How to cure a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) – A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when bacteria, usually from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra and cause inflammation and infection.
UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection, also known as cystitis.
UTI Symptoms
UTIs can cause a range of symptoms, such as:
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or back
- Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting
If left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications, such as kidney infection, sepsis, or permanent damage to the urinary tract. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect you have a UTI.
UTI Causes
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and dwell and thrive in the bladder. Although the human urinary tract is designed to avoid pathogenic infections, such as bacteria and viruses, but sometimes the body’s defenses can still be penetrated by bacteria.
How to Cure a UTI Without Antibiotics: The Natural Way
Treatment of urinary tract infections with antibiotics and other prescription drugs must also be supported with maximum care. The treatment here talks about lifestyle changes and what things to pay attention to. Check out the following tips.
Here are some tips how to cure a UTI:
Drink plenty of water
The first way How to Cure a UTI is drinking plenty of water. Drink plenty of water to flush out the bacteria. Berry or cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections.
However, if you are taking warfarin, check with your doctor before drinking cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections. Your doctor may adjust the dose of your warfarin or required blood tests to adjust the dose may consume.
Take cranberry supplements or juice.
The next way How to Cure a UTI is taking cranberry supplements or juice. Cranberries have been studied for their potential benefits in preventing and managing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Active Compounds: Cranberries contain compounds known as A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs). These PACs are believed to prevent bacteria, particularly E. coli, from adhering to the urinary tract lining, which is a crucial step in the development of a UTI.
- Reducing Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries may help alleviate the symptoms of a UTI. By reducing inflammation in the urinary tract, cranberries can potentially ease discomfort and pain associated with the infection.
- Prevention of Recurrent UTIs: Clinical research suggests that regular consumption of cranberry supplements or juice can lower the recurrence rate of UTIs. Studies have shown that daily dosages of 240–300 ml of cranberry juice cocktail can prevent approximately 50% of UTI recurrences.
- Shortening Infection Duration: In addition to preventing recurrent UTIs, cranberry supplements or juice may also help shorten the duration of an ongoing infection. This is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing the discomfort of a UTI.
- Consultation with a Healthcare Provider: While cranberry products can be a useful adjunct in preventing and managing UTIs, it’s important to consult a doctor, especially if you are taking medications like blood thinners. Cranberry products may interact with certain medications, and a healthcare provider can provide personalized advice on their usage.
Cranberry supplements or juice can be a valuable natural remedy for UTIs due to their ability to hinder bacterial adherence and reduce inflammation in the urinary tract. However, it’s crucial to seek professional advice before incorporating them into your routine, especially if you are on other medications.
Use probiotics
The next way How to Cure a UTI is taking probiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms, often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria, that offer a range of health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. In the context of urinary tract infections (UTIs), they can play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract and vagi**na.
- Restoring Microbial Balance: The urinary tract and vagina naturally harbor a variety of bacteria, some of which are beneficial and others that can be harmful. Probiotics, when ingested, introduce additional beneficial bacteria, helping to maintain a balanced microbial environment.
- Inhibiting Harmful Bacteria: Probiotics can compete with and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. This interference prevents the overgrowth of pathogens like E. coli, a common cause of UTIs.
- Food and Supplement Sources: Probiotics can be obtained from various dietary sources, including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Additionally, they are available in supplement form, providing a convenient way to ensure sufficient intake.
- Effectiveness in UTI Prevention: Research has shown that probiotics, particularly strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri, may be beneficial in preventing recurrent UTIs. These strains have been found to colonize the urogenital tract and provide protective effects.
- Special Consideration for Women: Probiotics have demonstrated particular effectiveness in reducing UTI frequency, especially in women. This may be attributed to the proximity of the urinary tract and vagina, as well as the shared microbial environment between these areas.
Incorporating probiotics into one’s diet through foods or supplements can be a valuable strategy in preventing and managing UTIs, particularly for individuals prone to recurrent infections. However, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, especially if you have specific health conditions or are taking medications.
Apply heat
The next way How to Cure a UTI is apply heat. Heat can help ease the pain and discomfort caused by UTIs. You can use a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or a warm compress to apply heat to your lower abdomen or back. Be careful not to burn your skin and limit the application to 15 minutes at a time.
Consumption of pineapple and blueberries.
The next way How to Cure a UTI is consuming pineapple and blueberries. The pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties and blueberries have properties inhibit bacteria. The properties of either of these will speed up the healing process. You can include this fruit in your daily diet.
