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Mar 22, 2024 · Depending on the type of infection present, home remedies may be used to fight an infection, prevent new infections, or provide symptom relief while antibiotics attack the bacteria. Home remedies to provide UTI relief include: Staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help flush harmful bacteria from your system.
Oct 25, 2023 · In addition to using home remedies to support urinary tract health, experts suggest a couple of tactics for managing and alleviating painful UTI symptoms at home. These include: Using a heating pad to ease discomfort in the pelvic region
- Cristina Mutchler
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- Overview
- A quick look at the best home remedies for UTIs
- What is a UTI?
- 1. Drink plenty of fluids
- 2. Increase vitamin C intake
- 3. Use cranberry juice or cranberry supplements
- 4. Take probiotics
- 5. Practice healthy hygiene habits
- 6. Supplement with garlic
- 7. Add D-mannose to your diet
•What is a UTI?
•Hydration
•Vitamin C
•Cranberry
•Probiotics
•Hygiene
•More fluids
•Vitamin C
•Cranberry juice and cranberry supplements
•Probiotics
•Healthy hygiene
•Consuming garlic and garlic supplements
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common. A 2022 analysis found that more than 404.6 million people had UTIs worldwide in 2019.
UTIs happen when bacteria from the skin or rectum enter the urethra. You can get an infection along any part of the urinary tract, but bladder infections are the most common.
Though UTIs can affect anyone, people assigned female at birth are more prone to them. That’s because the female urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, is shorter than the male urethra.
The shorter distance makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. The proximity of the urethra to the vagina and rectum, which are sources of bacteria, also plays a role.
Other risk factors for UTIs include:
•history of UTIs
Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
Regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. When dehydrated, you aren’t urinating as often, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
A 2019 study examined nursing home residents and administered a drinking schedule to participants to increase their fluid intake. Following the hydration schedule, UTIs requiring antibiotics decreased by 58%.
In a 2020 randomized control trial, 140 premenopausal participants prone to UTIs took part in a 12-month study to test if a higher fluid intake would decrease their risk of recurrent cystitis and, in turn, their risk of developing a UTI. Researchers found that an increase in fluid intake led to a decrease in UTI frequency.
To stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs, it’s best to drink water throughout the day and always when you’re thirsty.
Benefits of drinking more fluids for UTI
Some evidence suggests that increasing your vitamin C intake could protect against UTIs.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of urine, killing off the bacteria that cause infection.
A small 2020 randomized placebo study involving 19 people who had undergone a kidney transplant found that the amount of bacteria in urine was significantly lower in people who received the intravenous vitamin C group than the placebo group.
A 2016 study with 42 participants showed that combining vitamin C with two other popular natural UTI remedies — cranberries and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus — could effectively treat recurrent UTIs.
Despite these studies, more research is needed to prove vitamin C’s effectiveness in reducing UTI risk. Plus, there are conflicting views on whether vitamin C can really change the acidity of your urine enough to kill off bacteria.
If you need help getting enough vitamin C, you can try products like:
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for UTIs. If drinking unsweetened cranberry juice isn’t your thing, you can take it in capsule form.
Some experts believe cranberries have properties that might prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, which helps with UTI prevention.
In a study published in 2022, participants with a history of recurring uncomplicated UTIs reported a reduction in infections after taking a cranberry supplement for 6 months prior.
Additionally, a 2021 review of 23 studies found that cranberry supplements (including juices, tablets, and capsules) significantly reduced the likelihood of UTIs.
However, researchers noted there were several limitations of the studies reviewed. They recommend larger, higher-quality studies to confirm the potential role of cranberry supplements in preventing UTIs.
Also, remember that while some research supports the use of cranberry supplements in the prevention of UTIs, whether they actually work as a treatment for an active UTI is less cut and dry.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as:
•kefir
•kimchi
•kombucha
•probiotic yogurt
Preventing UTIs starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, it’s important not to hold your urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection.
Peeing after sex has long been linked to a reduced risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria and is recommended by health authorities, including Planned Parenthood.
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs.
Finally, when using the toilet — especially if you have a female urethra — make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs.
One way to stop or prevent any bacteria from spreading amongst genitalia is by using Always Feminine Wipes.
Research shows garlic and garlic extract to have antimicrobial properties, so they may be able to block the growth of bacteria to prevent UTIs.
While not many studies have specialized in the effects of garlic in treating UTIs, one older 2014 study found that the combination of garlic oil and parsley in pills could synergistically affect bacterial growth and proliferation.
A 2022 study found that rats with an induced UTI caused by E. coli bacteria significantly improved their infection when given garlic.
While cooking garlic alters its properties and may decrease its health benefits, most people can safely consume raw garlic as part of a healthy diet. However, people with GERD, people who take blood thinners, and those with an irritable digestive tract might want to avoid eating garlic in its uncooked form.
D-mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries and other fruit. Similar to other home remedies on our list, it may be able to prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to your urinary tract.
Some studies suggest it’s effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence. At least three studies have shown that D-mannose is effective as a UTI deterrent and as a treatment for an active UTI.
Research into how well D-mannose works to help people with recurrent UTIs is still early, but the results so far have been promising.
You can add D-mannose to your diet by upping your intake of:
•blueberries
•cranberries
Mar 14, 2024 · We share 19 home remedies for frequent urination to help improve your urinary symptoms and calm your overactive bladder. Read more.
Sep 8, 2022 · Here are some of the most common home remedies for UTIs: Wipe correctly. Wear cotton underwear. Don’t douche. Switch soaps. Change menstrual pads, tampons, and cups frequently. Avoid spermicides. Apply heat. Hydrate. Drink cranberry juice. Urinate often. Eat more garlic. Eat less sugar. Supplement with probiotics.
Aug 8, 2020 · 1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers +. 2. Acupressure/Acupuncture. 3. Tea Bags. 4. Benzocaine. 5. Essential Oils. 6. Cold Compress. 7. Wedge Pillow. 8. Saltwater Rinse. 9. Baking Soda. 10. Oil Pulling. Remedies to Avoid. Gum Abscess vs. Tooth Abscess. When to See a Dentist. How to Prevent Dental Abscesses.
May 13, 2022 · Stay hydrated. Drinking water is great for many reasons, but it can also ensure that bacteria don’t hang out for too long in your bladder. Consider supplements. As mentioned above, vitamin C ...
