Affecting millions of people every year, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are traditionally treated with antibiotics. Many people are simply unaware of the alternative remedies that help remedy UTIs and keep them from recurring. This article aims to detail these remedies, so that you have the knowledge if you experience a UTI in the future.
Because antibiotics are the most common treatment option, some people have developed antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which make it more difficult to get rid of infection. Additionally, antibiotic resistant bacteria make recurring infection a major concern.
What Is A UTI?
A UTI is an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder. The most common cause of a UTI is bacteria from the bowels, but fungi and viruses can cause infection as well. The Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains are responsible for about 80% of cases. Statistically, over 50% of women will develop at UTI or UTI symptoms at some point in life. The reason for this is because the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder) is shorter in women than men. As a result, bacteria have an easier time accessing the bladder.
5 Home Remedies For UTIs
Remove Bladder Irritants From Your Diet
There are many foods that can irritate the bladder, especially if you already have a UTI. Spicy foods, nicotine, carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol make it harder for the body to heal, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Eliminate these foods from your diet and focus on high-fiber carbohydrates, which include lentils, steel cut oats, and sweet potatoes.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
When you have a bacterial infection, the goal is to flush it out of your system. Drinking water, herbal teas, fresh made juices, and coconut water aid this process. According to a 2013 study at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, mild dehydration or low fluid intake increased the risk of getting a UTI. For every meal that you eat, drink a glass of water. Drink another glass for every snack you eat. This will help flush out bacteria that can worsen the infection.
Oregano Oil
Researchers have a firm belief that oregano oil is a valuable antibacterial remedy for accelerating the healing of bacterial infections. A 2012 study found that oregano oil was effective against many clinical bacterial strains. For example, it helped to inhibit the growth of E. coli, which commonly causes UTIs. Additionally, oregano oil prevents the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and it may be superior to some prescription antibiotics. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the side effects of antibiotics when you take oregano oil. To take it internally, mix it in water or coconut oil. Finally, you should not take oregano oil internally for more than two weeks at a time.
Go For Probiotics
Probiotics are available in supplement form, but they are found in fermented foods like kombucha, miso, kefir, and sauerkraut. Many research studies advocate the usage of probiotics for improved digestive health because they balance gut bacteria. Newer studies link the consumption of probiotics to a reduced risk of UTI. One specific study found that the probiotic strain, lactobacillus, helped prevent UTI symptoms in adult women. Antibiotics disturb the balance of gut bacteria, so the preliminary research about taking probiotics to combat UTIs is great news.
Load Up On Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and research shows that increasing vitamin C intake can protect against UTIs. The theory behind this research is due to the fact that vitamin C increases acidity levels in urine; thus, inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause infection. If you have a UTI, avoid citrus fruits because they can irritate the bladder. Instead, focus on dark leafy greens (kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, watercress, and mustard greens), parsley, thyme, bell peppers, blackberries, papaya, and kiwis.
