Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

See also :

• urinary urgency
• Bladder Infections

Causes and Symptoms

Urinary tract infection or UTI is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the urinary tract.

Home remedies

• Cranberries : Perhaps the most well known UTI remedy, cranberries have long been prized for their ability to clear a urinary tract infection. One 2002 study showed that cranberry juice or cranberry tablets relieved UTI symptoms better than a placebo. Pure cranberry juice is recommended, as juice blends may not contain a high enough concentrate of cranberry to be effective.
• Blueberry: Although not as well known as cranberries for treating a UTI, blueberries have also been shown to be an effective remedy for a urinary tract infection. You can eat fresh organic blueberries, make a smoothie from frozen berries or even blend pure blueberry juice with pure cranberry juice to harness the healing power of both of these berries.
• Pineapple: Rich in vitamin C and bromelain, pineapple can help you fight off infection while also reducing inflammation. Bromelain has been shown to help resolve urinary tract infections, while vitamin C is a known immunity booster.
• Uva Ursi. This herb is known for its ability to cleanse the kidneys and urinary system. It has antiseptic properties that can help reduce pathogenic bacteria causing the infection. A tincture or tea made with uva ursi is recommended at least once per day during a UTI.
• Drink Plenty of Water : Think of the flooded sink. Think of the clogged pipes. Imagine the clogged pipes are the urethra and the sink as the bladder. Due to inflammation caused by infection of microorganisms, the very first remedy we usually do with the sink is flush it with strong stream of water. This is the same analogy with the urinary tract. If there is difficulty in urination due to the inflammation of the urethra, the first thing we need to do is increase the fluid intake. Drinking water is just equal to flushing the urinary system to get rid of stagnant urine that may cause more complication to the disease, as well as flush the bacteria that caused the infection thereby decreasing the inflammation tendencies. Drinking at least 2000 milliliters of water is not just advisable during the course of the disease. It is also recommended that one drinks plenty of water to regularly clean the urinary tract.
• Supplement with Vitamin C : Vitamin C has been suggested for those who are suffering from UTI. Vitamin C has several benefits to the body, and the number one of which is its ability to protect the cells from the damage that is caused by the free radicals. Vitamin C may be taken from food, like papaya, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli and pineapple. But vitamin C may also be in tablet or capsule form. Vitamin C is recommended in UTI because it increases the acidity level of the urine. In acid environment, bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms that invade the urinary tract cannot thrive. In a study conducted in the past years, doctors were able to conclude that to create an unfriendly environment for the bacteria; those with acute UTI should ingest at least 5000 mg of vitamin C every day.
• Drinking a glass of water mixed with one-fourth teaspoon of Baking Soda will increase the alkaline levels in the bladder and make it harder for bacteria to thrive.
• Eat Zinc-rich foods : Zinc and foods rich in zinc can help in fighting infections, such as the UTI. Zinc helps in boosting the cells of the immune system responsible for fighting the bacteria that flows in the blood. For those with cystitis, taking in zinc can help in protecting the cell walls of the bladder, or the bladder lining. If there is infection, there will usually be inflammation, in this case, of the bladder wall. With foods rich in zinc, such as the liver of the calf, venison meat, beef, lamb, scallops, sesame and pumpkin seeds, the bladder is not just protected, but the immune system is also strengthened.
• Flush with Fiber : Fiber rich foods are navy beans, dried peas, lentils, pinto beans, black beans, barley, lima beans, garbanzo and kidney beans. There are also other foods rich in fiber, but the ones enumerated are the excellent source of dietary fiber. For one, fiber can help bring regularity to the bowel movement. If bowel movement is good, UTI is prevented since with retained feces during constipation, there is higher tendency for bacteria from the anal area to travel to the urinary tract.
• People interested in toning, cleansing and rejuvenating their urinary tracts and reproductive organs, in promoting vitality and strength, and in boosting immunity should check into Shilajit capsules, tablets or extract powders.
• Yogurt is used for treating and preventing vaginal yeast as well as bacteria infections, and for preventing urinary tract infections.. Yogurt is a probiotic treat; it contains live microorganism that help in fighting the bad bacteria in the body. When taken regularly by those who are suffering from UTI, there is more effectiveness in the immune system response and immediate healing of infection and inflammation is possible.
• Probiotics are particularly helpful in reducing vaginal and urinary infections.
• Ganoderma : researchers found that ganoderma was significantly superior to placebo in providing symptom relief.
• Goldenrod has been used in Europe for centuries to treat urinary tract inflammation and prevent and treat kidney stones.
• Lingonberry : Together with Smooth Rupturewort (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), has the strongest antimicrobial activity against uropathogenic Escherichia coli bacteria in a number of tested substances and is therefore effective in bladder and ureteral disorders.
• Make Use of Natural Antibiotics : There are antibiotics, and there are natural antibiotics. UTI are usually treated in the hospital and clinic using the antibiotic, synthetic substances to fight off bacterial infections and other infections by microorganisms. But there are also so-called antibiotics. These substances are unprocessed and can easily be found in nature. An example would be garlic, which is known universally as a natural antibiotic and can help in preventing UTI. There is also Echinacea, which when taken as a tea, can help boost the immune system of the person. Ginger is also a potent antibiotic. By adding them to your food, UTI treatment is assured.
• Grape seed extract also has antifungal and antiviral properties to treat infections caused by fungi or viruses.
• D-mannose is used for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Mustard oils derived from Horseradish root and the Nasturtium herb can be used as treatment for UTI : The study found that a combination of extracts from horseradish and nasturtium, two plants from the mustard family containing volatile mustard oils as the active ingredients, demonstrated antimicrobial properties, meaning they kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms like bacteria.
• Herbs such as Buchu and Uva Ursi are helpfull. Chinese medicinal herbs such as Shi Wei, Dianthus, Gardenia, Scute and Gentian represent a powerful cystitis fighting combination.
• Other herbs : Agrimony, Ignatia, Couchgrass, Elderflower, Juniper, Horsetail, Alchemilla, Plantain, Saw palmetto, Yarrow.

Warnings

It's important to note that self-treating any condition with D-mannose supplements, and avoiding or delaying standard care, may have serious health consequences. For example, if a urinary tract infection isn't properly treated with antibiotics, the infection may spread to the kidneys even though a person's symptoms initially improve.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.