- Home›
- Healthy Living›
- 10 Best Suited Remedies To Treat Urinary Tract Infection
10 Best Suited Remedies To Treat Urinary Tract Infection
By: Kratika Wed, 21 July 2021 5:17:41
A UTI is an infection which occurs in the urinary tract. Your urinary tract comprises of the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters, so a UTI could occur in any of these areas. This system controls your production and passing of urine, filtering waste fluid from the body.
UTIs are most often caused by bacterial infections. Bacteria gets into the urinary tract and causes a number of issues and symptoms. The bacteria may enter the urinary tract through sexual intercourse or poor hygiene practices.
A UTI may also be a secondary condition in itself. For example, it can be caused by kidney stones which block the urinary tract and make it more difficult for bacteria to be flushed out of the body.
# Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water should always be your go-to if you find yourself struggling with a UTI. The more water you drink, the more likely you are to flush away the bacteria causing your infection, which can help you to recover sooner.
Try to sip water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated without making yourself feel bloated or uncomfortable.
# Vitamin C
Foods which are high in vitamin C are able to make your urine more acidic. As a result, they make it harder to bacteria to survive and grow in your urinary tract, which helps to reduce your risk of infection. Taking vitamin C supplements will also have a similar effect.
# Heating Pads
UTIs can cause inflammation and irritation throughout the urinary tract. This is usually what causes the burning sensation or feeling of pressure in your pubic area when you have a UTI. Applying a heating pad to your pubic area can help to relieve this swelling and inflammation, thus reducing the pain too. Don’t apply the pad directly to your skin though and don’t leave them on for more than fifteen minutes.
# Cut Out Foods Which Irritate Your Bladder
Certain substances like caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated drinks, can irritate your bladder. This can cause your body to take longer to heal. Try switching these irritating foods for other alternatives such as high-fiber carbs like oatmeal or lentils. These are great for your digestive health which will help to ease the pressure of your urinary tract.
# Go to the Toilet Regularly
Every time you go to the toilet to urinate you help to flush out some of the bacteria from your urinary tract. Even if you only manage to pass a small amount, it will help and have a positive effect. Go as many times as you need to – which should be plenty if you’re getting enough water.
# Quit Smoking
Smoking harms your body in a number of different ways. The toxins and chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage cells within your body and damage your overall health. Quitting smoking, therefore, will make you healthier leaving you at less risk of developing a UTI. Cutting out smoking will also mean that your immune system is stronger, so it’s more able to fight infections should they occur.
# Wear Loose Clothing
Bacteria generally thrive in warm and moist environments. Tight jeans and other tight clothing around the pubic area can trap bacteria. In women especially, this creates a breeding ground for bacteria around your genital area. As a result, it leaves you at risk of making your UTI worse or developing more infections in the future.
# Wipe from Front to Back
Wiping from back to front can spread bacteria from your anus and rectum to your urethra. Bacteria from feces can often get stuck around the anus which will then be spread to the small opening that allows urine to flow out of your body. Wiping from front to back helps to prevent this from happening. If bacteria get to your urethra, it can travel further into your urinary tract and cause infections, preventing this from happening is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of infection.
You should also use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe your genitalia and your anus. This will prevent bacteria from your anus coming into contact with your genitals.
# Avoid Fragranced Soaps and Toiletries
Soaps with perfumes in them could cause irritation to your urinary tract. Avoiding them is a great home remedy for UTIs as it can help to prevent further irritation and stops symptoms from worsening.
# Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
One of the most commonly referred to home remedies for UTIs is cranberry juice. You’re best choosing an unsweetened juice as artificial sweeteners could help to make some symptoms of a UTI worse. Cranberry juice is recommended because cranberries have antibacterial properties. This means they’re great a fighting and preventing bacterial infection. Many studies have shown that consuming cranberries and cranberry juice can help to reduce the frequency of UTIs, particularly in women.