Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common infection that affects the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. UTI can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult to carry out daily activities.
Some natural solutions can help ease UTI symptoms, and here are ten proven remedies:.
1. Drink lots of water
Drinking lots of water can help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract, reducing the severity of UTI symptoms. As a general rule, you should drink at least eight glasses of water per day, or even more if you have an active infection.
Water can also help prevent future urinary tract infections by keeping your system clean and hydrated.
2. Use heat
Applying heat to your lower abdomen or back can help soothe urinary tract infection pain. You can use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm towel, but make sure the temperature is comfortable and doesn’t burn your skin.
Heat can also increase blood flow, helping your body’s immune system fight off the infection.
3. Take vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help strengthen your immune system and prevent urinary tract infection. It protects your cells from damage, and can make it difficult for bacteria to thrive in the urinary tract.
You can take vitamin C supplements or eat foods high in this nutrient, such as oranges, kiwifruit, and bell peppers.
4. Use D-mannose
D-mannose is a type of sugar that can help prevent and treat urinary tract infection. It’s naturally found in many fruits, including cranberries, and can prevent E.coli bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining.
You can take D-mannose supplements or drink cranberry juice, but make sure the juice is low in sugar as too much sugar can worsen UTI symptoms.
5. Use essential oils
Essential oils such as tea tree oil, sandalwood oil, and lavender oil have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve UTI symptoms.
You can mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, and apply it to your lower abdomen or back. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your bathwater or diffuser for a relaxing effect.
6. Try probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your urinary tract. They can also help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of UTI.
You can take probiotic supplements or eat foods rich in probiotics, like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables.
7. Drink herbal tea
Herbal teas such as chamomile tea, ginger tea, and green tea can help reduce inflammation and soothe UTI symptoms. They also have diuretic properties, which can increase urine flow, flushing out harmful bacteria from your urinary tract.
However, some herbal teas, such as black tea and coffee, can irritate your bladder and worsen UTI symptoms, so it’s best to avoid them.
8. Take OTC pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve UTI pain and discomfort. They can also reduce inflammation and fever, making it easier for your body to fight the infection.
However, you should only take them as directed and avoid exceeding the recommended dose.
9. Drink apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in your urinary tract. It can also restore the pH balance of your urinary tract, making it more difficult for bacteria to thrive.
You can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it or mix it with honey and warm water for a soothing effect.
10. Get enough rest and exercise
Getting enough rest and exercise can help boost your immune system and reduce stress, which can aggravate UTI symptoms.
Resting allows your body to focus on fighting the infection, while exercise can increase blood flow, helping your immune system respond better to the infection. However, you should avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting, as it can worsen UTI pain.