Causes Of Bladder Infection
When the bacteria attack the urinary tract, it results in a bladder infection. Women get affected by a bladder infection also due to the short length of their urethra. In men, it is mostly caused due to sexual intercourse with an infected female. The use of contraceptive diaphragms or spermicidal agents is also a reason for bladder infection. Other causes are:
- A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.
A Natural Approach To Bladder Infections
Herbal and nutritional remedies can be excellent alternatives to antibiotics for treating bladder infections and preventing them from recurring. They can help to kill off the harmful bacteria, reduce irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract, boost immunity, and restore healthy flora in the vagina and gut.
Below is the plan I have my patients follow at the onset of bladder infection symptoms. Each part of the plan is important so dont skip anything unless theres something in the plan you know you dont tolerate.
You can expect symptoms to start to improve after 12-24 hours, though they might initially get worse over the first few hours while treatment is kicking in. Symptoms should be significantly better in 24-72 hours, with complete resolution in 5 days. Because of the high recurrence rate of UTIs, I recommend following this plan for 1 week, after which I suggest you go to the prevention plan above for another week.
This treatment is NOT intended for pregnant women please see my book The Natural Pregnancy Bookfor UTI in pregnancy. The plan below is safe while breastfeeding, but if you have a UTI in the few weeks after birth, please also see your midwife or doctor for appropriate recommendations.
Drink A Lot Of Water:
It is the first important tip on how to cure a urinary tract infection that you should remember. It will help you flush out the bacteria out of your body when you urinate. Although water is the effective solution, there are many fluids and drinks that help you remove the nasty bacteria and prevent them from blocking urethra. All things you need are a glass of fresh water. You can add some ices if you want. It is recommended drinking 8 glasses of water every day. The water will clear your urinary tract and make you comfortable.
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Home Remedies For Utis
When bacteria enter the urinary tract system, it can cause a urinary tract infection. Bacteria, and specifically Escherichia coli , is the most common cause of UTIs, but dehydration, holding urination for a long time, certain health conditions, and hormonal changes can also cause a UTI or increase your risk of infection. The average UTI can last anywhere from a few days to more than a week. Some UTIs will go away on their own, but more severe cases require medical attention. With antibiotic treatment, many people with severe UTIs start to feel relief within a couple of days. For mild UTIs, home remedies may help alleviate symptoms, and/or prevent infections from developing.
Here are some of the most common home remedies for UTIs:
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The Lowdown On Natural Treatments
D-mannose
D-mannose is a supplement made from a glucose-like sugar that you can find online or in health food stores. D-mannose is most helpful at preventing E. coli from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, says Rice. D-mannose in recurrent urinary tract infections. . If taken with a lot of water, this can effectively flush out the bacteria that is causing the infection.
Rice often tells patients to take 500 milligrams every two to three hours when experiencing symptoms however, the best dose is individual. You can find more guidelines here, and when in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturers guidelines. Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to help the D-mannose remove the bacteria. Again, if the symptoms persist more than 24 hours or get worse, get yourself to the doctor.
D-mannose isnt recommended for those with diabetes, and if youre taking other medications, you need to talk to a doctor before starting this treatment. Diarrhea is a common side effect.
Althaea officinalis, otherwise known as Marshmallow, is an anti-inflammatory herb widely available in powdered, supplement, and tea form. Althaea officinalis is a demulcent herb that can soothe and coat the lining of the urinary tract to help decrease inflammation, says Rice. Make a strong tea and sip throughout the day.
Uva-ursi
Just add water
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Try Drinking Some Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
While the research is a bit unclear, cranberries have been used as a prevention of UTI for generations. Studies have shown that cranberries actually make it harder for the bacteria that cause UTIs to stick to the urinary tract walls. So, while not really a remedy, if you frequently get UTIs, it might be worth drinking a couple of glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice, or snacking on the actual fruit .
Can You Cure A Uti Naturally During Pregnancy
Urinary tract infections during pregnancy are the most common medical complication of pregnancy. Unfortunately, there are no natural treatments for UTIs during pregnancy. It is possible that the UTI may take care of itself. However, pregnancy is a condition that warrants immediate attention if you are suspecting a urinary tract infection. Your healthcare provider will probably prescribe antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy.However, you can prevent UTIs naturally or at least reduce your risks of experiencing a urinary tract infection during pregnancy
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Home Remedies For Utis: How To Get Rid Of Bladder Infections
By Katherine Lessman, MD, Nebraska Medicine OB-GYN Published May 9, 2022
Urinary tract infections in women are extremely common. Not only is the urethra short the close proximity to the vagina and anus makes it prone to infection. And because urinary tract infections occur so easily, questions about them do too. Here is some clarification about them to help dispel myths.
Take An Otc Pain Reliever
Over-the-counter pain medications can temporarily relieve pain caused by a UTI. Use caution here, and always speak with a doctor first, as some UTIs can turn into kidney infections. In these cases, patients should avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which could make the infection worse.
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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.
Is It Safe To Treat Utis Without Antibiotics
Antibiotics are effective treatments for UTIs. Sometimes, the body can resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own, without antibiotics.
Complicated UTIs require medical treatment. These are some factors that can make the infection complicated:
- changes in the urinary tract or organs, such as a swollen prostate or reduced flow of urine
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Urinary Tract Infection Antibiotics
Some of the common antibiotics your doctor may prescribe to treat a UTI include:
- Cephalexin
- Nitrofurantoin
- Fosfomycin
In certain instances, your doctor may prescribe a less common antibiotic. If you have allergies to certain antibiotics, for example, or your UTI is more severe, you may receive a prescription for a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. These include Cipro and Levaquin .
