Infections have become so prevalent in the present scenario, one of these infections that affect especially women is called Urinary tract infection, abbreviated as UTI. It starts as a burning sensation when you pee and, if not treated immediately, may lead to something serious. Once you identify the issue as UTI, you can rely on home remedies to relieve yourself from the infection. Here is a list of home remedies for Urinary Tract Infection and the foods beneficial in reducing UTI. If the infection persists for more than a day, it is best to consult a doctor.
- What Is Urinary Tract Infection
- Causes Of UTI
- Common Symptoms Of UTI
- Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection
- What To Eat And What To Avoid During Urinary Tract Infection
- When To Consult a Doctor
What Is Urinary Tract Infection:
The bladder, kidneys, urethra, and uterus are the organs involved in a urinary tract, and an infection caused in this area is called UTI, an abbreviated form for Urinary Tract Infection. This whole system is necessary for processing and discarding urine from our bodies. The urinary tract is capable of preventing UTIs from occurring, but still, they are pretty standard. If left untreated, UTI may lead to severe complications.
Causes Of UTI:
- Bacteria from the bowel is one of the primary reasons for the occurrence of a UTI, but sometimes viruses and fungi also cause infections.
- Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus are the two strains of bacteria that account for 80% of infections in the urinary tract.
- The origin of this bacteria might not be you but your partner and transmitted during sex or by using an unclean bathroom.
- Kidney stones sometimes block your urinary tract resulting in an infection. (1)
- People suffering from diseases in which your immune system is weakened like diabetes have recurrent UTI. (2)
Common Symptoms Of UTI:
- The need to urinate more than usual.
- There is a burning sensation when you pee.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Urine with bad odour.
- The feeling of the non-empty bladder.
- Pain in the renal area for men.
See More: Causes And Symptoms Of UTI
Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection:
Here are the some tips to treat urinary tract infection at home
1. Staying Hydrated:
Water is an essential source of how our body flushes out toxins from the urinary tract, drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water helps eliminate the root cause (3). Coconut water is another alternative.
Ingredients:
- Water.
- A teaspoon of sugar.
- A little bit of salt to taste.
How To Prepare:
- Take a glass of water.
- Mix a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt to the water.
- Mix it well till the salt and sugar are blended, adding a tasty flavor to your water.
How Does It Work:
- Water helps eliminate the unwanted toxins from our body. This is a quick and easy recipe if you are bored with drinking plain water.
2. Green Tea:
Green tea has anti-microbial effects if you are prone to frequent UTIs. (4)
Ingredients:
- Water.
- Green tea bags or powder depending on your choice and availability.
- Honey to add taste.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a cup of water, switch the stove off once the water is up to boil.
- Add the tea leaves or tea bag to the water and let it seep.
- Strain the water, add some honey and drink up.
How Does It Work:
- Green tea works as a natural antibiotic for killing E.coli in the bladder and urinary tract that causes UTI.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar:
It has many anti-microbial properties and provides many benefits. (5)
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of water.
- A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Honey.
How To Prepare:
- Add a spoonful of apple cider vinegar to 8 ounces of water.
- Mix it thoroughly and add honey according to your taste.
- You can drink this liquid three times in the whole day.
How Does It Work:
- Apple cider vinegar kills the bacteria that cause UTI. It works as a preventive measure too.
4. Baking Soda:
It is a natural antacid that has many health benefits.
Ingredients:
- ½ to one spoon of baking soda.
- Water.
How To Prepare:
- Add ½ to one spoon of baking soda to your water.
- Mix it well so that the baking soda dissolves completely.
- Drink it on an empty stomach for effective results.
How Does It Work:
- Baking soda helps detoxify your kidneys and stops the infection from spreading further.
5. Herbal Teas:
One of the best ways to treat and prevent further occurrence of urinary tract infection is by using herbal remedies. Bearberry or uva ursi, cornsilk, marshmallow root, horsetail, dandelion leaf are some of the best herbs available to treat persisting UTI. (6)
Ingredients:
- Uva ursi or Cornsilk or Marshmallow root or Horsetail or Dandelion leaf.
- A bottle of water.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a bottle of water and add any herb of your choice.
- Remember that the herbs mentioned above make different teas and should not be mixed.
- Let the herb steep for seven minutes in the water.
- Strain the water and store the content in a bottle.
