Preventive Measures For Urinary Tract Infections
- Drink lots of water.
- Urinate immediately every time after you have sexual intercourse with your partner.
- Dont hold back urine as it may also cause the bacteria to stick.
- Wear cotton panties.
- Have a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Avoid bathing in a bathtub as it may provide a site for the bacteria to grow
- Avoid douching and scented pads.
- After using the toilet, always wipe in the direction of front to back as this may avoid any germs from getting into the urethral opening.
- Wash your hands properly every time after you use the toilet.
- Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks when you are suffering from the UTI.
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Looking For More Natural Remedies
As you may know, I’m extremely passionate about providing women with all the details they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
I’m not in any way against pharmaceuticals when they are necessary and indicated for a particular treatment. Antibiotics have a time and a place in our health. But when other options are safe and effective, I like to offer women choices that include natural options they can administer themselves.
If you’re into that sort of balance too, I’d love to send you an email when I post new articles. Hop on my mailing list HERE so I can share my research with you!
Clove Oil Myrrh Oil Oregano Oil Tea Tree Oil:
These are the essential oils for UTI treatment.
- Clove oil is anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory. It can be used to remove pain and promote better healing.
- Myrrh oil is anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-parasitic. From ancient times it has been used to treat wounds and as an antiseptic.
- Myrrh oil can also be used in a cold or warm compress. It can be consumed within or can also be rubbed on the skin.
- Oregano oil has been tested to be clinical inhibiting the growth of many types of bacteria, especially a certain E. coli.
- Oregano oil has anti-bacterial properties. It also prevents antibiotic-resistant strain creation. It may even be superior to normal antibiotics because it has no side-effects.Oregano oil contains glucosides. They help in controlling blood sugar levels which helps in preventing kidney failure. It also contains anti-oxidants that protect your cells from free radical damage. This also leads to different kinds of illness.
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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.
Creating Stronger Strains Of Bacteria
Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research , several species of E. coli, the primary cause of UTIs, are showing increasing drug resistance.
The more a person uses an antibiotic, the greater the risk of the bacteria developing resistance. This is even more likely when a person does not take the full prescribed course of treatment.
It is essential to continue taking antibiotics until the end date that the doctor provides. Also, never share antibiotics with others.
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How To Prevent Uti Naturally
Preventing urinary tract infections naturally is the best way to avoid the pain, misery, and discomfort that a UTI causes. Many of the UTI remedies mentioned in this article are just as effective for treating UTIs as preventing them.
What else can you do to prevent UTIs naturally? Dr. John Brusch from Harvard Medical Schools recommends some of the following ways to prevent bladder infections and urinary tract infections:23
Are Bananas Good For Utis
The American Urological Association calls bananas a bladder-friendly food. Thats because bananas arent likely to irritate the bladder in most people. Other bladder-friendly fruits and veggies include: pears, green beans, winter squash, and potatoes. While eating bananas may help to lessen bladder irritation, eating bananas alone wont make a UTI go away.
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Homeopathic Remedies For Uti
1. Aconitum apellus : this remedy is useful when there is a feeling of anxiousness both before and while urinating. It is also good for UTI-burning relief.
2. Belladonna: if there is a frequent feeling of urination along with cramps in the area of the bladder, accompanied by a very small amount of colored urine, this remedy is helpful.
3. Apis mellifica: this remedy can be taken if there is a frequent urge to urinate along with a burning sensation and soreness in the abdominal area.
4. Borax: this remedy is helpful to treat acute cystitis accompanied by pain in the bladder as well as urinary opening.
5. Chimaphila umbellata: if a person has to strain a lot in order to pass the urine, along with a scalding sensation, this remedy works well.
6. Staphysagria: this remedy is quite useful for women if cystitis occurs due to sexual activity. This condition may be accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the bladder even after urinating.
Apart from these, you can try some other homeopathic treatments, like Berberis Vulgaris, cantharis, clematis, lycopodium, equisetum, nux vomica, sepia, and sarsaparilla.
How Can You Cure A Uti
For all the anti-antibiotic people out there, I have bad news. You cant cure the infection with natural remedies. Sorry. Though there are natural solutions that might help prevent UTI , all the unsweetened cranberry juice in the world wont actually help you. In fact, in the study Cranberry juice fails to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection, cranberry juice cocktail had the exact same effect as a placebo in recurrent UTIs. Barbosa-Cesnik C, et al. . Cranberry juice fails to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection: Results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial. DOI: Though you probably guessed that from the study title.
The only way to totally get rid of a UTI is with antibiotics. If youre experiencing symptoms, its best to get to the doctor quickly. Theyll test your urine, and if its indeed a UTI, youll get a weeklong course of antibiotics. Usually, your symptoms go away in a few days and you can enjoy pain-free peeing again. But you must continue your antibiotics until youve completed the prescription.