Apple juice and Apple cider vinegar.
The next way How to Cure a UTI is using apple juice or apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that can help fight off the infection and soothe the irritation. It can also boost the immune system and prevent the recurrence of UTIs.
This drink contains potassium and other minerals, as well as enzymes that prevent the growth of bacteria that cause a UTI. It can also be used as a natural antibiotic for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
To use apple cider vinegar, add one to two tablespoons of it to a glass of water and drink it twice a day. You can also add some honey or lemon juice to improve the taste.
Use Baking Soda
The next way How to Cure a UTI is using baking soda. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a household ingredient that has been explored for its potential benefits in alleviating urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Acidity Neutralization: Baking soda is alkaline in nature, which means it has the ability to neutralize the acidity in the urine. This can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing pain or discomfort while urinating due to the acidic nature of their urine.
- Reduction of Inflammation and Swelling: Baking soda may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing inflammation and swelling in the bladder. This effect can provide relief to individuals with UTIs, as inflammation is a common symptom.
- Method of Administration: To use baking soda for UTIs, it is recommended to dissolve one teaspoon of it in a glass of water. This solution can be consumed once a day. It’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects.
- Caution and Limitations: It is important to exercise caution when using baking soda for UTIs. It should not be used for more than a week, as prolonged use may lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or even high blood pressure. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using baking soda as a remedy.
Baking soda can potentially offer relief for individuals suffering from UTIs by neutralizing urine acidity and reducing inflammation in the bladder. However, it is important to use it cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to prevent potential side effects.
Avoid ingredients that cause irritation
The next way How to Cure a UTI is avoid ingredients that cause irritation. In an effort to treat urinary tract infections, reduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine, hot spices, and citrus. These substances can irritate the bladder. Alcohol and caffeine are specifically prohibited because they will cause dehydration.
Even when we are not infected with bacteria, we can prevent infection by minimizing alcohol and caffeine intake. The point is, in addition to treating, you can prevent disease attacks.
Take supplements
The next way How to Cure a UTI is taking supplements. You can fight bacteria in the early stages by increasing your intake of health supplements. Some health supplements include Goldenseal, vitamin C, cranberries, echinacea, and nettle, are recommended for people with urinary tract infection.
Vitamin C will acidify the urine so that bacteria do not feel at home in the urinary tract. This vitamin will also strengthen the immune system to fight any infection.
You can also drink 250 milliliters of Goldenseal tea, nettle tea, or echinacea tea several times each day. These decaffeinated teas can boost immunity and relieve inflammation, which is necessary in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Improvement usually occurs 36 hours after using these supplements. However, always consult a doctor before using these supplements. Follow the doctor’s instructions and discontinue use if there is no change or your condition worsens.
Try herbal remedies.
The next way How to Cure a UTI is try herbal remedies. Herbal remedies have been utilized for centuries to address urinary tract infections (UTIs) and promote urinary tract health.
- D-mannose: This is a natural sugar found in certain fruits, with cranberries being a commonly known source. D-mannose works by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, aiding in their elimination through urination.
- Uva ursi: Also known as bearberry, uva ursi is a plant with notable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has the potential to alleviate UTI symptoms and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Its active compound, arbutin, converts to hydroquinone in the body, which can be effective against UTI-causing bacteria.
- Goldenseal: This herb possesses antimicrobial properties and aids in immune system support. It can assist in clearing the infection and may help prevent complications associated with UTIs. However, it’s essential to use goldenseal under the guidance of a healthcare provider due to its potency and potential interactions with other medications.
- Marshmallow Root: This plant is known for its soothing properties, particularly in cases of inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract. Additionally, it has diuretic effects, which can increase urine output. This may be beneficial in the context of UTIs, as increased urination can help flush out bacteria.
It’s crucial to approach herbal remedies with caution and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating them into your treatment plan. Some herbs may have side effects or interactions with other medications, and a medical expert can provide personalized advice based on your specific health situation.
Remember, while herbal remedies can be a valuable adjunct in managing UTIs, they should not replace prescribed medical treatments when necessary. Always seek professional guidance for UTI management.
Maintain personal hygiene
The next way How to Cure a UTI is maintaining personal hygiene. Maintaining proper hygiene will speed up the healing process of urinary tract infections. Women should always clean their urinary tract by wiping from front to back every time after urinating.
Always make it a habit to urinate after sex. Take a shower with running water and not recommended bathing. Avoid using scented products around the feminine area.