A typical course of antibiotics for a mild UTI lasts several days. If you’re otherwise feeling fine besides your UTI, your physician may suggest a shortened course of drugs, maybe 1-3 days. Follow your doctors direction, though. Stopping an antibiotic too soon could enable your infection to return.
If you are getting frequent, recurring infections, your doctor might suggest a low dose antibiotic regimen over the course of several months.
It’s important to note that an estimated 22% of women receiving antibiotic treatment for a UTI develop candida overgrowth soon after. If you have to take antibiotics, be sure to accompany them with a course of probiotics to help to keep candida at bay.
Symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, pain in your low back or side is a sign that its time to talk to your provider and start that antibiotic. Your microbiome can heal, but your kidneys cant if an infection is left untreated.
Gorge On Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C increases the acidity in the urine, thus limiting the growth of bladder infections causing bacteria. Also, it boosts immunity.
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Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the readers situation.
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Whats The Difference Between Frequent Urination And Incontinence
While theyre often mentioned together, frequent urination isnt the same as incontinence, which is involuntary urination that can result in leaking. But frequent urination can be just as inconvenient to your day-to-day life. In addition to disrupting your routines and activities, constant trips to the bathroom can also feel distressing, especially if youre not sure of the cause.
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How Wild Oregano Oil Works For Utis
The main components of wild oregano oil are the isomer phenols carvacrol and thymol. Carvacrol in particular has been the subject of numerous studies, as it has been demonstrated to have strong antimicrobial properties. The antibacterial activity of carvacrol has been put down to its effect on the structure and function of bacterial membranes. At high enough concentrations, carvacrol severely damages cells.
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Use Uva Ursi Herb As A Drink Or A Douche
- Add chopped fresh uva ursi to a glass of boiling water.
- Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink it or let it cool and douche your urethra with it.
Uva ursi, also known as bearberry or wild cranberry, has antiseptic and astringent properties that are useful in treating UTIs. You can drink it as tea or you can use it to douche your urethra.24
Tip: Drink 2 cups of the tea per day for a maximum of 5 days because it is potentially harmful to the liver.
When To See A Doctor
In many cases, if you use home remedies at the very first sign of a urinary tract infection, you may not have to visit your doctor. However, if your symptoms continue for a day or more, you need to get qualified medical attention.
Dr. John P. Cunha on eMedicineHealth recommends seeing a doctor for symptoms of a urinary infection in the following circumstances:
- Your UTI symptoms last for more than 24 hours and dont get better with home remedies
- You have a fever and chills
- Along with the burning sensation when you urinate, you have nausea and vomiting
- You are pregnant, have diabetes, or are undergoing chemotherapy
Any toddler with a UTI, child or elderly person should always see a doctor if a bladder infection or other urinary infection is suspected.
A urine test that shows evidence of bacteria or germs usually is enough to confirm if treatment is needed for a UTI.
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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.
Home Remedies For Cystitis
9 Jul 2020
Urinary tract infections are caused by a bacterial infection, so doctors generally treat them with antibiotics, but is it possible to treat a UTI without antibiotics?
While scientific research supports some home or natural remedies for urinary tract infections, others have been part of traditional medicine systems for thousands of years.
To treat a urinary infection without antibiotics, we can try the following home remedies:
1. Stay hydrated
Drinking water regularly can help treat a urinary infection.
Drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections.
Water helps urinary tract organs remove waste from the body efficiently while retaining vital nutrients and electrolytes.
Being hydrated also dilutes urine and speeds its journey through the system, making it difficult for bacteria to reach the cells that line the urinary organs and cause an infection.
There is no established recommendation on the number of liters they should drink daily, since the water needs of each person are different. However, on average, people should drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day.
2. Urinate when the need arises
Frequent urination puts pressure on bacteria in the urinary tract, which can help kill them.
It also reduces the amount of time bacteria in the urine is exposed to cells in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of them sticking to and forming an infection.
3. Drink cranberry juice
- yogurts
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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
- washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal to vaginal sex
- ensuring that all sexual partners are aware of any current or past UTIs
Wipe From Front To Back
UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces gain access to the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.
Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can cause infections.
After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from moving from the anus to the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus, for example.
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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection occurs when a bacterial infection affects your urinary system, causing problems like discomfort during urination, frequent urination, urgency, and other symptoms. The most common culprits causing the problem are the microbes Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Why do Urinary Tract Infections Occur?
These bacteria are commonly found in the digestive tract, which means that if they are causing mayhem for your urinary tract, it’s possible they made the way there from your anus. Infrequent urination and dehydration have also been shown to be factors in developing UTIs.
Studies suggest that when women are encouraged to drink morewater, they are less likely to develop a UTI.
Practicing good sex hygiene and always wiping from front to back when using the bathroom can help prevent this contamination. Sometimes, even if you’re diligent, bacteria can still find its way to where it shouldn’t be.
If you’re just starting to suspect that you have a UTI, chances are good that it’s only affecting your lower urinary tract that is to say, your bladder and urethra. This is why UTIs are commonly referred to as bladder infections. Technically, a bladder infection is a type of UTI, but most women use the term interchangeably.
In the later stages of a more severe UTI infection, the whole urinary system can be compromised, including your kidneys.
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.
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