/8how Prevalent Is Uti In Women
Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacterial infections that occurs in women. It is said to account for nearly 25% of all infections. Reports claim around 5060% of women will experience a UTI in their lifetime.
While UTI is not a life-threatening condition, severe infection can cause a wide range of discomforting symptoms, including a strong persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, cloudy and strong-smelling urine and abdominal pain.
In most cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition. Antibiotics are medicines that inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
Here Are 6 Best Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections :
1. Drinks lots of water
Drinking water is one of the most basic home remedies for UTI. Your body’s status of hydration is an important marker of your risk of urinary tract infections. Multiple studies have linked low fluid intake with increased risk of recurrent UTIs. One of the best ways to get rid of this disorder is to flush out the bacteria from the body and drinking lots of water is primary to that goal. When you drink more water, you urinate more often and that in turn reduces your risk of developing UTIs.
2. Eat more citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are considered to be a part of the extra-health benefits group of fruits. This is due to the high vitamin C content of these fruits. Vitamin C boosts overall immunity of the body and that protects you from urinary tract infections. Vitamin C increases the acid levels in your urine thereby killing harmful bacteria. Regular consumption of citrus fruits is strongly linked to a lower risk of UTIs.
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3. Include more probiotics in your diet
4. Apple cider vinegar
One of the best home remedies for UTIs is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is enriched with antibacterial properties. Drinking it with some luke warm water on an empty stomach every morning can be quite helpful in killing UTI-related bacteria. It kills the bacteria in your urinary system to free you from the bacteria the healthy way.
5. Ginger tea
6. Drink cranberry juice
How Do I Get Rid Of A Uti Quickly
There is no quick fix for a UTI. Taking cranberry supplements and drinking water could help flush bacteria out of your system more quickly. However, it can be dangerous to drink too much water in a short period of time. In many cases, taking an antibiotic for a UTI could be the quickest way to get rid of one.
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Practice Healthy Hygiene Habits
Preventing UTIs starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, its important not to hold your urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection.
Peeing after sexual intercourse can also of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria.
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs.
Finally, when using the toilet especially if you have a female urethra make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs.
Benefits of healthy hygiene for UTI
Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Careful wiping when you use the toilet may also help decrease the risk of UTI.
Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.
Here are a few supplements that have been studied and are all available in capsule form:
- D-Mannose.D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests its effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence.
- Cranberry extract. Like cranberry juice, cranberry extract works by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
- Garlic extract. shows garlic and garlic extract to have antimicrobial properties, so they it may be able to block the growth of bacteria to prevent UTIs.
Indian Gooseberry For Urinary Tract Infection
Indian Gooseberry is rich in vitamin C which in turn inhibits the growth of bacteria
- Take a cup of water.
- Add one teaspoon of Indian gooseberry powder and one teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Boil the solution until half the water evaporates.
- Drink the residue three times a day for three to five days.
You can also eat more fruits like lemons, oranges, bananas, guava, kiwi, melon, raspberries, tomatoes, and papaya that contain a good amount of Vitamin C.
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Wild Oregano Oil For Uti Treatment
Origanum vulgare or wild oregano oil belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is mainly found in Mediterranean countries. In terms of the rising popularity of particular UTI home remedies, oil of oregano is quickly moving up the list.
While there are many in vitro studies focussed on the antimicrobial activity of wild oregano oil, there are no studies that specifically evaluate the use of wild oregano oil for the treatment in humans or for the prevention of UTIs.
Drink Lots Of Water And Healthy Juices
The more fluid you consume, the more you enable your body to pass out the harmful bacteria. It is a well-established fact that low intake of healthy fluids and irregular urination makes a person more prone to urinary tract infections. So, there is no doubt that keeping the body hydrated will save you from a lot of urinary infections. Also, drink lots of fresh fruit and vegetable juices that will keep the entire digestive and urinary system healthy. Just make sure that you prefer fresh juices that have no artificial sweeteners.
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Practice Good Personal Hygiene To Prevent Uti
Prevention is always better than cure. Maintaining proper personal hygiene is crucial in preventing UTIs.
If you are a woman, always wipe from front to back, especially after defecating.29 This reduces the chances of bacteria from your bowels entering your urethra. You should help children inculcate this habit from a very young age.