- Drink it every two hours for a whole day.
How Does It Work:
- These herbs have antibacterial properties that soothe the mucus membranes of the irritated urinary tract.
6. Essential Oils:
Many find essential oils to be another source to help you reduce the pain caused due to a urinary tract infection. Some of the oils include oil from Star anise, basil oil, clary sage oil, marjoram oil, thymus oil, tea tree oil, etc., (7)
Ingredients:
- Enough water to draw a bath.
- Oil from star anise or basil oil or clary sage oil or marjoram oil, thymus oil, or tea tree oil.
How To Do:
- Pick an essential oil from the list and add it to the water drawn for your bath.
- You can take the amount of water that would be enough for you to immerse your pelvic area.
- Stay that way for some time, and this relieves a lot of pressure.
How Does It Work:
- These essential oils help eliminate the bacteria that cause infections of your urinary tract. Remember not to consume any of these oils or apply them directly to your vagina as they can cause severe side effects.
7. Ginger Tea:
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help kill E Coli, one of the leading causes of urinary tract infection. (8)
Ingredients:
- One cup of water.
- Thin slices of ginger roots.
- Lemon to taste.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a cup of water on the stove.
- Add the sliced ginger root to the boiling water and let it steep for ten minutes.
- Strain the water and add honey for taste and enjoy the cup of tea.
How Does It Work:
- Ginger root is said to have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help eliminate the bacteria that cause UTI.
8. Amla or Indian Gooseberries:
Being a rich source of vitamin C amla or Indian gooseberry prevents bacteria from growing. (9)
Ingredients:
- Fresh amla juice or one teaspoon amla powder.
- Water.
- Small spoonful turmeric.
How To Prepare:
- Add the amla powder and turmeric to the water and mix it well.
- Boil the water until the solution becomes half.
- You can store this concoction and drink it three times a day.
How Does It Work:
- It helps inhibit the growth of bacteria as it is rich in vitamin C. you can also consume other fruits rich in vitamin C.
9. Cinnamon:
Cinnamaldehyde is the chemical that gives cinnamon the power to inhibit UTI, causing bacteria. (10)
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon cinnamon powder.
- Teaspoon honey.
- One cup lukewarm water.
How To Prepare:
- Take a cup of luke water.
- Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with the honey.
- Add the mixture to the water and mix it well.
How Does It Work:
- Cinnamon powder has a chemical called cinnamaldehyde that not only kills the bacteria that cause urinary tract infection but prevents future occurrence too.
10. Barley:
It has diuretic properties, and it is famous for treating UTIs in Indian households. (11)
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup pearl barley.
- Four cups of water.
- Fresh lemon juice.
- Salt to taste.
How To Prepare:
- Add pearl barley to the water and bring it to boil.
- Add a bit of salt and let it cook by mixing the barley with a spoon.
- Strain the water by removing cooked barley.
- Add lemon drizzle.
- You can let it cool down. This can be consumed both hot and cold.
How Does It Work:
- It enhances diuretic properties, which increase urine production, thereby eliminating toxins from our body.
11. Parsely:
It is a herbal agent that has anti-inflammatory properties and mostly used in folk medicines.
Ingredients:
- A cup of water.
- Parsley leaves.
How To Prepare:
- Take a spoonful of parsley leaves in a cup.
- Boil a cup of water and pour it on the leaves and mix them gently.
- Let it steep for ten minutes.
- Strain the leaves, and you can add honey for taste.
How Does It Work:
- Parsely has apigenin that is said to have a diuretic effect along with providing nutrients to your body. It is perfect home remedy for treating urinary tract infection.
12. Celery:
It works very well for urinary tract and bladder infections. It also has the capability of reducing blood pressure.
Ingredients:
- Two bunches of fresh celery.
- Required water to blend celery.
How To Prepare:
- Take two bunches of fresh celery and cut the base and top half of it.
- Wash them thoroughly and gently.
- Cut them into halves and put them in a blender.
- Add some water to the celery to blend smoothly.
- Put the blended drink into a glass and enjoy it.
How Does It Work:
- Parsley reduces uric acid and increases urine production, thereby a lifesaver in treating UTI quickly.
13. Tartar Cream:
Another not so well known source but effective remedy to treat bladder infection from getting further bad.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ spoon tartar cream.
- One cup of warm water.
- One teaspoon lime juice.
