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URINARY TRACT INFECTION HOME REMEDIES

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis) and infection in the urethra is urethritis.

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is another type of UTI. They’re less common, but more serious than bladder infections.

Risk factors:-

UTIs are more common in females because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Sometimes the changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina, or vaginal flora might be the cause. Other factors that increase the risk of UTI are previous infections, age factor, and poor hygiene.

Symptoms:-

Symptoms of a bladder infection can include:

Pain or burning while urinating( dysuria)

Frequent urination

Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder

Bloody urine (hematuria)

Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen

Symptoms of a kidney infection can include:

Fever

Chills

Lower back pain or pain in the side of your back

Nausea or vomiting

fatigue

Causes:-

The major cause of Urinary tract infections is E. coli. E.coli causes more than 90% of bladder infections. E.coli typically exists in the large intestine.

Homemade remedies for Urinary tract infections

1. Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking water or fluids throughout the day helps flush bacteria from the system. Just by staying hydrated the pathogens and toxins which cause infections are flushed from the body. It is the best way to get rid of the UTIs fast.

2. Urinate often: When dealing with a UTI, frequent urination will aid in clearing the urethra of bacteria. Keeping urine-borne bacteria in the bladder might worsen UTIs by preventing the urge to urinate. Studies have found that holding urine for a long time allows bacteria to multiply within the urinary tract, resulting in a urinary tract infection.

3. Stay dry and clean: Women should clean properly after the bowel movement. This will ensure that bacteria don’t get into the urethra. We should wear loose-fitting clothes and underwear, which will allow the air to keep the urethra dry. Wearing tight jeans or a material such as nylon can be problematic because the moisture can get trapped.

4. Probiotics: Introducing a probiotic to our system is a great home remedy for UTIs, especially recurring UTIs. It may help replenish the naturally occurring, healthy bacteria that live in the gut. 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. 

         And, 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. Eating fermented foods also helps restore the body’s natural flora and recolonize the bladder with helpful bacteria. Some of the healthiest fermented foods include kefir, kimchi, probiotic yogurt, raw cheese, sauerkraut and kombucha. 

5. Cranberries: Cranberry juice decreases the number of UTIs a person develops over 12 months, particularly for women with recurrent UTIs. Adding it to the diet may prevent the bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. This may help reduce bladder and other urinary tract infections.

6. Oregano oil: Oregano oil kills E. coli, the bacteria most commonly seen in UTIs.It is used as an antibacterial remedy for healing bacterial infections. Oregano oil's benefits are better than other antibiotics as it does not cause resistance to Antibiotics.

7. Clove oil: Clove oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s used to relieve pain and promote healing. Clove can be taken internally for two weeks at a time, but recommended by a healthcare provider.

8. Garlic: Garlic consists of a compound called Allicin. It acts as an antimicrobial agent and is resistant to E.coli in the urinary tract. It also has antifungal properties which can help against yeast infection.

9. Vitamin C: Vitamin C makes the urine acidic, which will inhibit the growth of E.coli and it also improves the immune function. A daily intake of 100 milligrams of vitamin C treats urine infection during pregnancy.

10. D-mannose: D-mannose is a sugar-related compound often used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly those caused by E. coli bacteria. It works by interfering with the adhesion of E. coli to the urinary tract walls. The bacteria typically bind to D-mannose instead of the urinary tract cells, allowing them to be flushed out during urination.

11. Avoid bladder-irritating foods: Certain foods are known bladder irritants – citrus or very acidic foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol – these can all irritate the bladder, leading to bladder leaks. And, if you currently have a UTI, they may affect you even more. Try to watch out for these common bladder irritants to prevent further irritation to your bladder and UTI.

12. Apply heat: Use a heating pad, a warm washcloth, or a hot water bottle to apply heat to your bladder or pelvic area if you’re feeling pain or discomfort there from your UTI. Sometimes take a warm bath to help relieve any pain and to help your muscles relax.

13. Methenamine salts: In the urine, these are turned into formaldehyde, which is believed to help kill bacteria. 

14. Amla: Amla's antimicrobial, antibacterial, and diuretic properties help to soothe the inflamed mucosa of the urinary tract, through which relief is a burning sensation.

15. Avoid spermicides: Spermicide-lubricated condoms can make you more likely to get a UTI because they all can contribute to bacterial growth. If you often get UTIs and use one of these birth control methods, switch to a water-based lubricant.

16. Bearberry: Bearberry is also known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi or upland cranberry. The leaves of this plant have potent antibacterial properties. It has antibacterial activity against E. coli, which is known to be the primary causative agent of UTIs. It contains a compound, arbutin, which is a diuretic (increased urine production and excretion), and astringent (acidic or bitter) property, which acts against UTIs.

17. Cinnamon: Cinnamon acts against the bacteria causing UTIs in long-term catheter users. This has the potential effect of preventing the bacteria from coating the urinary tract. Therefore, cinnamon might be an effective natural remedy for UTIs. 

Conclusion:-

The main reason for UTI is E.coli ( a bacteria). It can be easily controlled by some home remedies which are easily available. Even though using home remedies is not enough to control (UTI) there should be habitual changes like staying clean. Even though it is possible to deal with UTI symptoms by following home remedies, it is important to have a conversation with your doctor when you are in the early stages of this infection.