UTI Home Remedies
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) can be treated naturally with cranberries, dandelion, grape seed, uva ursi and other natural ingredients. The infection could affect one or more organs of the urinary tract. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters which are the tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder, and urethra is the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside. The infection occurs when disease causing bacteria (especially E. coli) flourish in these areas. UTIs occur more frequently in women than in men as the female urethra is shorter than that of males, and its location provides a convenient entry way for bacteria. These infections can be divided into three categories: Urethritis is an infection of the urethra that maybe transmitted during intercourse, this is more prevalent in men. Cystitis is the infection of the urinary bladder and occurs more in women. Pyelonephritis or kidney infection occurs when the bacteria in the bladder migrate to the kidneys and needs immediate medical attention.
UTI Symptoms
The main symptoms of UTI are urinary urgings, frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and cloudiness or blood in the urine. Some patients experience lower back pain that radiates upwards, dizziness and nausea.
UTI Lifestyle Choices
Some hygienic measures are good preventive tactics in combating this illness:
- Wear loose-fitting white cotton underwear and panty hose that have cotton crotches.
- If you use a diaphragm, make sure the size is right; even slightly larger sizes can cause friction and irritate the urethra and the bladder.
- Avoid douching and vaginal deodorants, which could cause bladder irritation.
- Urinate and drink a glass of water before sexual intercourse and urinate within an hour to flush out the urinary tract
- After a bowel movement, wipe from the front to back to reduce the risk of carrying intestinal bacteria to the urethra
- Try to switch from tampons to sanitary pads as they reduce the irritation to the urinary tract
UTI Diet
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to ensure that the infectious material is being flushed out.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and colas and alcoholic beverages as these have a tendency to agitate the bladder.
- Excess sugar in the system is a bacteria friendly environment, so reduce sugar consumption.
- Consume yogurt or curd regularly. It is rich in the pro biotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus which helps fight infections.
UTI Herbal Remedies
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Cranberries Reduce UTI
Cranberry juice is an excellent home remedy as they contain a substance that acidifies the urine and makes the bladder less hospitable to the bacteria. Rather than buy commercial, overly sweetened juice, purchase pure unsweetened cranberry juice and sweeten it with a little bit of apple juice. -
Anti-inflammatory herbs For UTI
Herbs that are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory in nature help to reduce the heat and infection, especially herbs with diuretic properties. Some examples are guduchi, gokshara, dandelion leaf, varuna, buchu leaf, uva ursi leaf and cleavers herb. Chandana or sandalwood, slippery elm bark and Usheera roots can help with soothing the urinary tract and stimulating urine. -
Grape seed extract For UTI
Both partners should wash the perineal area with a diluted solution of grape seed extract, before and after intercourse. It can also be consumed internally as an antibacterial agent.
