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.
How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Here are a few tips that can help you to prevent a urinary tract infection or its reoccurrence
- Keep your genital area dry and clean
- pee as soon as possible after the sexual act
- wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
- Drink plenty of water so that the frequency of urination increases to flush out bacteria
- avoid drinks that irritate your bladder such as alcohol, coffee, soft drinks
What Is Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
L. rhamnosus is a type of bacteria found in your intestines.
It belongs to the genus Lactobacillus, a type of bacteria that produce the enzyme lactase. This enzyme breaks down the sugar lactose which is found in dairy into lactic acid.
Bacteria from this genus, such as L. rhamnosus, are considered probiotic.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can offer health benefits when consumed .
Hundreds of studies support the benefits of L. rhamnosus.
Uniquely adapted to survive in acidic and basic conditions within your body, this bacterium can also adhere to and colonize your intestinal walls. Such characteristics give L. rhamnosus a better chance of survival so it may offer longer-term benefits (
However, many products that contain L. rhamnosus dont typically include it in the ingredients list.
Summary
L. rhamnosus is a member of the probiotic Lactobacillus genus of bacteria. It is adapted to survive in your gut, thus potentially offering longer-term benefits.
L. rhamnosus has numerous potential benefits and uses for your digestive system, as well as other areas of health.
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Cut Bladder Irritants From Your Diet
When you have a UTI, caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, nicotine, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners can irritate your bladder further, making it harder for your body to heal, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Focus on healthy foods, such as high-fiber carbohydrates , that are good for your digestive health, says Holly Lucille, ND, RN, a naturopathic doctor in private practice in West Hollywood, California, and the author of Creating and Maintaining Balance: A Womans Guide to Safe, Natural Hormone Health.
/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.
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Take An Otc Medication
Phenazopyridine hydrochloride is a pain reliever for the urinary tract and can be purchased over the counter in generic form or as the brand name drug AZO. This medication temporarily relieves urinary urgency, pain, and pressure associated with UTIs. However, it doesnt treat the underlying infection.
Use Essential Oils With Caution
Oregano essential oil is well known for its strong antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that oregano oil can be very effective at killing E.coli, but it should be noted these studies are generally done in vitro meaning in a lab using scientific techniques, not performed in humans with infections.. Lemongrass oil and Clove oil may also be a home remedy for UTIs because of their antimicrobial properties, but both have been studied against harmful bacteria in similar experiments as Oregano oil.
Its important to take care before using essential oils as a treatment. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy advises against ingesting these oils. Instead, essential oils may be safely used topically with a carrier oil or inhaled from a diffuser.
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What Is Involved In A Liver Transplant
A liver transplant is considered necessary when the liver is damaged and cannot function or in some cases of liver cancer. Your liver is very important. It is responsible for many functions related to making sure that your body stays healthy and is able to digest foods.
You may be eligible for a transplant if you have chronic hepatitis B infection or some of the diseases that may result from it, including liver cancer and cirrhosis. You will have to complete testing and be evaluated before being approved for a transplant. It is likely that you will be placed on a waiting list while an appropriate organ is found.
Donated livers come from two types of donors: living and deceased. Because the liver can regenerate, it is possible to use part of a liver for transplant. The remaining sections in both the donor and the receiver will grow into livers of adequate size.
People who get liver transplants must take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their lives. These drugs make you more susceptible to infection. However, liver transplants have become more successful over time and continue to improve.
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
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Treating Uti Without Antibiotics
Antibiotics are generally effective for treating UTIs. However, besides the fact that some of these bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics, the body itself can often resolve minor UTIs without antibiotics. By some estimates, about 24 to 42 percent of uncomplicated UTIs resolve on their own. In this case, people can try a range of home remedies for urinary tract infections to speed up the recovery process.
Complicated or major UTIs will require medical treatments because they have become severe these UTIs involve one or more of the following factors:
- Conditions that affect the immune system, such as lupus, cardiac arrest, or HIV.
- Species of bacteria resistant to antibiotics
- Changes in the organs or urinary tracts, such as reduced urine flow or swollen prostate.
When To See A Doctor For Your Uti
If your symptoms persist beyond a few days with no sign of improvement, or if your infection keeps recurring, its best to see a doctor. While many home remedies may ease symptoms if they persist your doctor will be able to determine the cause and prescribe a course of antibiotics that should help take care of your UTI right away and prevent it from leading to a worsening condition or infection.
Have you tried any of the above natural remedies for UTIs, or other home treatments to treat your urinary tract infection? Tell us about them in the comments below!
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Practice These Healthy Habits
The first and most important method of preventing UTIs is practicing a few good hygiene and bathroom habits. First of all, its a bad idea to hold your urine for a long time this can result in bacteria buildup, causing infection in the process.
Peeing after unprotected sexual intercourse can also decrease the risk of urinary tract infections by preventing the spread of the bacteria. In addition, people susceptible to urinary tract infections should avoid using spermicide because it contributes to increased urinary tract infections.
Drink Buchu Tea To Heal Your Urinary System
- Boil a glass of water. Remove it from the flame .
- Add 2 tablespoons of dried buchu to it and let soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink 1 to 2 cups a day.
