If you’ve had a UTI in your life, then you know how much it can make your life a temporary living hell. They can be painful, irritating, and cause you to be in the bathroom every hour. Basically: they are NOT fun, and no one wants to deal with them. Because of this, wanting natural UTI cures is a reasonable request. Let’s take a look at a few options.
How does a UTI occur?
A UTI occurs when bacteria gets into the urinary tract. Like with any other bacterial infection, it multiplies and affects the urinary tract. It then causes some pretty uncomfortable symptoms.
Major areas that can become affected include:
- Urethra
- Bladder
- Ureters
- Kidneys
You will start feeling the onset of symptoms and know you are dealing with a UTI quickly. Many people experience one or all these common UTI symptoms:
- Painful/frequent urination
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Lower abdominal pain
- Bloody urine
According to Healthline, 40-60% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. This is due primarily to a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder. Antibiotics are available to help alleviate and get rid of UTI’s, but for people looking for a more natural method, here are a handful of home remedies that may be your solution to a more organic line of defense.
Natural Cures For A UTI
Try a urinary tract supplement.
Sometimes with your health, prevention is the best option. A supplement that supports bladder and urinary tract heath is a great option. Look for supplements like VeeTract, which contain quite a few great things. It has D-Mannose and Hibiscus. Both of these ingredients do wonders to support your bladder health.
Consume cranberries.
This fruit contains an ingredient that stops bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. That’s pretty similar to the D-Mannose mentioned above! Try drinking unsweetened cranberry juice, taking cranberry supplements, or eating dried cranberries.
Up your water intake.
Water is the first line of defense for so many of our body’s problems. In the case of a UTI, drinking as much water as possible, helps flush harmful bacteria out of your urinary tract.
Need to pee? Do NOT hold it.
We all know that peeing while having a urinary tract infection can be painful. However, ignoring the urge to urinate allows bacteria to multiply. Always use the bathroom when you feel the urge.
Try taking probiotics.
Probiotics promote healthy digestion and immunity. They may also be effective in supporting renal health. Probiotics can help restore good bacteria to help protect your urinary system!
Increase your vitamin C intake.
Vitamin C helps to support the immune system. Additionally, it can help acidify the urine to make for a not so friendly environment for bacteria.
Natural UTI cures are becoming very popular.
Taking an antibiotic is the gold standard treatment for a urinary tract infection. But natural cures are gaining traction with good reason.
In fact, issues such as UTIs are one of those things that do not necessarily require a prescription to get rid of. There are many natural and at-home solutions to ease your symptoms. In fact, you probably have some of the ingredients needed for your home-health regime right in your pantry!
Here are some home remedies for a urinary tract infection so that you can ease your current symptoms and boost your urinary tract health for the long run.
Soothe your pain with heat.
UTIs cause inflammation and irritation that can be extremely uncomfortable to deal with. These symptoms can cause burning, pressure, and pain around your pubic area.
Applying a heating pad can help soothe the area.
Keep the heat setting on low and do NOT apply it directly to the skin. Limit your use of the heating pad to 15-minute increments.
Cut bladder irritants from your diet.
A UTI can easily flare up and cause even more distress from what you are consuming during your daily diet. If you are certain you are suffering a UTI, then it is time to cut out the following until it goes away:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- Nicotine
- Carbonated drinks
- Artificial sweeteners
All these items make it much harder for your body to heal.
Instead, focus on healthy foods that will get you on the right track to feeling your best self! High-fiber carbs such as oatmeal and lentil soup are great for your digestive health.
Consider trying herbal remedies.
There are many natural, herbal remedies that can help with all sorts of health issues. One herb you can try using is bearberry leaf. It has been used as an herbal remedy for lower urinary tract infections.
Preliminary research performed in 2016 also suggested that D-mannose supplements may be used to help prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. This simple sugar is found naturally in apples, oranges, and cranberries.
Cut back on meat and poultry.
Studies have linked contaminated meat and poultry to E. coli strains that can cause UTIs. Cutting back on meat and focusing on fruits and veggies may reduce your risk of contracting a UTI.
Try leading a healthier lifestyle overall.
Instead of waiting for a problem to arise with your urinary tract or any other major system in your body, get on track with a healthier lifestyle. Leading a health-conscious lifestyle is one of the best natural remedies against both UTIs and other health-related issues.
The following lifestyle changes may help you combat and prevent another bodily infection:
- Quit smoking or using any tobacco products
- Wear loose cotton clothing and underwear
- Wipe yourself clean from front to back
- Choose to use only fragrance-free personal hygiene products
Why should you choose natural methods for your UTI?
Did you know that treating your UTI with an antibiotic prescribed from your doctor can increase bacterial resistance in your body? So, depending on the severity of your UTI, even your doctor may recommend you use at-home treatment and forgo the antibiotics.
Antibiotics such as Bactrim, Keflex, and Monurol can assist in alleviating your UTI. They are a valid option. Just remember that natural UTI cures will help your body in the long run. They often offer a better way to manage your health overall. For this reason, many women are looking for better methods to get a hold of their feminine hygiene.
Sarah Nelson is a nurse with 15 years of experience working with a variety of patients. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing and has spent a large portion of her career working exclusively with women in an OB/GYN setting.
Nursing is a passion for Sarah but she also enjoys writing and sharing her expertise online with people who need helpful information. Treating patients well and helping them learn more about their own bodies is a key essential to a healthy lifestyle that Sarah truly believes in.