Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in the urethra or the bladder but can spread to the kidneys and ureters. Although this condition is more common in women, around 3% of men(1) suffer from UTIs, too.
The symptoms of UTI in men involve a strong urge to urinate, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, strong odor, trouble urinating, and a burning sensation while urinating. Kidney stones, enlarged prostate, and urethral stricture are common causes of UTI in men.
Procedures that involve the insertion of a tube in the urethra are also likely to cause UTI in men. While all of this sounds scary, most cases of UTIs can be treated using herbs and home remedies.
Home remedies are some of the excellent sources to treat UTI in men. They also help in alleviating related symptoms and enrich the treatment process.
Garlic contains many sulfur compounds, including allicin that gives it the characteristic & strong smell. These compounds have also blessed garlic with antimicrobial properties.
Since bacteria in the urinary tract is the cause of UTI in men, the potent antibacterial properties of garlic make it the best home remedy for treating UTI infection in men.
Garlic tea is one of the most potent treatments for UTI. You can make garlic tea by mashing two or three cloves of garlic and steeping them in hot water for five minutes. Try adding garlic to your dishes to enhance its impact on the UTI-causing bacteria.
You should try to drink garlic tea at least two times a day. You will only need two or three cloves of garlic for one cup of garlic tea. Try to incorporate garlic in as many dishes as you can.
Apart from being an excellent repository of vitamin C and E and antioxidants, cranberries contain proanthocyanidin – a compound that creates a hostile environment for the bacteria that cause UTI in men. It inhibits the bacteria from attaching themselves to the urinary tract lining and stops the bacterial growth(2) in its tracks.
If you have access to fresh cranberries, you can make cranberry juice by boiling the cranberries with some water and straining the mixture. If you live in an area where it is difficult to obtain fresh cranberries, you can either opt for boxed juice or make the juice using dried cranberries.
Ideally, you should consume at least two glasses of cranberry juice every day. You can make the juice in a large batch and store it in the refrigerator.
[ Read: Cranberry Juice for UTI ]
How do you fight a bacterial infection? With good bacteria! Probiotics are good bacteria that promote good health and prevent infections. Lactobacilli, which is a group of probiotics, is useful for treating UTI in men.
Similar to cranberry juice, probiotics also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria(3) on the urinary tract lining. Additionally, they lower the pH of the urine and produce hydrogen peroxide, which is an antibacterial chemical.
Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and certain types of cheese are rich sources of lactobacilli. You can add yogurt and kefir to smoothies and salads and use cheese in pasta and sandwiches.
It’s worth mentioning that most sources of probiotics are also high on calories and fat. So exercise caution and limit yourself to a small bowl of yogurt in a day or a limited quantity of cheese.
[ Read: Probiotics for Men ]
Marshmallow root has antibacterial properties that fight the signs of UTI in men. It can also reduce the inflammation in the urinary tract caused by the infection and relieve some of the irritation. Marshmallow root has a soothing effect on your bladder and is typically recommended for chronic bladder diseases.
Marshmallow root tea is the best way to consume this herb for getting rid of UTI in men. You can make this tea by adding two teaspoons of dried marshmallow root powder to a cup of boiling water.
You will have to consume this tea around two to three times a day to get the best results.
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Bearberry or uva ursi not only treat UTI in men, but it can also prevent the recurrence of the infection. Bearberry has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory(4) properties. It is also a diuretic and urinary antiseptic.
Bearberry leaves are used to make teas. Drinking bearberry tea is the best way to treat UTI in men. You can also consume the liquid extract of the bearberry fruit.
Despite its benefits, bearberry should not be used for a long duration. If you are consuming bearberry tea, then use one to three grams of bearberry powder and have this tea twice a day. You can safely drink one to four milliliters of the liquid extract twice a day. Bearberry should only be consumed for five days at a stretch.
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Dandelion leaves have compounds that are anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Dandelion leaves can increase the body’s ability to produce urine. The chances of UTI in men increase when urine production decreases.
Dandelion leaves also help in preventing future UTI and related infections in men; therefore, they also prevent future infections. Dandelion leaf with bearberry is a potent treatment for UTI in men.
You can add dandelion leaves to your salads or cook them to create a tasty side dish.
Dandelion leaves are safe to consume. But if this is your first time, start with a small quantity and slowly increase the amount.
UTI infection in men is an uncommon problem. But it is one that can be treated with natural ingredients. After all, natural ingredients are always a safer and cheaper treatment option. However, if the condition persists or continues to progress even after these treatments, then you should definitely consult a physician.
UTI in men can be treated using the home mentioned above remedies and herbs such as garlic, cranberry juice, bearberry, marshmallow root, etc. You can also use antibiotics for treating UTI in men.
The infection will need some form of treatment, and the chances of it going away on its own are very less.
UTI in men will last for at least five to seven days.
UTI doesn’t usually cause discharge. However, in a few cases, the patient may observe blood in the urine.
Drinking more water alone is not a cure for UTI. It is a step in the right direction in treating UTI. It will act as a cure when combined with some other treatment as well.