Do you suspect you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI)? There’s no need to panic; read this guide to learn how to treat a UTI at home.
Urinary tract infections can be very painful and uncomfortable; they are now also widespread, especially among women, so there are many questions regarding how to treat a UTI at home, which we seek to discuss in this guide.
First, to be sure you have a UTI, we should look at what a UTI is and what symptoms you should look out for before trying the home remedies.
What is UTI?
A UTI is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system: bladder, urethras, ureter, or kidneys. It commonly affects the bladder and urethra, but more severe cases can affect the kidneys.
They are caused by bacteria from the skin or rectum, which enters the urinary tract and causes an infection.
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Symptoms of UTI?
The common symptoms of UTI include:
- Frequent urination.
- Pelvic pain.
- Cloudy or dark urine.
- A burning sensation when urinating.
- Urine with a strong odour.
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
How to Treat a UTI at Home?
If you now understand what a UTI is and from the symptoms listed above, you are sure you have one, then continue reading to learn how to treat a UTI at home.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
When you notice a UTI, the first thing to do is start drinking a lot of water. Several studies have shown that dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTI because frequent urination can flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and prevent or stop infection. If you do not drink enough water, you will not urinate as often as you should, and this can make your urinary tract a breeding ground for bacteria. So, it is best to drink a lot of fluid throughout the day to help flush out the bacteria causing your infection.
Cut Bladder Irritants From Your Diet
When suffering from UTI, certain foods and drinks such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, spicy food, artificial sweeteners and carbonated drinks can worsen your symptoms. This may not apply to everyone, but you can’t be too careful, so try to cut out such things from your diet and focus on healthy food for your digestive health.
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Take More Vitamin C
Vitamin C is said to increase the acidity of urine, which can kill off bacteria as you urinate. Although more studies are still needed to prove the potency of vitamin C for reducing UTIs, a study done in 2020 on people undergoing kidney transplants has proved that those who received vitamin C had lower amounts of bacteria in their urine.
Aside from taking vitamin C supplements, you should eat foods rich in vitamins to help your immune system fight the infection faster.
Take Cranberry Juice or a Supplement
Unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most popular home remedies for UTI; it is said that the active ingredients in cranberries can bind to the wall of the urinary tract the same way the bacteria binds, and it can prevent the bacteria from adhering.
However, there isn’t enough evidence to back up this claim, but it is worth the try, and if unsweetened cranberry juice isn’t your thing, you can take it in capsules.
Change to a Healthier Daily Habit
When considering home remedies for UTIs, you must not ignore the importance of lifestyle changes because they can help you recover fast and prevent such infections in the future.
You must quit smoking, choose fragrance-free personal hygiene products, clean yourself from front to back, eat the right things, wear loose cotton underwear, and urinate immediately after sex.
Soothe the Pain With Heat
UTIs can indeed be painful due to the burning, inflammation and pressure in the pelvic area and no matter what you do, it won’t just go away in one day; it must take some time. But applying a heating pad may help significantly reduce the pain and discomfort and make you feel better. However, keep the heat low, limit your use to 15 minutes and do not apply it directly on the skin.
Add D-mannose to Your Diet
D-mannose is a sugar found in apples, cranberries, oranges, peaches, and blueberries. It can also stop bacteria from adhering to the walls of your urinary system. Studies have shown that it can help treat UTIs and prevent a reoccurrence. You can add D-mannose to your diet by taking the fruits that contain it or taking D-mannose supplements.
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It is essential to know that the measures for treating a UTI at home that we have discussed in this guide are not medically or scientifically proven. Still, they are recommended as good home remedies because people have used them and seen positive results.
Therefore, if your UTI doesn’t improve with home remedies, you should visit a healthcare provider for further assistance. Also, note that even while treating UTIs at a hospital, these remedies are still necessary to help your body heal faster and to help prevent further reinfections.
