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What Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection

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What Are Unrinary Tract Infections

Home remedies for urinary tract infection or UTI (urine infection)

Infections that occur in kidney, urethra and bladder are called as urinary tract infections. These infections are caused by bacteria like Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus and Proteus. Sexually transmitted organisms like Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea are also responsible for urinary tract infections. Women are more vulnerable to UTI than men because the urethra in women is shorter as compare to men.

What Are Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections

When bacteria enter into the urinary system, this can result in an infection. A urine culture can help isolate the bacteria responsible for a particular UTI.

  • Escherichia coli is the Gram-negative bacteria that causes the vast majority of UTIs.
  • However, other bacterial pathogens can also cause UTIs.

Urinary tract infections are not contagious, and you can’t acquire a UTI from someone else.

Get Your Fill Of Water And Water

One of the first things to do when you have a urinary tract infection is drink plenty of water. Thats because drinking water can help flush away the bacteria that’s causing your infection, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . It puts you on the right track for recovery.

Most people can be assured theyre getting the water they need by simply drinking water when thirsty, according to the health and medicine division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. But to be safe, you may want to make sure youre drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. General recommendations have suggested that women get about 91 oz of water daily and men get about 125 oz each day, including water from food, as also noted in that group’s report.

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How Long Does It Take For A Uti To Go Away Without Antibiotics

It can take around nine days for a UTI to go away with antibiotics. It could take longer to go away without antibiotics, but everyone is different. It’s important to remember that an untreated UTI could lead to complications like a bladder or kidney infection. Make sure to talk to a doctor if you’re experiencing UTI symptoms.

Types Of Urinary Tract Infection

Natural Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection

Depending upon which part of the urinary tract is infected, there are three classifications or types of urinary tract infection.

A.Urethritis:

The infection is occurring in the hollow tube. Its function is to drain the urine from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.

B.Cystitis:

When the bacterias move up to the bladder from the urethra and cause infection in the urinary bladder, it is named cystitis.

C.Pyelonephritis:

Infection in the kidneys. When the condition travels all the way urinary tract from the urethra to the kidneys, primarily due to the obstruction in the flow of urine due to any cause such as kidney stones, it is known as pyelonephritis.

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Flush Bacteria Out With Cranberry Juice

Cranberry contains a phytochemical known as tannin, which reduces vaginal colonization of E. coli.6 It is high in vitamin C, and drinking its unsweetened juice flushes out bacteria from your urinary system and reduces recurrent UTIs.7

Note Of Caution: If you are on medication, consult your doctor before drinking cranberry juice as it interferes with certain types of medication, especially blood thinners.8

One of the active ingredients of cranberry is D-mannose, a type of sugar that prevents UTIs.9 Since you have to consume an excess of cranberry juice to have enough D-mannose in your system to fight UTIs, you can also go for D-mannose supplements. It is considered safe for most adults, but you should avoid taking it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How Common Are Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are very common, occurring in 1 out of 5 women sometime in their lifetime. Though UTIs are common in women, they can also happen to men, older adults and children. One to 2% of children develop urinary tract infections. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections.

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Remedies And Treatments For Cat Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract diseases are common in cats and can cause discomfort and distress. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to partial or complete blockage of the urethra. This can lead to kidney failure or rupture of the bladder, which could be deadly.

Depending on the severity of the infection, a cat UTI can be treated using at-home remedies and treatments.

Cranberries

While cranberries are known as a UTI treatment in humans, they can also be used to treat a cat UTI. The acidity of cranberries can lower the pH of your cats urine, which can help treat a UTI and stop it from coming back.

Many cranberry juices are high in sugar. Instead, you can find cranberry capsules , supplements, or powder to add to your cats diet.

Before giving your cat cranberry, you should first test the pH levels in your cats urine. While the acidity of cranberries may help with some UTIs, in other cases, it could make the condition worse. Only provide cranberry supplements if your cats urine is too alkaline.

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Apple cider vinegar can also lower the pH in your cats urine, eliminating and preventing any harmful bacteria. Add half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your cats food each day. To reduce the bitter taste, you can mix it in with chicken or beef broth. Just make sure the broth doesnt contain onions, as this is toxic to cats.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Bone Broth

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Dandelion Teafor Bladder Issues And Infection

Top Remedies for a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection: Updated)

Dandelion root is an excellent remedy for bladder infection. Thanks to the bitterness in the root, the taste buds are triggered. This, in turn, stimulates the bile production and promotes its flow.

Native Americans have used it for centuries, and even today, doctors recommend it for its medicinal properties.

The root contains Vitamins A, B, C, zinc, iron, potassium, and other such minerals, which act as antioxidants and help with reducing pain. It prevents pain from increasing. It also contains vitamins A, B, C and the minerals iron, potassium, and zinc, which all act as a blood and digestive tonic.