Change your sanitary napkins regularly, avoid taking long bubble baths, and do not use perfumed products near your urethra.30 Keeping it clean and dry down there prevent an infection.
Both men and women should wear breathable underwear and should shower regularly to prevent the build up of bacteria near the urethra.31
What The Probiotics Research Tells Us
Given the close relationship between vaginal flora and UTI, studies often cover both and you will note this in the results below. Studies have focussed on evaluating the use of oral probiotics, as well as probiotic vaginal pessaries, with some very promising results.
Probiotics studies:
- The effectiveness of different strains of probiotics on vaginal health
- Whether different strains of probiotics reduce the recurrence of UTI
- A comparison of the effectiveness of oral and vaginal probiotics
What was found:
- Specific Lactobacilli strains may prevent adherence, growth, and formation of uropathogenic bacteria.
- The use of vaginal pessaries with Lactobacillus crispatus in premenopausal females was associated with a significant reduction in recurrent UTI.
- Oral capsules with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri in postmenopausal females are promising.
- Probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum were shown to normalize the vaginal flora, reduce recurrence of UTI, and may be a possible long-term therapy for pregnant females and those susceptible to UTI.
- Insertion of Lactobacilli into the vagina provides a better cure rate than using an antibiotic alone.
- For some females, up to 77%, episodes of recurrent UTI may be reduced for at least one year after discontinuing use of vaginal probiotics.
- In vitro studies have shown that Lactobacillus strains can disrupt bacterial vaginosis and yeast biofilms and inhibit the growth of urogenital pathogens.
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Dont Take Leftover Medicine
Dr. Propst maintains that she typically does not recommend home remedies for the treatment of UTIs. But she also cautions you should also avoid digging around in your medicine cabinet and taking any old leftover antibiotics that you might have stashed there.Those antibiotics may not work at all for UTIs, she says. They may not even get to the bladder.”
Plus, you run the risk of contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The bacteria youre trying to kill off might survive the mismatched or old antibiotic and survive, but then it may be harder to find another antibiotic that can get rid of it.
Use Heat In The Pelvic Area
Women often experience UTI pain in the pelvic area. Pain and discomfort range in intensity, but applying heat could alleviate them.
You can place a heating pad on a pubic or bladder area.
But, avoid putting heat directly onto the skin and make sure its not too hot.
Warmth should be moderate, and you should apply it for short periods only.
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Urinate When You Need To
If you hold or ignore to pee, it can give chances for the bacteria to multiply in the urinary tract. Frequent urination helps flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract.
It also reduces the time given to the bacteria in the urine to expose to the cells in the tract. It limits the risk of bacteria getting attached and infecting the urinary cells.
So, you should use the bathroom whenever you feel the urge to pee. Its crucial to empty your bladder fully to avoid bladder infections. You should empty your bladder after sex if you are a female.
Uti Causes And Symptoms
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is caused by organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope, including fungi, viruses and bacteria. Despite the bodys many natural defenses, certain bacteria have the ability to attach themselves to the lining of the urinary tract and inhabit the urethra, bladder and kidneys. The majority of UTI cases are caused by E. colibacterium that can live in the bowel and vaginal cavities, around the urethral opening, and in the urinary tract.
Other significant pathogens that can cause UTIs include Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumonia. In diabetic patients, Klebsiella and group B streptococcus infections are more common. Pseudomonas infections are more common in chronically catheterized patients.
Urinary tract infections are extremely common, especially among sexually active women ages 18 to 24. Although a UTI isnt typically complicated or life-threatening, it does cause pain and suffering and negatively impacts ones quality of life.
Generally, symptoms of a UTI in adults may include:
- pain when urinating
- a burning sensation in the bladder or urethra when urinating
- a strong, frequent urge to urinate, but only passing small amounts
- muscle aches
- urine that appears red or bright pink
- strong-smelling urine
- people with suppressed immune systems
- people with diabetes
Precautions Regarding UTIs and Home Remedies for UTI
Final Thoughts on Home Remedies for UTI
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Vitamin C Kills Harmful Bacteria
Foods and fruits rich in vitamin C boosts immunity and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. It also makes the urine acidic enough to kill the infection-cause. So, any man who is already suffering from urinary tract infection must have foods that are enriched with vitamin C. Mango, papaya, strawberries, watermelon, kiwi, grapefruit, orange, berries, pineapple, cantaloupe are some of the fruits that are the rich sources of vitamin C. Other than these, you should also make broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, and tomatoes integral to your regular diet. This way, you will keep yourself safe from the troubles of urinary tract infections.
