Misconception: Drinking Buckets Of Cranberry Juice Can Cure And Even Prevent Bladder Infections
Actually: You may enjoy the taste but it wont cure and, probably, wont prevent recurrence.
This purported remedy is centuries old and there is a considerable amount of research investigating it. While some studies suggest that cranberry may reduce repeated infections in younger women, it is certainly not a treatment for an active case. The gold standard for treatment is antibiotics. Sometimes doctors just recommend rest and ibuprofen.
I was hoping it would work, said Dr. Manisha Juthani-Mehta, an infectious disease specialist at the Yale School of Medicine, and the lead author of a study published Thursday in the journal JAMA, which showed no reduction in urinary tract infections for female nursing home patients who took standardized, high-dose cranberry capsules the equivalent of 20 ounces of juice daily for a year.
Im not sure its worth spending money on, particularly for patients on a fixed income, she said.
In a strongly worded editorial also in JAMA, Dr. Lindsay E. Nicolle, an expert on urinary tract infections, or UTIs, at the University of Manitoba, concluded that the evidence is convincing that cranberry products should not be recommended as a medical intervention for the prevention of UTI. She added that clinicians should not be promoting cranberry use by suggesting that there is proven, or even possible, benefit.
She concluded, It is time to move on from cranberries.
Do Spicy Foods Irritate A Bladder Infection
Whether you top your nachos with jalapeños, sprinkle your pizza with red pepper flakes, or love your curry chicken extra hot, you’ve got to skip the spice when you have a UTI. Spicy foods are known to irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms, so cool down your meals and opt for blander choices to treat a urinary tract infection.
Try Some Teas To Combat Uti Today
Herbal teas like green tea, hibiscus tea, and ginger tea are good for UTI since they can help fight the bacteria due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, you should take caution against black tea because it contains high caffeine that can irritate your bladder. To make herbal tea, just follow these steps.
- Get your fresh leaves or flowers
- Steep in the teapot with a tea infuser for about 10 minutes
- Pour into a cup and drink 2-4 times a day
Let us know what you think in the comments section below. You can also share this wonderful article with your friends and family.
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Dandelion Teafor Bladder Issues And Infection
Dandelion root is an excellent remedy for bladder infection. Thanks to the bitterness in the root, the taste buds are triggered. This, in turn, stimulates the bile production and promotes its flow.
Native Americans have used it for centuries, and even today, doctors recommend it for its medicinal properties.
The root contains Vitamins A, B, C, zinc, iron, potassium, and other such minerals, which act as antioxidants and help with reducing pain. It prevents pain from increasing. It also contains vitamins A, B, C and the minerals iron, potassium, and zinc, which all act as a blood and digestive tonic.
Natural Home Remedies For Uti
Here are eight effective natural remedies for UTI that contain these three properties.
1. Water
Drinking plenty of water is, of course, the most important thing to do when youre experiencing from a bad case of UTI. It works by flushing out bacteria from your urinary tract. Although more trips to the bathroom may not sound like an appealing idea, doing so would help relieve your symptoms much faster. If youre getting your fill of eight glasses of water a day, try drinking even more fluids for a quicker solution.
2. Heat packs
UTI can cause abdominal discomfort due to a combination of spasms and inflammation. When this happens, you need something to relax your muscles. A heat pack, or even a bottle of warm water, would help you manage the pain. If youre using a water bottle as a makeshift heat pack, make sure to wrap it first with a towel before placing it over your abdomen. Avoid pressing on your bladder so as not to cause further complications. You may do this for as long as necessary.
3. Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C works for UTIs for two reasons: first, they boost the bodys immune system, and second, they make the urine more acidic, making it more robust against bacteria. To fight UTI, therefore, you need to eat food rich in vitamin C or take supplements.
4. Parsley
5. Cucumber
6. Ginger tea
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Ginger For Uti Infections
Another best tea for UTI is ginger. To examine why, lets once again look at the kidneys according to TCM theory. The kidneys are the source of Yin and Yang. You might know that Yin and Yang are balancing energies. The kidneys balance warming and cooling in the body.