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Can Utis Go Away On Their Own
Most UTIs will require antibiotics, as true infections left untreated can result in more serious events like pyelonephritis with or without an abscess, a bloodstream infection, and even the possibility of kidney failure. Documented UTIs should be managed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Apply Heat Around Your Abdomen:
UTIs can cause aches and pain around your abdomen and pelvic region. This is also considered to be one of the more important UTI symptoms. Heat by using a heating layered pad on the infected area will lessen the irritation and the symptoms.
- Use heating pads. Heating pads help dilation of blood vessels and increases the blood flow. Application of heat to the soured area, helps in giving you a soothing relief from the pain.It also helps the soft tissues to stretch, allows the muscles to relax and increases flexibility.
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How To Relieve Uti Pain At Night
At night, relieve UTI pain by drinking green tea or cranberry juice. Avoid caffeine altogether.
If you have excruciating pain, you can go to the restroom and use the jet spray to spray water on your private parts. This is sure to reduce your UTI pain.
You can also apply tea tree oil or coconut oil to relieve UTI pain at night.
Uti Treatment Without Antibiotics Is It Possible
In some cases, it is possible to treat urinary tract infections without the use of antibiotics. However, natural home remedies to treat UTIs must be used at the first sign of an infection to prevent the infection from developing.
According to OB/GYN Dr. Nivin Todd, the majority of UTIs are easy to treat and rarely produce complications. However, if the infection becomes more serious or has other complications, a course of antibiotics may be needed. This could happen if you have recurring UTIs, suffer from diabetes or have some kind of kidney damage.5
Also, treatments for women who are pregnant usually include antibiotics to prevent long-term health risks.
Because of the increase in resistance to antibiotics, many doctors recommend preventative measures to treat UTIs. For example, the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases published a study on how to lower the need for antibiotics when treating UTIs. It was found that women who increased daily fluid intake by 1.5 L had a 50% lower risk of developing another UTI.6
A report published in the journal Current Infectious Disease Reports found that treating uncomplicated UTIs without antibiotics is often the best course.
Increasing your fluid intake, using the bathroom regularly, and taking probiotics can all help to treat simple UTIs without antibiotics.
Researchers recommended that antibiotics should only be used if the urinary infection doesnt clear up within 3 days.7
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Sadeq Abdulridha Gatea Kaabi1 Raghad Abdulatif Abdulrazaq2 Khetam Habeeb Rasool1 And Salam Ali Khassaf2*
*Corresponding author:Received: Accepted:Keywords
Cite this as
Abstract
Fourteen medicinal plants native to North America and Europe traditionally used for treatment urinary tract infections were reviewed for their traditional uses, pharmacological activities, Active compounds responsible for its therapeutic potential, mechanism of action of its active compounds and In Vitro and In Vivo studies of its activity in treatment of UTIs. Those medicinal plants were Junipers , Uva ursi , Rosemary , Goldenrod , Common nettle , Dandelion , Cranberry , Corn silk , Couch grass . Marshmallow root , Hosretail , Goldenseal . Buchu and Oregon grape . All of those medicinal plants found to have various pharmaceutical activities making it potent herbal remedies for UTIs in addition to various human diseases.
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Infusions For Urinary Infections
Bad urine or cystitis is a recurring ailment in women thanks to inflammation or infection in the urinary tract due to the invasion of microorganisms. Among the most widespread natural remedies against cystitis is taking sodium bicarbonate. The reason must be found in the ability of this substance to change the pH of the urine, which makes it less acidic and makes it more difficult for bacteria to multiply in it. This is because while UTIs occasionally present adversity if treated properly, there is a risk of developing more serious problems such as pyelonephritis or epididymitis. Apple cider vinegar can be a good home remedy for burning when urinating because it prevents the proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract, thus acting actively against infection. Parsley is one of the best herbs to maintain the good health of the urinary system because it helps to eliminate pathogens through urine, and, in turn, strengthens kidney function.
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May Prevent And Treat Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common issue sometimes caused by bacterial infection.
In most situations, diarrhea is relatively harmless. However, persistent diarrhea can cause fluid loss, which may lead to dehydration.
Studies show that L. rhamnosus may help prevent or treat various types of diarrhea.
For example, L. rhamnosus may protect against antibiotic-related diarrhea. Antibiotics can disrupt microbiota, which may result in digestive symptoms like diarrhea (
However, more research in humans is needed before recommendations can be made.
Frequent Urination And Not Holding It
Proper urination habits are very important in preventing UTIs. The urinary system was designed to hold a large amount of fluid and then through the release of that fluid wash out the urinary tract. Withholding your urine for a large length of time can allow for the bacteria in the urinary tract to get into the urinary cell walls. Too frequent urination, can not allow for enough pressure build-up and washing of the urinary tract while using the toilet.