Get enough rest
The next way How to Cure a UTI is get enough rest. Adequate rest and quality sleep is beneficial for improving the immune system in fighting various infectious diseases. Adequate rest can improve the performance of immune cells, especially T lymphocytes that play a role in fighting infection, including: urinary tract infection. Therefore, don’t neglect rest, okay?
Go to the doctor
Although it has been applied how to treat urinary tract infections at the top, You should still see a doctor, even if you experience mild illness. This is a step so that the infection does not become more severe or spread to the kidneys (kidney infections).
The doctor will prescribe antibiotics that are important in the fight against bacteria.
To cure UTI, it can be done using the antibiotic drugs prescribed by the doctor. In addition to antibiotics, pain relief medication such as paracetamol may also be needed to relieve fever or pain.
How to cure a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) Medically
The good news is that urinary tract infections are treatable. Doctors will generally prescribe antibiotics to resolve your complaint. Now, There are also two types of antibiotics, depending on the condition and severity of the disease you have: Oral antibiotics and intravenous antibiotics.
Oral antibiotics that commonly prescribed by doctors to treat urinary tract infections are:
- Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim;
- Nitrofurantoin;
- Fosfomycin;
- Amoxicillin;
- Ampicillin;
- Cephalosporins;
- Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin
Intravenous antibiotics (injected like an IV) used to treat urinary tract infections are:
- Ceftriaxone;
- Gentamicin;
- Tobramycin.
Antibiotic prescriptions will vary in men and women. Men are advised to take antibiotics for 7 to 14 days, while women are advised to take enough antibiotics for 3 to 5 days. Take any antibiotics that your doctor gives you or take as directed by your doctor so that the bacteria are completely destroyed and you can make a full recovery without recurrence.
If oral antibiotics do not show satisfactory results, intravenous antibiotics can be given. In this condition, the patient needs to be hospitalized for several days.
How to prevent recurrent UTI?
Once it recovers from the urinary tract infection, it does not mean that the disease cannot come anymore. To reduce the risk of recurring UTI, you can apply the following array of tips:
- Do not delay or hold urination.
- Make sure you urinate until thoroughly finished.
- Wash the female area from the front to the back, i.e. From the vagi**na towards the anus. Not the other way around.
- Drinking lots of water.
- Avoid the use of vagi**nal cleansing soaps, especially those that contain perfume or deodorizer.
- Wash your female area with clean water before and after se**x.
- Urination after having inter**course so that the bacteria that go into the urethra can be wasted.
- If you and your spouse use a con**dom, choose a type of con**dom that does not contain sper**mides.
- Make sure your female area is always clean and dry because damp conditions can provoke bacterial growth.
- Also use panties that are not too tight and made from cotton that absorbs sweat.
Do not delay to contact and consult a physician if the symptoms of UTI hit you. With this, the doctor will provide a way to treat urinary tract infections, according to your condition so that you will avoid complications.
FAQs About How to Cure a UTI
How long does it take to cure a UTI?
The duration of a UTI depends on the severity of the infection, the type of bacteria, and the treatment used. Generally, most UTIs can be cured within a few days with antibiotics, but some may take longer or require more aggressive treatment.
If you use home remedies, you may see some improvement within 24 hours, but you should still see your doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen.
How can I prevent UTIs?
There are some simple steps you can take to prevent UTIs, such as:
– Drink plenty of water and urinate frequently
– Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
– Avoid holding your urine for too long
– Urinate before and after se**xual inter**course
– Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes
– Change your sanitary pads or tampons regularly
– Avoid using scented products or douches in the genital area
– Take probiotics or cranberry supplements regularly
– Boost your immune system with a healthy diet and exercise
When should I see a doctor for a UTI?
You should see a doctor for a UTI if:
– You have severe or persistent symptoms, such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, or back pain
– You have a history of kidney problems, diabetes, or other chronic conditions
– You are pregnant or breastfeeding
– You are a man or a child
– You have recurrent or complicated UTIs
– You do not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter medications
Bottom Line
UTIs are common and treatable infections that can affect anyone, but especially women. They can cause a lot of discomfort and complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a UTI and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
However, there are also some natural ways how to cure a UTI at home, such as drinking water, taking cranberry supplements, using probiotics, applying heat, taking baking soda, using apple cider vinegar, or trying herbal remedies. These home remedies can help ease the pain, fight off the infection, and prevent the recurrence of UTIs.
However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor before using any home remedies, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, allergies, or medications.
Thank you very much for reading How to cure a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection), Hopefully useful.