Buchu, also known as bookoo or bucco, is a herb that is very effective in treating urinary tract disorders.25 It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties that cleanse and heal your urinary tract.26
Tip: Add equal amount of uva ursi to make the drink more effective.
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Soothe Uti Pain With Heat
Inflammation and irritation from UTIs cause burning, pressure, and pain around your pubic area, says Kandis Rivers, MD, a urologist in the Henry Ford Health System in Wast Bloomfield, Michigan. Applying a heating pad can help soothe the area. Keep the heat setting low, dont apply it directly to the skin, and limit your use to 15 minutes at a time to avoid burns.
Practice Good Sexual Hygiene
Some sexual intercourse bacteria and other microbes into the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce this risk.
Examples of good sexual hygiene include:
- urinating before and immediately after sex
- using barrier contraception, such as a condom
- washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
- ensuring that all sexual partners are aware of any current or past UTIs
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Try Taking A Probiotic
Introducing a probiotic to your system may help to replenish the naturally occurring, healthy bacteria that live in the gut. It is thought that probiotics may prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract cells, and may also lower the urine Ph, making it less hospitable to harmful bacteria. And, if you have taken an antibiotic to treat a UTI, taking a probiotic is a great way to build up the healthy bacteria that may have been killed during your course of treatment. Probiotics are found in supplement form , or they occur naturally in some types of food, including certain yogurts, kombucha, or kefir.
Consider Switching Birth Control
Birth control methods with spermicides, as discussed above, have been linked to increased risk for UTIs. Additionally, other birth control methods, like intrauterine devices have also demonstrated to act as a source for recurrent UTIs. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control options or if you suspect your current contraceptive may be causing recurrent UTIs.
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Empty Your Bladder Regularly
Whenever you get the urge to pee, it is advisable to keep making those bathroom trips to empty your bladder. Even if you pee in small amounts each time, dont hold it in. You should also make it a point to empty your bladder soon after having sex.2 Residual urine present in your bladder allows bacteria present in it to multiply and thrive, causing an infection.
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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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.
Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
While UTIs are more common in women than men, anyone can get one. Symptoms of a UTI include
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A strong urge to urinate.
-
A burning sensation while urinating.
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Cloudy or bloody urine.
Suppose you think you have a UTI. In that case, it’s important to see a doctor so they can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. However, there are also some home remedies you can try to relieve symptoms. At the same time, you wait for the antibiotics to take effect. Here are ten home remedies for UTI symptoms.
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What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.
Safety And Home Remedies
It is important to seek professional medical advice when considering home remedies for UTIs.
Home remedies for UTIs may be used to ease symptoms and support recovery in combination with prescribed treatment options. Home remedies are not necessarily more effective than prescribed treatment and drugs.
Any pre-existing conditions or medication should be taken into consideration before relying on home remedies for UTIs.
Some herbal remedies or changes to the diet can interact with existing conditions or medication in a way that could adversely affect health. They may also make symptoms of a UTI worse.
Usually, home remedies for UTIs can be administered safely. However, it is always recommended that they are discussed with a doctor first.
Home remedies are not a replacement for professional medical treatment.
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Other Things To Remember For Faster Relief From Urinary Tract Infections
- Spicy and pungent foods can cause more irritation and inflammation of the urethra
- Avoid having caffeinated and carbonated drinks such as coffee, colas, etc.
- Practice abstinence from alcohol.
- Regular exercising and staying clean greatly reduces symptoms of any UTI
- Artificial sweeteners can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.
- Change the underwear every day or if required, twice a day.
- Avoid wearing synthetic underwear, choose cotton ones for comfort.
Sip Some Cranberry Juice
Studies into the effectiveness of cranberry juice for UTI treatment have produced mixed results. However, anecdotal evidence and some small studies indicate that cranberry juice may aid in healing by making it difficult for bacteria to stick to the lining of the urinary tract. If you wish to try this traditional folk remedy, choose a juice that lists cranberries as its first ingredient and is free of artificial sweeteners and added sugar.
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/8do Not Hold Your Pee
One thing you should always keep in mind while suffering from and undergoing treatment for UTI is that you should never hold your pee. No matter how uncomfortable it is, urinate when you feel the urge. Holding the pee even when you have to urinate can promote bacterial growth, which is why it is important to empty your bladder!
How Urinary Tract Infections Are Diagnosed
Doctors will use the following tests depending on the severity to diagnose urinary tract infection
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When To See A Doctor
If symptoms of the UTI are severe or persist for more than 1 week without improvement, then it is essential to see a doctor. Severe symptoms that are long-lasting can indicate that the UTI is chronic.
In many cases where the UTI is mild or acute, it may pass in just 2-3 days with home remedy treatments.
Key Points About Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinary tract infections are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. These infections can affect any part of the urinary tract.
- Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon.
- The most common symptoms of UTIs include changes in urination such as frequency, pain, or burning urine looks dark, cloudy, or red and smells bad back or side pain nausea/vomiting and fever.
- Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Other treatments may include pain relievers, and drinking plenty of water to help wash bacteria out of the urinary tract.
- Other things that can be done may help reduce the likelihood of developing UTIs.
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