What does this have to do with ginger tea? Again, the kidneys are part of your urinary tract. Ginger helps your kidneys operate efficiently.
Also, ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains disease-fighting antioxidants.
And research seems to support ginger tea for uti. This study concludes ginger and a prescription vaginal cream together work effectively. In fact, more so than the vaginal cream alone. Especially in patients with vaginal candida overgrowth.
Another study on ginger says its an excellent fungus killer. Yeast is a fungus. The researchers conclude that ginger has a place in antimicrobial therapy.
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.
Also Check: Common Urinary Tract Infection Antibiotics
Do I Really Have To See A Doctor For A Uti
It may seem unnecessary to see a doctor for such a common illness. Why not just let it go and treat it on your own? Dr. Elizabeth Rice, a licensed naturopathic doctor and primary care physician at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, has tips for natural treatments, but says you always have to be careful. A partially treated or mistreated UTI can quickly become a serious condition known as pyelonephritis , so care must always be taken when treating UTIs naturally.
If youre just starting to feel or see potential UTI symptoms, you can try a few natural remedies to try to flush out the bacteria and reduce inflammation before the infection really takes hold, Rice says. Increase your intake of fluids to help flush the bladder. But if the symptoms persist more than a day, or get worse, you have to go to the doctor.
Going to the doctor may be a bit annoying, but a UTI that morphs into a kidney infection is way worse than an afternoon in the waiting room. Kidney infections can lead to potentially life-threatening sepsis or permanent kidney damage. Seeing a doctor to prescribe antibiotics may ultimately help you avoid a lifetime of medical complications.
You know your body best, so listen to it. You may not run to the doctor after one weird-feeling pee. If you start to have mild symptoms, here are a few natural choices that may help you out.
Can Utis Be Prevented
These tips can help prevent UTIs:
- In infants and toddlers, change diapers often to help prevent the spread of bacteria that cause UTIs. When kids are potty trained, it’s important to teach them good hygiene. Girls should know to wipe from front to rear not rear to front to prevent germs from spreading from the anus to the urethra.
- School-age girls should avoid bubble baths and strong soaps that might cause irritation. They also should wear cotton underwear instead of nylon because it’s less likely to encourage bacterial growth.
- All kids should be taught not to “hold it” when they have to go. Pee that stays in the bladder gives bacteria a good place to grow.
- Kids should drink plenty of fluids but avoid those with caffeine.
Recommended Reading: Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis Test
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.
Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection
One of the most common bacterial infections that women suffer from is urinary tract infection . When the bacteria found in the gut find their way into the urinary tract, it leads to this infection. The symptoms include frequent and painful urination, cloudy urine, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. While prescription drugs may resolve the issue, even home remedies work very well in this regard. The minor infections heal on their own in a few days, while the more serious ones might take a bit longer. Here are some home remedies for urinary tract infections.
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Herbs For Urinary Tract Infection
Supporting a healthy urinary tract allows for prevention of urinary tract irritation. An imbalance in the mucus membrane tissue that lines the urinary tract allows for bacteria to adhere, causing infection and discomfort. Symptoms of imbalance in the urinary tract are painful urination, increased need to urinate, and pressure above the pubic bone when urinating, often with a dragging pain at the end of the urine stream. These symptoms should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare practitioner, but we are also lucky to have many herbs available to us that offer natural support for normal healthy urinary tract function.
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:
Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Urinary Retention
How To Use Teas For Uti Remedy
You can use the dried leaves or flowers to brew the tea or you can buy their tea bag forms. To brew your fresh herbal tea, all you need are some good loose leaf tea infuser, a tea pot, a tea cup. For better reference, you can watch this video.
Here are the directions that you need to follow.
- Get your fresh herbs or flowers.
- Place in the tea infuser and submerge into the teapot
- Let it steep for about 10 minutes or so.
- Pour into your tea cup and drink to enjoy.