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Euqisetum: For Frequent Urging Which Is Not Relieved By Urinating

Symptoms:

Equisetum is a well-known Homoeopathic remedy for urinary troubles.

You may feel a dull pain in the lower abdomen and a constant feeling of fullness in the bladder as if some urine is retained.

The frequent urging is not relieved by urination. Severe pain at the close of urination is a very prominent symptom of this remedy.

Urine flows drop by drop, making it very difficult to perform day-to-day activities. There is cutting pain in the urethra.

It is also an excellent remedy to treat urinary tract infections occurring in children and pregnant ladies.

Potency and Dosage:

You can use Equisetum in Q potency 10 drops in half a cup of water thrice daily till improvement occurs. You can use Equisetum in 200ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs.

Changing The Method Of Contraception For Women

Spermicides as a method of birth control can be an aggravating factor in UTIs. Spermicides are birth control methods that neutralize sperm.

They can be pills or a device such as a diaphragm. Because they affect the vaginal flora, spermicides can be a breeding ground for urinary tract infections.

So consider changing your birth control method if you get a UTI.

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Can You Get Rid Of A Uti Naturally At Home Or Do You Need Antibiotics

Sometimes, you can get rid of a UTI naturally by resting, drinking lots of water, taking dietary supplements, and giving the infection some time to heal. Research from 2017 suggests that somewhere between 25% and 42% of UTIs resolve naturally without the use of antibiotics.

However, there are certain situations where wait and see just isnt an acceptable approach. Untreated UTIs can cause potentially life threatening complications, including .

Natural Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection

14 Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection UTI

Many people who are prone to UTIs experience them frequently. They take antibiotics or other antibacterial treatments, but the infection comes right back. Sometimes its a new type of bacteria, but other times its the same one. They just didnt get killed off by the drug like they were supposed to.

Luckily, there are a variety of natural home remedies for urinary tract infections that are effective. By using these natural remedies for UTIs, you can stop your infections from ever coming back:

1. Cranberry juice: One of the most effective natural treatments for UTIs is cranberry juice. Cranberry juice contains acidic substances that make it harder for bacteria to get a hold in your urethra and cause an infection. Cranberries are a scientifically proven treatment. Studies have shown that it is of particular benefit for women who get recurrent UTI infections. For other groups of people, the benefits are less clear.

3. Vitamin C: When your urine is more acidic, bacteria has a more difficult time growing. Any home remedy that can make your urine more acidic will also make it harder for infections to occur. Vitamin C stops the growth of bacterial infections by acidifying your urine. You can take Vitamin C as a supplement, or you can eat foods loaded with the vitamin, such as oranges, bell peppers, and certain types of juice. Drinking orange juice will not only help stop the growth of bacteria, but it will also help flush out your urinary tract in the same way that water does.

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Refresh Yourself With Parsley Water

  • Boil 1 to 2 cups of water.
  • Add a handful of fresh, chopped parsley or 2 tablespoons of dried parsley.
  • Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Strain it and drink it .

Apigenin, a major component of parsley, has diuretic, as well as, anti-inflammatory properties.14 Diuretics get rid of excess water from your body in the form of urine, which will flush the bacteria present in your bladder and urethra. The anti-inflammatory property of parsley will soothe the infection and will help your body heal.

What Are The Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections

An infection occurs in the urinary tract when bacteria enter the urethra and sets up camp there. Sometimes they will migrate from there to the bladder, causing further infection. If you dont get treated, the bacteria can even move on to the kidney. When we urinate, we often flush out the bacteria, but sometimes this bacterium can take root.

You really dont want this to happen, as it can turn quite serious and require a hospital stay, as well as lead to an even worse kidney or bladder infection. These bacteria usually come from the colon. Sometimes other tiny organisms that are sexually transmitted can also cause these kinds of infections.

Common causes of UTIs include:

  • Sexual intercourse
  • Kidney stones or other obstructions of the urinary tract
  • Incomplete emptying of the bladder, often due to spinal cord injuries or other conditions
  • Suppressed immune systems, which can occur with HIV/AIDS or diabetes

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Can You Treat A Uti Without Antibiotics

For some women with no other serious health problems, it can be possible to treat a UTI at home without antibiotics. For instance, mild or uncomplicated UTIs may clear out of the bladder naturally, as a strong immune system can help resolve these infections.

But if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, you should always check in with your doctor first. They can help you determine whether you’re able to treat your UTI at home, without antibiotics.

Because they’re at higher risk for complications, men and pregnant women should never try to treat a UTI at home, according to Rena Malik, M.D., a urologist and director of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections

Top Natural Remedies for a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

How do you know if you have a UTI? Well, sometimes there are actually no symptoms at all and other times you will experience some pretty noticeable signs.

