What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? A UTI is any bacterial infection of the urinary tract – also known as urinary system – which consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and the urethra. UTIs account for nearly 1 in 4 of all infections and are the second most common type of infection today.
Since antibiotics are the first line of treatment for UTIs, frequent UTIs can make the bacteria antibiotic-resistant (they can do that!), and cause even more recurring UTIs.
For this reason, home remedies for urinary tract infection play an important role in helping eliminate the bacteria completely and reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs. Read on to learn 10 of the best home remedies for UTIs for UTI treatment at home!
Before we start with our 10 Home Remedies for UTIs, remember that they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It’s always a good idea to see your doctor and find the cause behind the UTI.
Here is our list of top 10 home remedies for urinary tract infection
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Drink plenty of water
Drinking at least 2 to 3 liters of water a day and keeping yourself hydrated can help prevent and even treat UTIs. Drinking more water dilutes your urine and causes you to pee more often, helping your body to flush out the bacteria that are causing all the chaos.
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Try cranberries
According to recent studies, cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) which may help stop bacteria from sticking to your urinary tract lining. Adding cranberry juice to your diet is also an effective way to prevent UTIs. However, make sure the cranberry juice is 100% cranberry with no added sugar.
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Consume probiotics
Probiotics are micro-organisms that help balance the bad bacteria in your body that can cause infections, such as E. coli, with the good bacteria that help in digestion.
A specific probiotic strain, lactobacillus, found in milk and milk products may help prevent UTIs by preventing the infection causing bacteria from sticking to your urinary tract. This is because lactobacillus produces antibacterial hydrogen peroxide, which makes it difficult for certain harmful bacteria to survive.
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Get more vitamin C
Vitamin C increases the acidity of your urine, which can in turn help kill the bacteria causing your UTI.
Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C include:
- Guavas
- Kiwis
- Citrus fruits
- Papayas
- Red bell peppers
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Urinate often
Studies have found that holding your urine for a long period of time allows bacteria to multiply within the urinary tract, resulting in UTIs. Urinating whenever the urge arises ensures that any bacteria that may already be in your bladder doesn’t grow and multiply.
It’s also important to urinate after sexual intercourse to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
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Garlics, yes
Freshly crushed raw garlic contains allicin, which has a variety of antimicrobial properties. In its pure form, research has found that allicin exhibits antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria, including multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Garlic also possesses antifungal properties that can help prevent a multitude of infections, earning it a place among the best natural remedies for urinary tract infections.
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Heat therapy to soothe pain
Inflammation and irritation from UTIs can cause burning sensations, pressure, and pain around your pubic area. Applying a heating pad, or a hot water bottle can help deal with the pain and soothe the area.
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Cut out bladder irritants
When you have UTIs, bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and spicy foods can further irritate your bladder, worsening your UTI symptoms and making it harder for your body to heal from the infection. So, stay far away from them.
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Stay clean and dry
Just maintain personal intimate hygiene. Women should make a habit of wiping from front to back after urination or a bowel movement to ensure that the bacteria from the rectum doesn’t enter the urethra.
Also, wear loose cotton clothes and underwear, which allows for airflow to keep the intimate area dry. Wearing tight clothes or materials like nylon can trap moisture, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
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Ever heard of D-mannose?
D-mannose is a natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, apples, oranges, and green beans. It is used frequently to treat UTIs because it can prevent certain bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.
Home remedies for UTI can help you deal with mild to moderate UTI symptoms, and sometimes even give instant UTI relief. However, do watch out for more severe UTI symptoms such as fever, chills, and vomiting that might indicate a kidney infection and need immediate medical attention.
On the other hand, if your symptoms refuse to improve over a matter of few days, or if you have contracted three or more UTIs in a year, it’s best to see your doctor. In some cases, your doctor might recommend an UTI treatment without antibiotics when they prove ineffective; your doctor will recommend these very same home remedies! That concludes everything. See you in the next blog!
FAQs about Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
1. Can I clear a UTI naturally?
While some mild UTIs may resolve on their own without medical intervention, it is generally not recommended to rely solely on natural home remedies for urine infections to clear UTI.
2. Can you treat a UTI without antibiotics?
UTIs are usually caused by bacterial infections, and antibiotics are the most common and effective treatment. It is generally not recommended to attempt to treat a UTI without antibiotics, as untreated UTIs can lead to complications and may not always resolve on their own. Speak to your doctor to get the best advice as per your own unique case.
3. What is the fastest way to heal UTI?
The fastest way to heal a UTI is to seek medical attention immediately. Get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor and follow the prescribed treatment plan. This usually involves taking a full course of antibiotics as prescribed, drinking plenty of water to flush out the urinary system, and avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that may worsen UTI symptoms.
4. How do I get rid of a UTI ASAP at home?
Here are some measures to get rid of UTI ASAP at home:
Drink plenty of water
Avoid bladder irritants
Use a heating pad
Urinate frequently
Avoid sexual activity till the infection has cleared
Take probiotics
Drink cranberry juice
Get more vitamin C
Maintain good personal hygiene
5. How long does it take for a UTI to go away without antibiotics?
The length of time for a UTI to resolve without antibiotics varies and depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the individual's immune system, and other health factors. It is always best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
