Home Remedies for UTIs: An Alternative Way to Treat Your Condition Naturally
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are primarily treated with antibiotics, which offer effective relief. However, combining home remedies like vitamin C and cranberry with prescribed medications can enhance their effectiveness. These natural remedies, rooted in centuries-old practices, are gaining widespread attention for their safe, noninvasive, and positive results in alleviating UTI symptoms.
Through this article, we will explain the best 5 home remedies for UTIs that are safe to incorporate and can reduce the risks of infection recurrence. We will also help you know the essential preventing tips that can manage UTIs effectively.
What are the best home remedies for instant UTI relief?
UTIs can cause significant discomfort like frequent urination and burning sensations. Fortunately, there are many effective and easily accessible home remedies that can offer relief and support the body’s natural healing process.
Here are the 5 best home remedies to treat your UTIs at home:
Hydration
Staying hydrated through drinking an adequate amount of water is a simple yet quite effective remedy for improving UTI symptoms. Less water intake (dehydration) can lead to infrequent and concentrated urine formation, which can encourage bacterial growth in the urinary bladder, leading to UTIs.
Additionally, regular intake of recommended fluids (8 cups of water) can significantly increase the volume and frequency of urination, naturally flushing out the infection-causing bacteria. Coconut water and foods high in water content can help boost your hydration.
Cranberry juice
Consuming unsweetened cranberry juice can help prevent UTIs. Clinical evidence shows that consuming 240-300 mL of cranberry juice can reduce the recurrence of UTIs by up to 50%. Cranberries are packed with proanthocyanidins, a natural antibacterial compound that prevents infection-causing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, thereby preventing recurrence. Additionally, cranberry’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties promote overall urinary health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or Ascorbic acid, has become an effective home remedy for UTIs. Researchers have found that Vitamin C possesses properties that can inhibit bacterial growth and maintain a healthy urinary tract. Its antimicrobial action and anti-biofilm effects work against pathogens, preventing recurrent UTIs.
Additionally, Vitamin C triggers the production of Nitric Oxide and creates an acidic environment, both of which can kill pathogens. Sources of Vitamin C include fruits like lemon, kiwi, oranges, and strawberries. While Vitamin C can be a beneficial home remedy, it’s important to note that an intake of more than 2000 mg can lead to side effects like nausea.
D-mannose
D-mannose, a type of sugar, is gaining attention for its potential to treat recurrent UTIs. Several studies indicate that it inhibits the adherence of infectious bacteria to the urinary tract, thus lowering the likelihood of UTI development.
You can incorporate D-mannose into your diet through foods like apples, broccoli, cranberries, and peaches. These natural sources provide a convenient way to supplement your intake and may contribute to managing UTIs effectively. As research progresses, D-mannose holds promise as a safe and noninvasive option for UTI prevention and treatment.
Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria that provide benefits to the body. Prominently, the Lactobacillus probiotic strain maintains the urogenital flora and prevents the infection-causing bacteria, E. coli, in the region. They exhibit antimicrobial action and can break the pathogen’s biofilm, thus preventing UTIs. You can also take probiotics with antibiotics to enhance their anti-pathogenic action.
Preventing tips to manage UTI
There are some preventive measures that can help manage and prevent UTI symptoms. It includes the following:
Warm compress
Applying a warm compress to your lower belly can aid in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with a UTI. To ease the UTI symptoms, use a warm water bottle or heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Practice hygiene
Practicing healthy hygiene is one of the most effective home remedies for UTIs. Good hygiene habits, like wiping from front to back after using the toilet, washing hands before as well as after using the bathroom, and cleaning the genital area daily, can help prevent bacteria from getting into your urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection.
Avoid irritants
Avoid using irritating personal hygiene products around the genital area, which can make your symptoms worse. Products like douches, scented sprays, and harsh soaps can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection.
Some drinks and foods, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners, can also irritate your bladder. So, it’s best to avoid them until your symptoms improve.
Urinate often
Urinating often is a simple and effective way to manage UTI symptoms. Holding urine can increase the risk of bacteria multiplying in the bladder. Try to urinate every two to three hours and always empty your bladder completely.
Loose clothing
Wearing loose clothing and cotton underwear can help keep the genital area dry and breathable, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. Tight clothing can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria.
If your symptoms persist and are severe, don’t just rely solely on home remedies and preventions. Make sure to consult a doctor for treating UTIs. They will prescribe you the medications based on your specific condition.
You can also buy Augmentin 375 from WowRx for UTI relief.
Conclusion
Home remedies have been practiced for centuries as alternative treatments for various diseases. You can incorporate these UTI home remedies into your daily routines for effective results.
The first remedy involves drinking plenty of water, which naturally flushes out infection-causing bacteria. Secondly, cranberry juice prevents pathogens from sticking to the urinary tract walls, thus alleviating the risk of UTIs. Additionally, Vitamin C supplements, with their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, can help naturally combat pathogens. Moreover, probiotics, a source of beneficial bacteria, can prevent recurrent UTIs and maintain a healthy urinary microbiome. Another effective remedy is D-mannose, a type of sugar that helps prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls, thus lowering the risk of infection.
Along with these remedies, practicing good hygiene is essential, including wiping from front to back and maintaining daily genital area hygiene. Avoiding irritants such as douches, harsh soaps, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners can further help prevent irritation caused by UTI symptoms.
However, it’s important to consult doctors in case of severe pain, discomfort, or other recurrent UTI symptoms. They will prescribe antibiotics to minimize the risk of serious complications.