Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is a very common problem. Studies have revealed that around 2 in 10 women will experience this health issue at least once in their life. Sometimes, UTI can be followed by a yeast infection.
This happens when the doctor’s prescribed antibiotics for UTI often kill the good bacteria present in our vagina. But did you know taking an antibiotic is not the only way to prevent UTIs?
If you are suffering from Urinary Tract Infection then you can get rid of it by following these three simple steps.
However, here’s a word of caution. Urinary Tract Infection can spread to kidney if left untreated. These home remedies for treating UTI(1) are only recommended when you are sure that you are suffering from a common UTI.
Natural Remedies for UTI Treatment
The three magical steps are:
Step 1: Essential Oils
This is a tried and tested method. This is also called as the ‘Bladder Bomb’ funnily. This remedy is a blend of 3 essential oils which you have to take 3 times a day.
If you have gel capsules at home, fill them with these oils in the proportion we have mentioned below;
- Shield Essential Blend Oil 6 drops
- Oregano Essential Oil 6 drops
- Frankincense Essential Oil 2 drops
However, if you don’t have a gel capsule, you can add these drops in a glass of water and drink the liquid. Repeat this 3 times a day.
Alongwith this, you can try other remedial measures with essential oils such as;
- Add one to two drops of lemon essential oil to a glass of water and drink.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- You can also rub Shield or Oregano essential oil on the bottom of your feet.
- If you have pain then do a warm compress with one drop of Shield oil and one drop of Oregano oil.
[Read: Natural Remedies of UTI]
Step 2: D – Mannose
Have you heard of the name? No right? Well, we hadn’t too until we tried it out. You can read articles about D-Mannose, which is a type of sugar found in fruits, especially in cranberry.
It is also available as dietary supplement. If you can’t find them in local pharmacies, they can be easily shopped online.
What does D – Mannose do? Well, unlike antibiotics, it doesn’t any bacteria; rather it flushes them out from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. This way, your good bacteria will be saved.
Dosage is recommended on the package of the D-Mannose capsule. Take them accordingly.
Step 3: Vitamin C
Sometime Vitamin C deficiency can cause urinary tract infections. However, Vitamin C also prevents infections of the vulva, vagina and urinary tract. If you suffer from frequent UTIs urologists suggest that you take 1000 mg of Vitamin C per day for effective results.
This will not only prevent recurring urinary tract infections but also fight off any other infection.
However, cut off consuming Vitamin C if you experience loose bowel movements or upsetstomach.
There are many fruits such as citrus that have huge Vitamin C content in them. Instead of taking supplements, you can include foods that are rich in Vitamin C in your diet.
Other Helpful Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections
If you rigorously and devotedly follow the aforementioned 3 steps, we assure you that you will be free from urinary tract infection. However, just for added benefits you can also try some of the other helpful home remedies for urinary tract infections such as;
1. Sufficient Water Intake
One of the first things that you need to take care of when you get an UTI is sufficient water consumption. Water is the safest and effective natural resource that helps flushing out bacteria causing infections.
Drink water whenever you are thirsty. Women should get at least 90 ounce of water (including from the food they eat) for a healthy and infection free body.
2. Soothe Your Pain with Heating Pads
UTI can cause burning pain, pressure and irritation around your pubic area. Inflammation and bacterial growth in the tract can also give you pain when you pass urine.
Applying heating pad would relieve you from pain and discomfort. Keep the temperature to a warm level and limit your compression to 15 minutes at a time to avoid burns.
3. Cut Foods that Cause Bladder Irritation
Caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, artificial sweetener, carbonated drinks and nicotine can trouble your bladder more when you are suffering from UTI. These foods will slower the healing process too.
Foods that are good for digestive health should be added in your diet. High carb foods such as cabbage, lentil soup, oatmeal are recommended. In fact women should have good amount of carbs for a safe and natural hormone health.
4. Keep Emptying Your Bladder
The more your pee, more the number of bacteria is flushed out. So, during UTI, you should frequently empty your bladder, even if it’s just a small amount.
5. Change Your Lifestyle
Including healthy habits in your day to day activities can help you recover from UTI faster, and prevent you from another infection.
- Stop smoking
- Wear comfortable underwear, stick to cotton pyjamas and panties. Cotton keeps the area dry and fresh for longer hours.
- Use an intimate wash instead of soap to clean your pubic area regularly.
- Wipe yourself dry… don’t keep the area wet and help bacteria to grow further.
- When you use hygienic washes, make sure you use products that are fragrance free.
- Supplement your diet with probiotic rich foods such as yoghurt.
6. Herbal Remedies
Bearberry leaf, also known as Uva Ursi is a great traditional medication for curing urinary tract infections. However, herbal or not, any medication if taken for a prolonged period can be harmful for the liver. Hence, make sure you limit the consumption of the Bearberry leaf to only 4 – 5 days.
However, if you have unbearable pain, nausea or vomiting and have a temperature, it could be the sign of kidney infection. You should seek medical help at the earliest.
[Read: Herbs for UTI]