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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.
Dodge The Use Of Spermicides:
A 1996 study being published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that UTIs are predominant amongst sexually active women. The risk is clearly associated with recent sexual encounters in which condoms with spermicides i.e. non-lubricated condoms were used.
- Use of non-lubricated condoms cause irritation. Hence, always use lubricated condoms that do not contain spermicides.
Un-lubricated condoms can be used only if accompanied by a lubricant. It not only helps in preventing displeasure, UTIs and other diseases. It also increases the sensation of pleasure during sexual course.sexual act.
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Keep A Safe Distance Away From Bladder Irritants:
Too much intake of carbonated soft drinks, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages may cause an increase in UTI.
- void these if you are suffering or show symptoms of UTI.Cold drinks and alcoholic beverages are unhealthy. Other irritants calso an irritant, along with the likes of milk, yogurt and other dairy products. Therefore, one should limit the intake of these drinks.
- Spicy food is also a big No too muchof spice intake increases burning sensations while passing urine and also causes indigestion.
Cranberry And Blueberry Juice
Berries like cranberries and blueberries contain bioactive ingredients that may help to get rid of a UTI fast.
Cranberries are often mentioned as a remedy for treating recurring urinary tract infections. Does scientific research support the use of cranberry juice for UTIs?
The journal Advances in Nutrition reports that cranberries have unique properties with many health benefits. Various studies point to the fact that cranberry juice can help lower instances of UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract. It was found that women who consumed 300 mL cranberry juice daily had lower UTI infection rates.14
Other studies have shown that cranberry extract capsules could help to reduce occurrences of UTIs in some women by up to 70%. Some independent studies have shown that cranberry juice can help to treat recurring UTIs in children.14
However, some other studies have demonstrated mixed results. Therefore urologist Dr. Courtenay Moore says that taking cranberry juice for UTIs may help and cant hurt. So, it may be worth trying to increase the amount of cranberry juice you consume if you battle against a UTI.15
If you consume cranberries in a juice form, make sure it has a high content of fruit and the minimum amount of sugar possible.
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Will Supplements Cure A Uti
The ones listed above might help with prevention, but unfortunately theres no cure-all supplement that works for everyone. People ask about different things like pumpkin seeds and celery root, says Dr. Eilber. Id say theres probably no data about those things, but if you tried it and you tell me that its helped and its not harmful, Im totally fine with that. Just make sure you ask your doctor before you start taking any supplement in case it can trigger new symptoms or interfere with meds you take.
Do Natural Treatments Really Work For Utis The Experts Weigh In
Want a fast fact to bust out at your next party? Forty percent of women will get a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. Bono MJ, et al. . Urinary tract infection. Fun, right? OK, nothing involving urine and tracts will ever be a particularly fun point of conversation, but its worth knowing the ins and outs of this incredibly common ailment. Especially since 20 percent of women who get a UTI will get another one.
Most of the time, UTIs require a treatment of antibiotics to get the bugs out of your system. This is a perfectly effective treatment, and it usually takes care of the infection in a few days. But, if youd rather not use antibiotics, since theres some concern about creating antibiotic-resistant strains of the infection, what options do you have? I spoke to some experts to find out if there are any natural cures for a UTI and if all that talk about cranberry juice really lives up to the hype.
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Consuming Ginger Tea For Urinary Tract Infection:
- Ginger possesses anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.
- They work against any bacterial growing strain.
- Chewing some pieces of ginger is good. But consuming it is infused with a liquid gives better results, it also effectively destroys the UTI.
- Crush and add two tablespoons of ginger in boiling water. Simmer for ten minutes, then strain it,
- rink two to three cups per day.
- Use honey to give it an improved taste.
- It also eases the burning sensation that comes with UTI
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
This is because regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. When youre dehydrated, you arent urinating as often, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
A examined nursing home residents and administered a drinking schedule to participants to increase their fluid intake. Following the schedule decreased UTIs requiring antibiotics by 56%.
In a 2020 randomized control trial , 140 premenopausal participants prone to UTIs took part in a 12-month study to test if a higher fluid intake would decrease their risk of recurrent cystitis and, in turn, their risk of developing a UTI. Researchers found that an increase in fluid intake led to a decrease in UTI frequency.
To stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs, its best to drink water throughout the day and always when youre thirsty.
Benefits of drinking more fluids for UTI
Drinking plenty of liquids can decrease your risk of UTIs by making you pee more, which helps remove bacteria from your urinary tract.
evidence suggests that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against UTIs.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of urine, killing off the bacteria that cause infection.
An older 2007 study of UTIs in pregnant women looked at the effects of taking 100 milligrams of vitamin C every day.
Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.
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