How To Prepare:
- Mix 1 ½ spoon tartar cream and mix it with a glass of warm water.
- Mix it well so that there are no lumps.
- Squeeze some lemon juice and drink the mixture two to three times a day.
How Does It Work:
- Tartar cream can change the PH level of the urine, making it difficult for bacteria to thrive, thereby reducing the chances of UTI.
See More: Home Remedies For Flu
14. Cranberry Juice:
Cranberries have a compound like proanthocyanidins that have an antibiotic effect that stop the infection-causing bacteria in reaching the urethra.
- Drink at least two glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice when you are suffering from a UTI.
- You can drink half a glass of cranberry juice every day to avoid urinary tract infections.
- It is better to avoid this juice if you suffer from kidney stones.
15. Blueberry Wonders:
Blueberries work wonders in treating your UTI as they have bacteria inhibiting properties. They strengthen your immune system with the help of antioxidants that don’t let the growth of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
- You can add some fresh berries to your favorite cereal for a healthy breakfast.
- You can make a juice with the blueberries without adding any artificial sweeteners.
16. Yogurt:
This is another pure and readily available superfood that has probiotics that help fight urinary tract infections by introducing helpful bacteria and reduce the bacteria that cause urinary tract infection. It not only helps fight infection in the urinary tract but throughout the body that includes the vagina and digestive system. Remember not to eat flavored yogurt, but you can add some honey and sugar at home. (12)
17. Cotton Clothing:
The clothes you wear play a prominent role in helping reduce a UTI. Cotton underwear is recommended as it helps airflow and doesn’t let sweat stagnate and doesn’t let the bacteria speed up the process. This is a simple yet effective habit that helps infection-free genitals.
See More: Home Remedies For Foot Pain
What To Eat And What To Avoid During Urinary Tract Infection:
Foods To Eat When you Have a UTI:
The foods that have antioxidants and probiotic properties that have a positive effect on urinary tract infection, reducing the irritation and help you with a quick recovery from a UTI. Here is a list:
- Cranberries.
- Blueberries.
- Probiotic unsweetened yogurt.
- Dark chocolate.
- Black or green tea.
- Juices from cranberries or blueberries.
- Broccoli
- Spinach.
Foods To Avoid When You Have a UTI:
When there are foods you can eat, there is also a list of foods that you need to avoid for escalating urinary tract infection. Here is the list:
- Spicy food.
- Artificial sweeteners.
- Alcohol.
- Coffee.
- Acidic fruits.
When To Consult a Doctor
- It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as you have the symptoms related to bladder infections or urinary tract infections without delay.
- If you have a frequent occurrence meaning more than three UTIs in a year, then consult a health care provider.
- Chances of having urinary tract infections increase drastically after menopause and during pregnancy.
- When you are pregnant, without taking any chances, consult your gynecologist as soon as possible as the infection may harm the baby.
See More: Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion
Infections caused by various bacteria affect our bodies in many ways. One of the infections that occur in men and women frequently is Urinary Tract Infection. With the plethora of home remedies to treat Urinary Tract Infection, you can use anyone that suits you the best. But remember that home remedies are not a replacement for antibiotics. These are intervention techniques that help reduce irritation caused by UTIs. If the infection persists for more than a day, see a doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: The article mentions the home remedies with the procedure of preparing them. We in no way suggest that these remedies cure your infection completely, and these are in no way a replacement for a doctor’s advice. You can use them as an early intervention approach and consult a doctor without delay.
FAQs:
1. How Does UTI Spread?
Ans. Bacteria cause UTIs, and they travel between people, especially during sex. Though it is not contagious, UTI occurs when the gut germs move and relocate in the urinary tract. Infection in kidneys and uterus is called upper UTI, and the disease in urethra and bladder is known as lower UTI.
2. How Can You Identify A UTI Turn Into Kidney Infection?
Ans. Don’t ignore infection in the urinary tract and let it spread to the kidneys that create more issues. Here are some symptoms that show if you have a kidney infection.
- Fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Chills.
- Back, groin, and side pain.
- Burning sensation when you urinate.
3. How Long Does It Take For A Bladder To Heal After UTI?
Ans. Most urinary tract infections are cured within 24 to 48 hours of occurrence with early intervention with home remedies or antibiotics. It will take more than a week or longer for a person to recover from a kidney infection and its symptoms to go away completely.