Cystitis, bladder infections and UTI are commonly known as Urinary Tract Infections. They are very uncomfortable and are commonly found in women because the urethra found in women is smaller than men. The opening of the urethra is more close to the vagina in women. It is caused due bacteria known as Escherichia (E. Coli). When the infection is in lower urinary tract it is known as cystitis. If the infection is in urethra, it is known as urethritis. The main cause of urinary tract infection is holding back urine for too long. The bladder gets stretched beyond its capacity and the muscle get weaken.
Home Remedies for Treating a Urinary Tract Infection –
Water – Drink lot of water. Drinking water will help you to urinate and flush out the bacteria. One must drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily in order to treat urinary tract infection (UTI).
Vitamin C – Intake of vitamin C will increase the acidity content of the urine. It also prevents the bacterial growth. Take vitamin C daily if you are infected by UTI.
Cranberry Juice – Drink cranberry juice everyday. It is very effective home remedy to cure urinary tract infection. It is rich in vitamin C.
Echinacea – It is a herb and it helps in fighting the urinary tract infection. One can consume echinacea tea or capsules in order to treat urinary tract infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar – It is one of the effective natural remedy and contains high potassium and enzymes in it. It can be taken in order to flush the bacteria and prevent us from the urinary tract infection.
Fiber – In order to treat urinary tract infection, consume food which contains fiber along with water. It will help in flushing the bacteria naturally from the body. It is one of the best home remedy to treat urinary tract infection.
Do not do this – Do not hold urine. Avoid alcohol and spicy foods. When you are having UTI symptoms avoid sexual intercourse. Do not take bubble bath when you are experiencing UTI symptoms.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection –
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Alternative Remedies for Bladder Infection
When bacteria enters the urethra, and grows in the urinary tract, it leads to bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI). Because of the shorter urethra, women are more prone to urinary infection than men. In men, secretions of the prostate gland retard the growth of bacteria. Certain alternative remedies like herbal remedies have proved to be very effective in treating such infections.
Using the conventional methods of treatment will affect the immune system and will also give rise to antibiotics-resistant bacteria. Natural herbs and home remedies will help cure the infection without any harmful side effects.
Herbal Remedies for UTI
- Research has shown that cranberries and blueberries contain compounds that prevent bacterial infection (E.coli) from infecting the walls of the bladder. Almost 90 percent of the infection is caused by E.coli bacteria. Drinking 10 ounces of cranberry juice every day will help cure the bacterial infection
- Goldenseal contains berberine that inhibits bacterial growth at the wall of the urinary bladder
- The herb uva ursi contains the compound arbutin which kills bacteria that causes the infection.
- Drinking barley water by adding lemon to it also helps cure the infection
- Hydrangea, parsley, and dandelion leaves are diuretics that help wash away bacteria by increasing the amount of urine that passes through the bladder
- Leaves, flowers and seeds of nasturtium contain antibiotics that help prevent UTI
Avoid dairy products, spicy food, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes.
