Urinary tract infections are some of the most frequent clinical bacterial infections in women, accounting for nearly 25 percent of all infections. More than 50 percent of women will develop a UTI and UTI symptoms in their lifetimes, and because antibiotics are the most common conventional treatment for UTIs, bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant and recurring infections are a major concern. For this reason, it’s important to use home remedies for UTIs that eliminate bacteria completely and reduce the risk of developing recurrent urinary tract infections.
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Drinking water or fluids throughout the day helps flush bacteria from your system. A 2013 study conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas found that chronic low fluid intake may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections — just one of many reasons to stay hydrated. Drink at least one glass of water for every meal and snack of the day in order to flush out bacteria that can lead to infection.
2. Urinate Often
Urinating often and when the urge arises ensures that bacteria isn’t growing in urine that stays in the bladder. It’s also important to urinate soon after sexual intercourse in order to flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra. Studies have found that holding urine for a long time allows bacterial to multiply within the urinary tract, resulting in a urinary tract infection.
3. Stay Clean and Dry
Women should wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement. This ensures that bacteria doesn’t get into the urethra. It’s also important to wear loose-fitting clothes and underwear, which allows air
to keep the urethra dry. Wearing tight jeans or material like nylon can be problematic because moisture can be trapped, allowing bacteria to grow.
4. Garlic
Allicin, one of the active principles of freshly crushed raw garlic, has a variety of antimicrobial activities. In its pure form, allicin has been found to exhibit antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria, including multi-drug-resistant strains of E. coli. Garlic also has antifungal properties, particularly against candidaalbicans, which causes yeast infections.
UTI Causes and Symptoms
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is caused by organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope, in‐ cluding fungi, viruses and bacteria. Despite the body’s many natural defenses, certain bacteria have the ability to attach themselves to the lining of the urinary tract and inhabit the urethra, bladder and kidneys. The majority of UTI cases are caused by E. colibacterium that can live in the bowel and vaginal cavities, around the urethral opening, and in the urinary tract. (13)
Other significant pathogens that can cause UTIs include Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumonia. In diabetic patients, Klebsiella and group B streptococcus infec‐ tions are more common. Pseudomonas infections are more common in chronically catheterized patients. Urinary tract infections are extremely common, especially among sexually active women ages 18 to
- 24. Although a UTI isn’t typically complicated or life- threatening, it does cause pain and suffering and negatively impacts one’s quality of life.
Generally, symptoms of a UTI in adults may include:
- pain when urinating
- a burning sensation in the bladder or urethra when urinating
- a strong, frequent urge to urinate, but only passing small amounts
- muscle aches abdominal pain
- feeling tired and weak
- urine that appears cloudy
- urine that appears red or bright pink (a sign of blood in the urine)
- strong-smelling urine pelvic pain in women
- confusion or delirium (in elderly patients)
Typically a UTI is uncomplicated and clears up within two to three days of treatment. More serious causes that are sometimes seen in the elderly, people with suppressed immune systems or pregnant women require antibiotics and won’t be cured for seven to 14 days.
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing urinary tract infections. These risk factors and high-risk groups include:
- sexual intercourse spermicide use diaphragm use catheter use
- women who are pregnant
- women who are postmenopausal
- people with suppressed immune systems people with diabetes
A major challenge of UTIs is that they tend to reoccur. Recurrent UTIs are mainly caused by reinfection by the same pathogen. With each UTI, the risk that a woman will continue having recurring
infections increases. Research suggests that following an initial UTI, one in five women will develop another UTI within six months.
Precautions Regarding UTIs and Home Remedies for UTI
Although these home remedies for UTIs have been studied and proven to be effective, it’s important to use these natural treatments with the guidance of a health care provider. Uncomplicated UTIs should be treated within two to three days. If the symptoms do not subside within that time period, see your health care provider to be sure there aren’t complications.
Final Thoughts on Home Remedies for UTI
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is caused by organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope, including fungi, viruses and bacteria.
UTI symptoms include pain and a burning sensation when urinating, muscle aches, cloudy urine, and abdominal pain.Groups that are risk of developing UTIs include women who are sexually active and/or use a diaphragm, women who are pregnant or postmenopausal, people who use catheters, and people with suppressed immune systems.
“Toilet habits” like being sure to clean yourself thor‐ oughly after using the toilet or sexual intercourse and wearing loose-fitting clothing may help to avoid UTIs.
