Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Natural Treatment, Procedure, Recovery, Risk And Complication

UTI stands for urinary tract infection and is more prevalent in women. If there is an infection in part of the urinary tract - mainly in the bladder or urethra and in severe cases kidney, then it is termed as UTI. It can lead to pain and burning sensation while urinating, and may also result in bleeding.

1. Drink a lot of water:

   One of the most effective natural home remedies for UTI is drinking plenty of cold water to flush out the infection-causing bacteria like Staphylococcus saprophyticus, etc. while passing urine.

   Direction:Drink at least 8 glasses of chilled water every day if you have symptoms of UTI.

2. Drink water with Baking Soda:

   Baking soda is alkaline thus helping reduce the level of acidity in the urine thereby soothing the discomfort to some extent while urinating.

   Direction:Mix 1 teaspoon of Baking Soda in 8 ounces of water. Stir the mixture until the soda dissolves completely. Drink this every morning for a week. Have less salt during this time as baking soda is rich in sodium.

3. Urinate frequently:

   An affected person should pass urine very often. Every time the bladder is flushed out, some bacteria causing UTI are also removed from the urinary tract and bladder. To avoid restricting the urge to urinate.

4. Increase intake of Vitamin C:

   Citrus fruits like Lemon, orange, grapes, guava etc. are rich in vitamin C. These fruits are acidic and prevent the growth of E.coli bacteria in the urinary tract. Daily intake of 100 mg of vitamin C can prove to be useful.

5. Proper outfit selection:

   Light underwear, denim and trousers of non-breathable fabric may prevent air circulation. So trapped sweat and moisture may help bacteria to grow thereby increasing the chance of UTI.

6. Apple cider vinegar:

   Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial properties. As per the studies done by researchers, it has been found that apple cider vinegar inhibits the growth of bacteria causing Urinary tract infection.

7. Green Tea:

   Green tea contains a compound called catechin which possesses antibacterial and diuretic properties. Antibacterial properties help to fight against the infection and diuretic properties help to clear out the infection which helps to get rid of UTI.

8. Avoid coffee:

   Coffee contains caffeine which is an irritant to the urinary bladder. You need to limit your intake of coffee to prevent urinary bladder infection.

9. Cranberry:

   As per the studies conducted by researchers it has found that cranberry juice is one of the most effective home remedies for UTI. Cranberry juice has antibacterial properties and inhibits bacterial growth in the urinary tract.

10. Garlic powder:

    Garlic possesses antibacterial properties that help to prevent bacterial infection in the urinary tract. You can consume garlic powder with lukewarm water or you can also consume garlic clove.

11. Add foods like nuts, banana:

    Fruits like nuts and banana are healthy for urinary bladder and prevent from any infection. Add banana and nuts to your diet.

Summary: UTI infection can be treated by taking apple cider vinegar, green tea, avoid coffee, cranberry, garlic powder. Stay hydrated. Urinate frequently. Increase the intake of vitamin C.

While preparing the mixture of Baking Soda and water, baking soda should be used very carefully. If it is taken beyond the required amount then it may cause health hazards. High or extended doses can cause nausea, irritability or headaches. So drink this mixture once a day for 1 week only.

If you have liver or kidney-related problems then excessive water intake should be restricted as per the guidelines given by the doctor.

If you have acidity and heartburn-related symptoms then restrict the intake of citrus fruits like lemon and orange. If oranges are taken in excess then they may cause gastrointestinal problems like stomach cramps, digestion problems, and sometimes diarrhoea too. The other remedies are quite safer with no side effects as such.

Summary: Despite being effective, certain home remedies have some side effects which vary from person to person, so choose your home remedy only if you are not allergic or sensitive to the particular substance. Do not use any home remedies in excess as it may be harmful to health.

• Try to avoid using nylon and synthetic trousers and underwear especially in the summers.
• Always drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
• Don’t restrict yourself from going to the toilet whenever required.

If the infection is not severe and is treated carefully at the very beginning, then it should be cured within 5-6 days.

Summary: The timing of recovery depends on the severity of the infection. If the infection is not that severe, it usually takes 5-6 days.

If the infection is not cured and the post remedy guidelines are not followed strictly then chances are there that the infection may return. So the results of the remedy are not permanent.

Generally, training or professional help is not required to use home remedies for UTI. But one should be careful and knowledgeable enough about the quantity and usage of Baking soda while using it as a home remedy for UTI.

If the infection is taking a serious turn or is recurring frequently then you should immediately seek medical help without any further delay.