Natural Ways To Fight Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are an uncomfortable condition that some individuals are prone to. The most common way to treat UTI is by taking antibiotics, although antibiotics can have side effects. Healthy, nutritious food and good habits can actually help you prevent and treat UTI’s:

1.       Cranberry juice is one of the most natural and effective drinks that can help to treat urinary tract infection. Studies show that within 8 hours of consuming cranberry juice, the drink can already stop bacteria from developing into a UTI. This is because it contains certain compounds that are known to fight bacteria, but scientists also believe that consumption of cranberry juice increases the acidity of urine thus making it not suitable for the growth of bacteria.

2.       Eating blueberries will provide you with many of the same compounds found in cranberries that help ward off urinary tract infections. Blueberries also inhibit the fimbria of the bacteria from leeching onto your urinary tract. You can enjoy the health benefits of blueberries by adding it to your smoothies or consuming it raw.

3.       Increasing your water intake when you have a urinary tract infection can help treat it by diluting your urine as well as by assisting to flush out toxins. Water intake helps to eliminate the bacteria residing in your urinary tract which are responsible for the discomfort that you feel from the infection. Urine is actually composed of acids and wastes from your body and if you find that your urine is dark this means that it is more acidic and may be more painful to eliminate during a urinary tract infection. When urine is diluted such as when you drink water, it is lighter in color and doesn’t hurt as much. Avoid drinks that can further irritate your bladder during an infection, such as soda, coffee, and tea.

4.       Consume as much vitamin C as possible which you can obtain from various sources. You can take vitamin c supplements or choose to get it from natural sources such as citrus fruits, kiwi, dark leafy greens, bell peppers, papayas, berries, and tomatoes. Increasing your vitamin C intake will increase the acidity of your urine which will reduce the amount of bacteria causing a urinary tract infection.

5.       Simple lifestyle adjustments can make the UTI more bearable and less painful. During this time it is advisable to wear loose underwear and clothing and ensuring that you are wiping yourself clean with each toilet run. It is also important to get enough sleep, avoid alcohol, and quit smoking because all of these affect your immune system and can make your body prone to more bacteria.

6.       Parsley water is not only a refreshing and delicious drink but consuming parsley can actually help reduce urinary tract infection because of its diuretic properties. If you have a urinary tract infection, diuretics can come in handy because it increases the sodium levels that your kidneys help to eliminate in your urine. Excreting more sodium means that more water is also eliminated by the body, reducing the amount of water in your blood. By encouraging your body to urinate more, you continuously flush out toxins and bacteria. To make parsley water, all you need is 2 tablespoons of dried parsley added into 1 or 2 cups of hot or cold water.

7.       Another effective diuretic that can help reduce the discomfort of urinary tract infections are celery seeds. If you don’t like the taste of parsley water, this is another options that you can consider. Simply chew a handful of celery seeds, this will help you go to the bathroom more frequently. You can also make celery seed water by adding a handful of it to a cup or two of water.

8.       Ginger tea is excellent for any inflammation related condition, and is one of the most potent natural remedies. Since urinary tract infections are caused by inflammation, drinking ginger tea can help relieve pain and prevent future UTI occurences. Ginger contains compounds that inhibit a process known as prostaglandin synthesis which aids in your body’s communication on inflammation and biological processes.

9.       Horseradish is known for its pungent, spicy flavor that can help clear sinuses. It contains allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a naturally occurring compound that is known for its potent anti-microbial properties. Its AITC content is powerful in instantly killing bacteria by attacking its cellular membrane, making it impossible to survive in your body. You can eat horseradish by adding it to your meals, or by grating ½ fresh horseradish root and adding it into a glass of milk or water.

10.   Tea tree oil is rich in antibacterial properties that are effective in fighting various kinds of bacteria, particularly those that cause urinary tract infections. It can be taken in different ways:

a.       Soak in a warm bath filled with water that has been mixed with 6 drops of organic tea tree oil and 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt for 10 minutes a day.

b.       Add 10 drops of organic tea tree oil to water that you can use to wash your genitals.

c.       Combine organic tea tree oil with organic  sandalwood and juniper essential oils, then rub this blend on top of your abdomen near the bladder area. This is helpful in reducing pain that has been caused by UTI. It is recommended to do this once per day for 4 days.

11.   Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that works well in treating inflammation. Pineapples are also a good source of vitamin C, making it a potent natural remedy and a refreshing way to treat urinary tract infections.

12.    Urva ursi, also known as bearberry, is an herb that is used to treat urinary tract infections. It is a diuretic herb which also possesses antiseptic and astringent properties that aid in killing viruses and bacteria. For bearberry to be effective, your urine must be in alkaline conditions so it is recommended to get a ph level check before using this natural remedy for UTI.