Natural Remedies for a UTI

To use natural remedies for a UTI effectively, it is essential to understand what UTIs really are. Urinary tract infections are the most common form of bacterial infection. They are more common in women than among men and can range from mildly annoying to very painful. It is estimated that around 150 million people develop a urinary tract infection each year. UTIs are usually treated with a course or two of antibiotics, however recurrent usage of antibiotics can cause resistance and infections can reappear. Hence to cure and prevent UTIs, it is best to turn to nature and use the simple but efficient cures. You will be surprised by how natural remedies for UTIs will bring relief and help you get through a difficult time.

Turmeric to the rescue!

Turmeric is a healthy and natural remedy for just about every infection. It contains curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is also a great antioxidant. You could consider adding turmeric to your food or make golden milk to drink before bed. Add a spoonful of turmeric powder and a pinch of pepper to a glass of milk to create a very effective natural remedy for a UTI. You could also consider taking supplements that have curcumin in them or buy turmeric pills. Opt for organically sourced turmeric if you are buying the spice as a powder.

Avoid food that can aggravate the UTI.

Apart from eating beneficial food, it is also essential to recognize the food and drinks that are aggravating your UTI. Coffee, soda, spicy food, alcohol and artificial sweetener in some food and drinks can make you feel worse. Eat food high in fiber and make healthier choices to feel better throughout the day. If you are at work and can’t make yourself a healthy meal choosing a salad over a hot dog could be the right way to go. If giving up coffee is not an option, try limiting your consumption to minimal number of cups a day.

Pee more often.

Holding back urine can actually increase your infection as bacteria can multiply inside the urinary tract. Heading to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge can actually be beneficial even when you aren’t suffering from a UTI because answering nature's call can help prevent UTIs. Avoiding the use of a public bathroom because your pee-shy can actually be detrimental to you in the long run, so just go rather than holding it in.

Wear loose fitting pants and clothes.

Wearing loose fitting clothes can actually help you prevent UTIs since tight clothes can aid in trapping moisture. Even if your new top looks great with a pair of skinny jeans, opt for a loose free flowing skirt or a pair of palazzos instead if you are suffering from a UTI. Staying dry is very important and can ensure bacteria does not grow. Invest in a few pieces of loose flowing, but professional, clothing that you can wear to work without looking like a slob or having to explain.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Drinking plenty of water when you have a UTI certainly seems like the most obvious thing to do, however it is also the most underrated. Not only does clean drinking water wash away bad bacteria from your body, it also helps you stay hydrated and recover better. Unless your doctor explicitly states you shouldn’t be drinking much water, you should drink up. Most experts believe that if you are thirsty it means you are not hydrated enough.

Say hello to coconut water.

Coconut water is a great home remedy for a UTI. It is a natural diuretic and helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract while providing your body with essential minerals. With its healing and cleansing properties, coconut water is known to reduce infections and even help dissolve kidney stones. The water from fresh and tender coconuts is the most beneficial and tastes delicious. If you can't get your hands on a fresh coconut, or even get it open successfully, head over to your local store to get some bottled coconut water.

Include vitamin C in your diet.

While taking vitamin C supplements is a good option, you could go the traditional route and include more vitamin C in your diet too. Foods that are high in vitamin C can help prevent the growth of bacteria. Load up on the orange juice, kiwis, berries and other foods rich in vitamin C.

Get more garlic.

Garlic is another powerful herbal remedy that is effective in preventing UTIs. Use crushed raw garlic as it has antimicrobial properties, as well as anti-fungal properties, which also help prevent yeast infections. If eating raw garlic does not appeal to you, you could take garlic supplements available at health food stores.

Probiotics: the good bacteria

While antibiotics are usually prescribed to get rid of UTIs, probiotics can play a role too. Antibiotics kill bacteria and probiotics are bacteria that can help keep you healthy. They keep your gut healthy and can have several benefits including prevention of other bacteria growing. While probiotic supplements are sometimes prescribed by your doctor, you could go natural and include foods that are high in probiotics to help keep your gut healthy. Probiotics restore the normal flora that serves as a line of defense in the body. To use probiotics as a natural remedy for a UTI, include fermented foods in your diet. Yogurt is an easily available probiotic food that can greatly benefit you.

Cranberry–in all forms!

While it is good to eat all berries when you are suffering from a UTI, some experts have claimed that cranberry is especially beneficial as it prevents the growth of the E.coli bacteria that causes the infection. Drinking cranberry juice is said to have effects in prevention of UTIs and munching on cranberries can be good too.

Avoid smoking and alcohol.

Smoking and alcohol can cause your symptoms to worsen, so it is suggested that anyone suffering from a UTI avoid both until the symptoms are cleared up.