If youre using the tea bags that you bought from the store, you can let it steep in your cup of hot water for about 5 minutes. To get the best results, drink 2-4 cups of tea every day. Once cured, you can drink some herbal tea at least 2-3 times a week for UTI prevention.
Although teas can be sipped alone, you can also increase their potency by combining them together. For instance, you can combine dandelion with horsetail to make an effective concoction against UTI. In a cup, just mix one tablespoon of dried horsetail and one tablespoon of dandelion. Let it steep for about 10 minutes and strain to drink.
Complicated And Uncomplicated Infections
Most urinary infections occur in women who are otherwise healthy these are termed as uncomplicated infections. Complicated pyelonephritis occurs when upper UTI are associated with urinary tract malfunctioning, and conditions causing long-term inflammation. They include anatomical or functional defects of the urinary tract, recent urinary tract catheterization and are associated with a wider range of infecting organisms than in uncomplicated infections. However, Klebsiella and Proteus appear with increased frequency in complicated UTI.
Read Also: Can Vitamin D Cause Urinary Tract Infections
Chamomile Tea For Uti
Chamomile tea is perhaps the most popular herbal tea. It can help you relax. In fact, some people drink chamomile tea to fall asleep. In folk medicine, chamomile tea has many other uses. From stopping fever to flatulence. Its used more rarely, however, for UTIs. Nonetheless, chamomile may in fact be a best tea for UTI.
This research shows drinking chamomile increases antibacterial activity. And consider this other study. It says chamomile relieves stress. For example, it decreases blood pressure significantly. This reinforces chamomile for relaxation. The researchers conclude these actions increase urination. Which, of course, is good if you have a UTI.
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.
Read Also: Ways To Get Rid Of Urinary Tract Infection
Complementary And Alternative Therapies
Some complementary and alternative therapies may be helpful for UTIs, but they may not be right for every person. Natural medicines and supplements may interact with prescription medications. Work with a knowledgeable health care provider, and always tell all of your providers about the herbs and supplements you are taking.
Nutrition and Supplements
Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:
You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:
- A multivitamin daily. Containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
- Vitamin C. As an antioxidant and for immune support.
- Omega-3 fatty acids , such as fish oil. To help reduce inflammation and promote general health. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources. Fish oil supplements can increase the effects of certain blood-thinning medications.
- Probiotic supplement . For maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. There is strong scientific evidence to support the use of probiotics for urological conditions. Refrigerate probiotic supplements for best results. People with severely weakened immune systems should speak wiht their doctors before taking probiotics.
- Grapefruit seed extract . For antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. Grapefruit may interact with a wide variety of medications. Speak with your doctor.
HerbsHomeopathy
Is Tea For Uti An Effective Herbal Remedy
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October 10, 2017 By Judd Handler
Can herbal teas really relieve a painful urinary tract infection? If so, whats the best tea for UTI to drink?
Going to the bathroom is normal. Its critical for health. You eliminate toxins when you urinate. However, urinary tract infections are painful. Every trip to the bathroom is a dreadful experience. Youd rather hold in your pee than have to feel the pain. Even intimacy can suffer with a UTI as it can make sex painful.
Youre certainly not alone if you have a UTI. In fact, over 7 million women every year go to the doctor for UTI treatment. This makes UTIs one of the most common bacterial infections afflicting females. An some people have found drinking tea for UTI helps.
Antibiotics are the conventional treatment for UTIs. However, antibiotics not only kill the bad bacteria in the urinary tract. They destroy the good bacteria as well. Moreover, the over-prescribing of antibiotics has led to superbugs. Superbugs are immune to antibiotics.
Most of your immune system resides in your gut. In light of this, repeat use of antibiotics weakens your immune system. Furthermore, without enough good bacteria, youre more vulnerable for developing autoimmune disorders.
But what should you do if you have a UTI? Is there an effective natural treatment? Theres apple cider vinegar for UTIs. And, theres something tastier. And easier to use. Its drinking tea.
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