Medical News Today/ Pinterest | People increasingly want to know whether there are non-antibiotic treatments for UTIs

The Best Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection

TreatmentNovember 3, 2022

Medical News Today/ Pinterest | People increasingly want to know whether there are non-antibiotic treatments for UTIs

Did you know that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are rather common? In fact, they are the second most prevalent kind of infection in humans. Because of their shorter urethra, women account for most cases, although males can also acquire UTIs.

Urinary tract infections are caused by foreign bacteria entering the urinary tract, most commonly via the intestine, and can affect both men and women. In fact, over 60% of women and 12% of men will get at least one UTI during their lives. If you’ve ever had one, you’ll recognize the symptoms right away: burning urine sensations when you pee, cramps, many trips to the toilet, strong-smelling pee that may seem murky or black, and a feeling of not being able to empty your bladder are all common UTI symptoms.

Everyday Health/ Pinterest | Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, affecting about 150 million people worldwide each year

UTIs are extremely uncomfortable and frustrating, especially if they occur frequently. While conventional therapy for a UTI is quite frequent, an in-person appointment with your doctor to acquire that diagnosis and antibiotic prescription may not be at the top of your priority list right now. The symptoms can include:

increased frequency and urgency of urination
pain or burning when urinating
a fever of below 101°F
pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen and groin
change in the smell or color of urine
cloudy, murky, or bloody urine

Though antibiotics are the best way to treat UTIs, studies indicate that home remedies can help. Here are the top things to try at home while waiting for your UTI appointment.

Try taking a probiotic

Introducing a probiotic to your system may help to replenish the naturally occurring, healthy bacteria that live in the gut. It is thought that probiotics may prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract cells and may also lower the urine pH, making it less hospitable to harmful bacteria.

Siddharth Gupta/ Pexels | Staying hydrated, emptying your bladder, and getting nutrients from certain fruits can help remedy urinary infections

If you have taken an antibiotic to treat a UTI, taking a probiotic is a great way to build up the healthy bacteria that may have been killed during your course of treatment. Probiotics are found in supplement form (often a capsule), or they occur naturally in some types of food, including certain yogurts, kombucha, or kefir.

Eat (or drink) some cranberries

The jury is still out on whether cranberries may prevent UTIs, and further study is needed. Current research indicates that unsweetened cranberries can help treat UTIs in certain situations and have no negative side effects.

Scientists believe the advantages are due to a component in cranberries that makes it more difficult for germs to adhere to the urethral walls. It’s vital to note that this advantage only applies to unsweetened cranberry products, so avoid juices and dried cranberries with added sugar.

Drinking Fluids

Pixabay/ Pexels | Research is being conducted worldwide to discover natural and safe methods to treat diseases

Water consumption can aid in the prevention and treatment of UTIs. Water assists the urinary tract organs in efficiently removing waste from the body while conserving critical minerals and electrolytes.

Your doctor might recommend that you increase the intake of fluids, especially water. This habit might be helpful in urinary tract infections as it might help fight against bacterial infection. Therefore, you should be drinking the daily recommended of six to eight glasses of water. However, please note that urinary tract infection is a condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Kindly consult a doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment, do not reach conclusions on your own.