The most common symptoms associated with UTIs are:

  • Strong, persistent need to urinate
  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Urine with a strong odor
  • Urinating small amounts frequently
  • Pain in the pelvic area, particularly for women

If the infection has made it to your kidneys, you might have one or more of these symptoms:

  • Pain located below the ribs in your back or side

If you think you have a UTI, especially if you think that its become a kidney infection, its important to see your doctor. They can rule out the cause and prescribe you antibacterial or antibiotic drugs to kill off the bacteria.

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Why You Should Avoid Alcohol

If you are prone to frequent UTIs, it is a good idea to cut right back on your intake of alcohol or even to avoid it completely.

UTIs affect the bladder and urethra but can also become more severe affecting the kidneys. Certain substances can irritate the urinary tract and bladder and that includes alcohol.

While many people consider drinking alcohol in moderation to be harmless, it can have negative effects and increase the risk of developing a UTI. It can also increase the level of acid in the urine and may exacerbate your symptoms.

Drinking alcohol along with a prescription antibiotic may also cause other unwanted side effects such as stomach upset or drowsiness.

Drink Lots Of Water And Empty Your Bladder Often

According to Chicago-based OB/GYN, Jessica Shepherd, MD, drinking lots of water when you are experiencing UTI symptoms can help flush away the bacteria. Draining your bladder frequently is essential to getting rid of the bacteria, Dr. Shepherd explains. The more water you drink, the more youll have to relieve yourself.

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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated

You will need to treat a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and fight an infection. Antibiotics are typically used to treat urinary tract infections. Your healthcare provider will pick a drug that best treats the particular bacteria thats causing your infection. Some commonly used antibiotics can include:

  • Nitrofurantoin.

Its very important that you follow your healthcare providers directions for taking the medicine. Dont stop taking the antibiotic because your symptoms go away and you start feeling better. If the infection is not treated completely with the full course of antibiotics, it can return.

If you have a history of frequent urinary tract infections, you may be given a prescription for antibiotics that you would take at the first onset of symptoms. Other patients may be given antibiotics to take every day, every other day, or after sexual intercourse to prevent the infection. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment option for you if you have a history of frequent UTIs.

Finding The Truth: Could Herbal Tea & Plants Soothe The Bladder And Prevent Incontinence

Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

One project found that drinking green tea may help alleviate urinary incontinence in middle-aged and older women.

Professor Andy Lea from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute collaborated with a Japanese research team to asses the effects of green tea on Japanese women aged 40-75. The results showed that those who drank 4+ cups of green tea per day were less likely to have incontinence.

The main conclusion was that green tea contains EGCG, a compound found in foods like apple skin, plums, onions, hazelnuts, pecans and carob powder. Research has shown this compound is responsible for its preventative effect of green tea on urinary stones.

ECGC has also shown a dose-dependent decrease in urinary bladder cancers and interferes with oxidation and helps minimize oxidative damage in cells.

Ultimately ECGC provides powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, antioxidant and cell productive benefits.

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Risk Factors For The Uti

Use of contraceptive devices-

Some of the means of contraception, for example, spermicide condoms, cervical caps, can increase the risk of getting a UTI.

Heavy doses of antibiotics-

Using heavy doses of antibiotics for an extended period may harm the good natural bacterias present in the urinary bladder and bowels, which leads to a higher risk.

Female gender-

The Urinary tract infection is more commonly found in females than in males. The reason behind this is the shorter length of the urethra in women as compared to men.

Pregnancy-

If a pregnant woman is suffering from a urinary tract infection, it could be a cause of concern for both the mother and the baby.

Due to the changes in women at the time of pregnancy, there are more chances of bacterias reaching the kidneys.

Diabetes-

If you have diabetes or any history of diabetes, you could be prone to urinary tract infections.

As diabetes lowers the immune powers of the body, making it weak to fight infections. It can also destroy the tiny vessels in the kidneys, directly exposing the kidney to microbes.

Kidney stones-

People who have kidney stones are at higher risk because their kidneys are already inflamed and cannot work correctly. In this situation, the risk is increased.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia-

Some diseases, such as Benign prostate enlargement, also known as BPH, in which the flow of urine are hindered and can not fully empty your bladder.

Use of harsh Cleansers:

Bad personal hygiene-

Preventive Measures For Urinary Tract Ifections

  • Drink lots of water.
  • Urinate immediately every time after you have sexual intercourse with your partner.
  • Donât hold back urine as it may also cause the bacteria to stick.
  • Wear cotton panties.
  • Have a balanced and nutritious diet.
  • Avoid bathing in a bathtub as it may provide a site for the bacteria to grow
  • Avoid douching and scented pads.
  • After using the toilet, always wipe in the direction of front to back as this may avoid any germs from getting into the urethral opening.
  • Wash your hands properly every time after you use the toilet.
  • Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks when you are suffering from the UTI.

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