Discover the best 5 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections.
The NIH and the American Urological Association estimate that between 40 and 50 percent of women could contract a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lifetime.
And, unfortunately, 25 percent of individuals who receive a UTI will have repeat infections.
Fortunately, a number of home remedies exist for urinary tract infections to help prevent an initial infection or repeat issues in the future.
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5 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections
Below you will find five of the most useful home remedies to help with your UTI.
1. Fluids
One of the best ways to get rid of a UTI is to increase your fluid intake. Flushing out the bacteria from your body is one of the most effective ways to treat and prevent a UTI. It is important to note that the type of fluids you consume are of the greatest importance. Simply by drinking more soda or coffee may not necessarily help.
You should drink at least the recommended amount of water each day. Studies have been, and are being, conducted to determine the exact amount of water you should drink, however nothing definitive has been determined. One successful study incorporated an additional one and one half liters of water to their patients, which is roughly six cups. And, do not forget to drink more if you exercise.
Studies have also linked the consumption of cranberry juice on a daily basis with the prevention of UTIs and the reduction of recurrences. It is believed that the components of cranberry juice prevent the development of bacteria. Keep in mind that you want to select a cranberry juice that is unsweetened. Professionals believe that if you drink cranberry cocktail juice rather than pure cranberry juice, it is basically like drinking any other fruit juice. It could also be possible to have positive results from cranberry extract or a cranberry supplement.
2. Vitamin C
Many experts are confident that the increased levels of acidity in urine can act as a superior way to kill existing UTI-causing bacteria in the body. To increase your daily vitamin C, you could take a supplement, or you could choose foods high in vitamin C. Such foods include brussels sprouts, guava, oranges, grapefruit, kale, kiwi, red peppers and strawberries.
3. Probiotics
The consumption of probiotics is essential to build up a resistance to bacterial growth. It also helps to create healthy levels of bacteria in your gut which is essential to your overall health, immune system and your digestive tract. Some of the top sources of probiotics are found in kefir, kimchi, kombucha, raw cheese, sauerkraut and yogurt with probiotics.
4. Change Certain Habits
Sadly, some of your favorite daily food and drink items may be contributing to an irritated bladder. When your bladder is irritated, it becomes increasingly more difficult for your body to heal from a UTI. It may help minimize your risk to eliminate items such as alcohol, artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks, nicotine and spicy food. During the times you have a UTI, avoid all of the aforementioned items to speed up the healing process.
Just as some food and drink items can irritate the situation, some food and drinks can actually help prevent a UTI. Some unlikely home remedies for urinary tract infections in the form of food and drink consist of blueberries, black tea, dark chocolate, lentils and oatmeal. And, raw garlic has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties due to its high levels of allicin.
5. Further Prevention
According to Harvard Health Publishing, you can help prevent a UTI by taking a number of simple steps each day. Examples include:
- Always wipe from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria from bowel movements.
- Choose loose-fitting clothing rather than tight trousers and underwear to prevent the development of moisture.
- Avoid spermicides as they destroy the good bacteria the vagina requires to remain healthy.
- Go to the bathroom frequently, particularly before and after sex.
Conclusion
Home remedies are definitely worth trying as they can prevent trips to the doctor and expensive prescriptions. Some home remedies for urinary tract infections are easier to incorporate than others; however, they will all help to greatly reduce your risk for an infection and multiple UTIs during your lifetime. Make a few small changes at a time and you could eliminate these infections from your life altogether.
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