, infrequent urination, and tight fitting clothes.  

Home Remedies for UTI During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can increase the risk of UTI. If left untreated, infections can cause premature labour. Some of the best home remedies for UTI during pregnancy other than the use of prescribed medications include:

·         Keep your genitals clean and dry

·         Drink water or unsweetened fluids in plenty

·         Avoid scented soaps and bubble baths

·         Avoid sugary foods and drinks

It is important to consult your doctor and avoid self medication if you are an expectant mother. Seek immediate intervention from a healthcare provider if you experience excessive itching and pain. 

Take Home Points

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) which affect the urinary tract can be uncomfortable and frustrating. They can affect anyone at any age although they are prevalent among adult females. Whereas they can be treated fast and effectively using OTC medications, there are instances when UTI home remedies are the only alternatives.

Fortunately, there are certain home remedies that can prevent and treat UTIs. These include:

·         Apply heat

·         Stay hydrated

·         Urinate when urge arises

·         Try cranberry

·         Consume garlic

·         Use probiotic

·         Wipe from front to back

·         Urinate after sex

·         Use vaginal oestrogen

·         Watch out your birth control method

·         Maintain hygiene

·         Avoid bladder irritants