Urinary tract infections are uncomfortable at the best of times and extremely painful at the worst. The pain can be excruciating – bad enough to send someone to the emergency room. There are many causes, symptoms and cures of a urinary tract infection, also referred to as a UTI. When we address the issue of remedies, we will be looking into the tried and true home remedies that are more widely known. But first, let’s look at the symptoms.
Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection
by CindyMurdoch
Urinary tract infections are painful. There are things that you can often do to cure the UTI or relieve the discomfort with common ingredients and items you already have available.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Women
Women develop urinary tract infections much more frequently than men. The symptoms of a UTI in a woman are:
 A urinary tract infection can be pain... |
- Having the urge to go all of the time despite having the inability to pass much urine.
- Being awakened at night to urinate.
- Having a painful or burning sensation when urinating.
- Urine has a stronger or strange smell or odor.
- Urine may be cloudy.
- Blood may be present in the urine.
- Lower back pain.
- Lower abdomen is tender or painful.
- Possible fever.
If infection has moved into the kidneys, you may also suffer from nausea and vomiting in addition to a fever.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Men
The symptoms that a man develops are essentially the same as those of a woman. The symptoms of a UTI in a man are:
- Having the urge to go all of the time despite having the inability to pass much urine.Being awakened at night to urinate.
- Burning and pain during urination.
- Urine has a stronger or strange smell or odor.
- Urine may be cloudy.
- Blood may be present in the urine.
- Lower back pain.
- Lower abdomen is tender or painful.
- Possible fever.
 A UTI disrupts your day! |
If infection has moved into the kidneys, you may also suffer from nausea and vomiting in addition to a fever.
Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection
There are many different home remedies that are said to cure a urinary tract infection. But just as all antibiotics do not work with all individuals, all home remedies may not cure a UTI for all individuals. Let’s look at some of the home treatments:
- Drinking large amounts of unsweetened cranberry juice. This helps to raise the acidic level of your urine to aid your body in its fight against the bacteria causing the UTI; and prevents the bacteria from clinging to the urinary tract. If cranberry juice is difficult for you to drink because its flavor is too strong, mix with water or another juice. Juices should contain as little sugar and additives as possible. Cranberry tablets can also be taken.
- Drinking banaba leaf tea is said to be beneficial for the urinary tract, and its antibacterial properties have much potential in helping individuals suffering from frequent UTI’s. Supplements are available.
- Drinking a mixture of 8 oz. of water and ½ teaspoon baking soda, helping to raise the acid level of the urine, can be beneficial at the first signs of a UTI.
- Drinking copious amounts of water will help to flush the bacteria from the urinary tract. The more that is flushed from your system, the less that your body has to combat.
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- Two Echinacea, Golden Seal, and Oregon grape capsules can be taken three times a day to fight the bacteria causing the infection.
- Avoid artificial sweeteners especially while suffering from a UTI.
- Increase the amounts of vitamin C consumed while recovering from a UTI.
Dealing with the Pain of Urinary Tract Infections
It may take more time for a urinary tract infection to clear up treating it naturally than the standard antibiotic route; so let’s look at ways to help relieve some of the pain in the meantime.
- Using a heating pad or a hot compress can provide relief when applied to the lower abdomen.
- Wear loose fitting comfortable cotton clothing. Underwear should also be made of cotton and be nonrestrictive.
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How to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection
The best course of action to take is the overall prevention of a urinary tract infection to begin with. If you frequently suffer from UTI’s consider adopting as many of the following practices into your lifestyle as possible. These practices will help you to minimize or eliminate the possibility of getting another UTI.
- Increase you intake of water to 64 oz. or more daily.
- Increase your intake of vitamin C either through supplementation of by eating more citrus fruits.
 Drink plenty of water! |
- Drinking a small glass of unsweetened cranberry juice daily with breakfast.
- Always wipe yourself from front to back. This prevents the introduction of bacteria from the anus entering the urethra. This means after a bowel movement and when drying off after a shower.
- Showers (instead of baths) are better in the prevention of UTI’s.
- Urinating before and after sexual encounters is advised to avoid the exchange of bacteria.
- Avoid carbonated beverages such as soda and beer.
- Avoid spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine.
- Reduce processed foods in your diet. Foods like dairy products, cheese and chocolate should be avoided all together. Also restrict your intake of refined flour and bakery products. Nicotine also aggravates the bladder.
- Do not ignore the need or urge to go. All urine has bacteria present in it, and retention of the urine for extended periods of time provides these bacteria the perfect environment in which to multiply.
- Women should avoid the use of douches and scented sprays.
- Avoid the use of tight underwear.
Precautions:
Anyone reading this article should take precautionary measures when using any of the above suggestions or instructions for a remedy and prevention of a urinary tract infection.
Although you have a desire to treat your urinary tract infection naturally, it is advisable to consult a physician if you think you are suffering from a urinary tract infection and before beginning any herbal or natural treatment.
Never attempt to treat a UTI with home remedies if you are pregnant, over 65 or suffer from diabetes or kidney problems, or if you have a weakened immune system.
 It is always wise to seek a doctor's ... |
If you have a fever, nausea, vomiting, backache and pain below your ribs see a doctor as soon as possible as these symptoms could indicate a serious kidney infection.
Urinary tract infections are much harder to recognize in children. Although the symptoms indicated above for adults may be present, it is more likely that the child will have a change in appetite, be irritable, have a fever, have urinary incontinence and/or have diarrhea. Therefore, it is always best to seek the advice of a physician when it is suspected that a child is suffering from a UTI.
For Educational Purposes Only
The information presented here is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitution for medical advice from a health care professional. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Thumbnail Image credits: typeCARI, CC BY 2.0, via flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/typecari/6158450047/
Updated: 05/10/2012, CindyMurdoch
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Comments
This is great information on a rather unpleasant subject. No one likes to talk about a UTI, but it is a fact of life for may of us. Thanks for sharing these tips!
Vinaya-Ghimire, I have used several of these tips myself and with much success, both for treating and preventing, so I know first hand that they work! Thanks so much!
singingcoach, thanks so much for stopping by! I am happy that you found this article to be informative. Thanks so much for sharing!
I am glad you enjoyed this one Donna, and as always, it is good to see you!
Good advice and tips - especially the one about avoiding dairy products. I had never heard that but it makes sense. Thanks for such an insightful, well written information piece.