A Note About Cranberry Juice And Utis
Cranberry juice or cranberry extract in supplemental form has long been used as a home remedy for UTIs.
The thought is that the proanthocyanidins in cranberries may help prevent bladder infections by keeping the bacteria from clinging to the bladder wall, says Sonya Angelone, MS, RDN, a nutrition consultant based in San Francisco, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Yet theres scientific controversy over how effective cranberry juice is at preventing UTIs due to conflicting conclusions in studies on the topic, according to an article published in May 2016 in Advances in Nutrition. Some studies have found it might work, while others have found no effect.
Bottom line, there is some evidence it may help, and it doesnt hurt to try it, says Angelone. Just be sure to chose unsweetened cranberry juice . Mix this with sparkling water or plain yogurt, she recommends.
Another low-calorie option choose a cranberry pill that contains d-mannose, she says.
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How Probiotics Work For Utis
The ways in which probiotics may help prevent infection of the urinary tract are still not fully understood.
Pathogens that cause infection in the urinary tract typically originate from the intestine, then colonize the entrance of the vagina and the opening of the urethra. From there, a UTI can escalate to the bladder and kidneys.
There are around 50 microbial species that inhabit the vaginal tract and hundreds found in bladders. These different species play an important role in the prevention of infection.
When the healthy balance is disrupted, it increases the susceptibility to colonization in the vagina and urinary tract by pathogens.
Specific species of probiotics can help restore beneficial levels of good bacteria and make it more difficult for pathogens to multiply.
It is believed probiotics may help prevent infection in part by maintaining the optimal vaginal pH and by producing antimicrobials that kill pathogens.
They may also alter the surfaces of the vagina or bind to the pathogens themselves and reduce the ability of pathogens to adhere.
Natural Remedies For Uti Relief
A true UTI needs antibiotics to clear the bacteria responsible for the symptoms and infection, Dr. Sherry explains, so call your doctor if you’re experiencing UTI symptoms. While you wait for your appointment, though, there are some home remedies you can try to help relieve some of the discomfort.
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If Youre 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 , antibiotics are probably the first thing that comes to your mind. However, a trip to the drugstore isnt the only way to get rid of your symptoms.
In fact, if youre experiencing relatively mild discomfort, chances are you dont 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. Its still best to consult a doctors advice before trying out home remedies for UTI on your own.
Home Remedies For Uti
How to get rid of UTI without antibiotics with 21 home remedies for urinary tract infections. Instant UTI relief treatment at home!
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, occur when the bacteria present in the urinary tract is pushed back into the kidney, bladder, or urethra. Urinary tract infections mostly affect females. It can be really painful and irritating if not treated properly and can spread to the kidneys if not treated at all. There are several home remedies for a UTI that can be tried in order to prevent the infection from getting worse. However, if the problem persists, you should consult a doctor immediately.
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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 youre 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.
How Cranberry Works For Utis
Previously, it was believed cranberry worked against UTIs by acidifying the urine due to its hippuric acid content. This effect has since been found to be insignificant.
It is now suggested that cranberry proanthocyanidins at high enough concentrations, can inhibit some types of bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder.
Unfortunately, this substance is not found in high concentrations in cranberry products and this effect has also been found to be insignificant.
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Benefits Of Antibiotics For Utis
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs because they kill the bacteria responsible for the infections. Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The species most likely to cause UTIs include:
- E. coli, which cause of up to
- abnormal liver function, as indicated with testing
More severe risks of using antibiotics include:
Following Hygienic Sexual Habits
Hygienic sexual habits certainly save you from terrible urinary tract infection. Men should more proactively maintain the hygiene of their private parts. This is because bacteria tend to grow rapidly under the foreskin of the penis if you do not maintain proper hygiene.
Here are a few tips you can follow:
-Pass urine before and after sexual intercourse.-Always use protection while having sex.-Properly wash your intimate area, especially the foreskin of the penis.-Make sure that your partner does not have any UTI.-Never use the same condom for vaginal and anal sex.
These hygiene practices will limit the chances of transmission of infections through sexual intercourse.
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