If you’re suffering from stubborn, recurring urinary tract infections, these natural home remedies for UTI can help relieve the troublesome symptoms.
When we talk about treatments for urinary tract infections (UTIs), antibiotics are probably the first thing that comes to your mind. However, a trip to the drugstore isn’t the only way to get rid of your symptoms.
In fact, if you’re experiencing relatively mild discomfort, chances are you don’t need a prescription. Treatment can be done at the comfort of your home and at a cheaper cost. Be reminded, though, that you should be careful with self-administered solutions. It’s still best to consult a doctor’s advice before trying out home remedies for UTI on your own.
Features of an Effective Treatment Solution for Urinary Tract Infection
An effective treatment solution for UTI would have the following features below.
• Anti-microbial properties. To wipe or flush out UTI-causing agents in your urinary tract, diuretics are recommended. They work by eliminating salt and water from the body and taking out bacteria with them through the urine.
• Anti-inflammatory properties. When you’re suffering from UTI, the lining of your urinary tract becomes inflamed. This may cause pain when urinating and abdominal discomfort.
• Anti-spasmodic properties. Anti-spasmodic agents can prevent spasms or cramps caused by UTI.
8 Natural Home Remedies for UTI
Here are eight effective natural remedies for UTI that contain these three properties.
1. Water
Drinking plenty of water is, of course, the most important thing to do when you’re experiencing from a bad case of UTI. It works by flushing out bacteria from your urinary tract. Although more trips to the bathroom may not sound like an appealing idea, doing so would help relieve your symptoms much faster. If you’re getting your fill of eight glasses of water a day, try drinking even more fluids for a quicker solution.
2. Heat packs
UTI can cause abdominal discomfort due to a combination of spasms and inflammation. When this happens, you need something to relax your muscles. A heat pack, or even a bottle of warm water, would help you manage the pain. If you’re using a water bottle as a makeshift heat pack, make sure to wrap it first with a towel before placing it over your abdomen. Avoid pressing on your bladder so as not to cause further complications. You may do this for as long as necessary.
3. Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C works for UTIs for two reasons: first, they boost the body’s immune system, and second, they make the urine more acidic, making it more robust against bacteria. To fight UTI, therefore, you need to eat food rich in vitamin C or take supplements.
4. Parsley
Parsley can be used in several ways to get rid of UTI. You can add it as an ingredient for your meals and it may also be boiled in plain water as a drink. This solution works mainly because of parsley’s anti-fungal and diuretic properties, which make it effective against many types of bacteria, including those in the bladder and urinary tract.
5. Cucumber
Cucumbers are effective against UTI because of their high water content. Although it’s better to eat them in combination with other remedies for UTI, they can help you feel hydrated and healthy. You can munch on them directly or soak them in water overnight for a cucumber-flavored drink. Adding a few slices of lemon, which is rich in vitamin C,would also help against the infection.
6. Ginger tea
Any condition that involves any form of inflammation would get better with ginger, which is widely known for a variety of healing properties. Its components would help soothe inflamed muscles and inner linings, keeping spasms at pain at bay. It’s also easy to prepare. To make a cup of ginger tea, you only need to boil fresh ginger roots. If the flavor’s too strong for you, adding a teaspoon of honey can help.
You may be wondering why cranberry juice, a popular home remedy for UTI, isn’t on this list. Recently, there have been many conflicting study results about its effectiveness against UTI. According to Cleveland Clinic urologist Courtenay Moore, M.D., cranberries have an active ingredient called A-type proanthocyanidins, which prevents bacteria such as E. coli from clinging to the urinary tract lining. However, some reports show there are juices and supplements that don’t contain enough of this component. So although you may still try drinking cranberry juice to manage your UTI, don’t place all your hopes on it.
Home remedies for UTI can help you deal with mild, stubborn symptoms that keep coming back. However, do watch out for severe UTI bouts that need immediate medical intervention. Visiting your doctor regularly will help you detect any complications before they get any worse.
