A urinary tract infection is a type of infection that is said to occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply. A urinary tract infection can affect one or more components of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys....CONTINUE READING
In addition to this, some symptoms may be experienced by someone who has a urinary tract infection. These include urine leakage, painful, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, lower back pain, lower abdominal pain and a burning sensation when urinating.
According to Valencia Higuera and Steph Coelho of Healthline, a urinary tract infection can be dangerous when it spreads to the kidneys, and when this occurs, it may cause infections that may be characterised by symptoms such as fever, upper back pain, nausea and vomiting.
A urinary tract infection can greatly affect you, knocking you off your feet. While it is more common among females, males can also be affected and antibiotics are often required to treat it.
Presently, antibiotics remain the most effective means of treating urinary tract infections. Antibiotics help to speed up recovery, manage the symptoms and prevent potential complications of urinary tract infections.
However, apart from antibiotics, several home remedies have also been found to be effective at easing certain symptoms of urinary tract infections and preventing their recurrence.
These remedies would be the focus of this article as we look at 8 ways of getting rid of urinary tract infections without antibiotics.
They are presented below:
1. Try cranberries
Studies are nutritious and a high intake of them has been linked to many health benefits. In addition to its associated health benefits, cranberries also contain an ingredient that stops bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract.
A publication by Healthline revealed that you might be able to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections by consuming cranberry products, including cranberry supplements, unsweetened cranberry juice, or dried cranberries.
2. Drink plenty of water
According to Healthline, urinary tract infections can make it difficult or painful to urinate. Despite this, it is recommended that you drink as many fluids as possible, especially water.
This is because a higher water intake is equivalent to a higher urine output, which, in turn, can help flush out harmful bacteria from your urinary. For significant results, drink between six and eight (6-8) glasses of water per day.
3. Urinate when you need to
When you hold in your urine, there is a high likelihood that bacteria will multiply in your urinary tract and raise your risk of urinary tract infections. Because of this, you should always use the restroom when you feel the urge to urinate.
In addition to this, you must also ensure that you empty your bladder when you urinate and if you are a female, ensure to always urinate after sex. As a female, it is also important to wipe front to back after you urinate.
4. Take probiotics
Probiotics are nutritious and amongst other health benefits, are known to boost digestion and immunity. Probiotics are also known to be very effective both in treating and preventing urinary tract infections, especially when used alongside standard antibiotic therapy.
Urinary tract infections can replace good bacteria in your urogenital system. Probiotics can help restore good bacteria and can even reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections.
5. Wear loose clothing
According to Valencia Higuera and Steph Coelho of Healthline, wearing cotton-lined and loose-fitting clothing may help ease symptoms of an existing urinary tract infection by helping to keep the area dry and clean.
However, when you wear tight-fitting clothing and certain types of fabric, they can trap moisture that allows bacteria to grow in your genital area, thus worsening symptoms of urinary tract infections.
6. Consider switching birth control
Some contraceptives can also cause urinary tract infections. Some studies have shown that contraceptives such as diaphragms, spermicides, or non-lubricated condoms, can contribute to the development of urinary tract infections, thus if you use any of those contraceptives and frequently get urinary tract infections, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor to prescribe other methods of birth control to you.
7. Use a heating pad
Applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen can help ease some of the discomforts that come with a urinary tract infection, and reduce frequent trips to the bathroom that can cause a painful, burning sensation when you urinate.
8. Get more vitamin C
A higher intake of vitamin C can help boost your immune system, which is very important if your body will be more resistant to disease, including infections such as urinary tract infections.
Furthermore, studies have also shown that a higher intake of vitamin C can be very effective in treating urinary tract infections. Enough studies have not supported this treatment, but increasing your intake of citrus fruits can boost your immunity.
PS: If after trying all the home remedies suggested above and you are still experiencing severe pain that does reduce, it is recommended you see your doctor.
