If you have a lower urinary tract infection, even the thought of peeing might scare you. Such infections are not very severe and subside on their own in a few days, but if the annoying, painful symptoms persist for more than 2 days, try out some home remedies for some relief. If the symptoms don’t get better, see a doctor before it is too late.
Note: The symptoms of upper UTIs are different from those of lower UTIs, so they need medical supervision. The doctor may treat them with a course of antibiotics depending on the severity of the infection. You should not attempt to treat them using natural remedies.
1. Chug 6–8 Glasses Of Water A Day
Whenever you develop UTI, the first thing you should do is to drink plenty of water. It will increase the production of urine so that you are able to flush bacteria out during urination. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day to maintain your urinary health and to prevent recurring UTIs.1
2. Empty Your Bladder Regularly
Whenever you get the urge to pee, it is advisable to keep making those bathroom trips to empty your bladder. Even if you pee in small amounts each time, don’t hold it in. You should also make it a point to empty your bladder soon after having sex.2 Residual urine present in your bladder allows bacteria present in it to multiply and thrive, causing an infection.
3. Avoid Bladder Irritants
You should limit the intake of bladder irritants, such as caffeinated drinks, carbonated beverages, and alcoholic drinks when you suffer from UTI.3 You should allow your body to heal in order to fight infection.
4. Apply Heat On Your Abdomen
Lower urinary tract infections cause aches around your lower abdomen and pelvic region. Placing a heating pad on the affected region will soothe the symptom.4
5. Make Your Urine Acidic With Citrus Fruits
It is difficult for bacteria to thrive in an acidic environment. Citrus fruits contain high amounts of vitamin C, which increases the acidity of your urine, thus, inhibiting the growth of bacteria.5 You can also take vitamin C supplements, but you should consult your doctor before you do so.
6. Flush Bacteria Out With Cranberry Juice
Cranberry contains a phytochemical known as tannin, which reduces vaginal colonization of E. coli.6 It is high in vitamin C, and drinking its unsweetened juice flushes out bacteria from your urinary system and reduces recurrent UTIs.7
“Note Of Caution: If you are on medication, consult your doctor before drinking cranberry juice as it interferes with certain types of medication, especially blood thinners.8”
One of the active ingredients of cranberry is D-mannose, a type of sugar that prevents UTIs.9 Since you have to consume an excess of cranberry juice to have enough D-mannose in your system to fight UTIs, you can also go for D-mannose supplements. It is considered safe for most adults, but you should avoid taking it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
7. Load Up On Blueberry
Like cranberry, blueberry is rich in vitamin C that makes your urine hostile for bacteria. It also prevents E. Coli from sticking to the walls of your bladder, thus, allowing them to get flushed out easily during urination.10 You can eat it as a fruit or drink its juice.
8. Increase Your Natural Flora With Probiotics
The wall of a woman’s vagina is usually lined with lactobacilli, which acts as the body’s natural defense against infection.11 It prevents E. Coli from infecting the vagina, thus, treating and reducing the chances of UTI.12 Including probiotics in your diet will ensure a healthy supply of natural bacterial flora.
9. Ease The Burn With Baking Soda
- “Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water.
- Stir the soda until it dissolves completely.
- Drink the entire solution, preferably on an empty stomach.”
When the burning sensation while peeing gets too much to bear, drink some baking soda. The burning sensation may be because of the high acidity of your urine. Baking soda is alkaline, so it will lessen the acidity of your urine or neutralize it.13 But don’t go overboard with it. Stick to 1 glass a day and don’t drink it for more than a week.
10. Refresh Yourself With Parsley Water
- “Boil 1 to 2 cups of water.
- Add a handful of fresh, chopped parsley or 2 tablespoons of dried parsley.
- Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink it (hot or cold).”
Apigenin, a major component of parsley, has diuretic, as well as, anti-inflammatory properties.14 Diuretics get rid of excess water from your body in the form of urine, which will flush the bacteria present in your bladder and urethra. The anti-inflammatory property of parsley will soothe the infection and will help your body heal.
11. Gulp Down Garlic-Infused Water
- “Crush 5 to 6 cloves of fresh garlic.
- Soak them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Drink the water throughout the day.”
Garlic is a potent remedy for urinary tract infections. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and immune-modulatory effects that help in the treatment of cystitis.15
12. Munch On Cucumbers
Cucumber is a juicy fruit and its seeds have diuretic properties.16 Eating cucumber throughout the day will encourage production to flush out harmful bacteria from your bladder and urethra.
13. Increase Your Intake Of Asparagus
The roots of asparagus have diuretic properties.17 The plant also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which are excellent for removing bacteria and healing your urinary system.18 You can chop it and use it in salads, you can stir fry it, or you can add it to soups.
14. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar On An Empty Stomach
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties.19 It will kill bacteria present in your urinary system to rid you of infection. You can mix 2 tablespoons of the vinegar to a glass of water and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.
15. Soothe Your Infection With Ginger Tea
- “Add 2 tablespoons of fresh crushed ginger to boiling water.
- Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink 2 to 3 cups a day. Add honey for a better taste.”
Ginger has antimicrobial properties that work against a variety of bacterial strains.20
While chewing on a piece of ginger will also have positive effects, it’s best to consume it as a tea to treat your UTI. The more liquid you drink, the faster you flush out UTI bacteria.
16. Ease Your Urinary Woes With Sips Of Green Tea
- “Add a tablespoon of green tea to warm water.
- Let it soak for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Strain it and drink it.”
Catechin is a component of green tea which has antimicrobial properties. Green tea also has diuretic properties to help flush out the bacteria from your urinary system.21 You can sip 4 to 5 cups of warm green tea throughout the day.
17. Fight Those Germs With Horseradish
- “Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh horseradish to 1 glass warm water or apple cider vinegar.
- Add a teaspoon of honey to it. Drink it.”
Horseradish has an antimicrobial effect that comes in handy when you are suffering from a UTI. It contains a compound called allyl isothiocyanate, which gets rid of a wide range of bacteria, including E. Coli, the main cause of urinary tract infections.22 23
Tip: Horseradish should be fresh or it might not be as effective in treating UTI.
17. Use Uva Ursi Herb As A Drink Or A Douche
- “Add chopped fresh uva ursi to a glass of boiling water.
- Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink it or let it cool and douche your urethra with it.”
Uva ursi, also known as bearberry or wild cranberry, has antiseptic and astringent properties that are useful in treating UTIs. You can drink it as tea or you can use it to douche your urethra.24
Tip: Drink 2 cups of the tea per day for a maximum of 5 days because it is potentially harmful to the liver.
18. Drink Buchu Tea To Heal Your Urinary System
- “Boil a glass of water. Remove it from the flame (buchu should not be boiled).
- Add 2 tablespoons of dried buchu to it and let soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink 1 to 2 cups a day.”
Buchu, also known as bookoo or bucco, is a herb that is very effective in treating urinary tract disorders.25 It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties that cleanse and heal your urinary tract.26
Tip: Add equal amount of uva ursi to make the drink more effective.
19. Treat UTI With Corn Silk Tea
- “Add 2 tablespoons of dried corn silk to a glass of boiling water.
- Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink it.”
Corn silk has antiseptic and diuretic properties. It is effective in treating UTIs when you drink it as tea.27
Tip: Consult your doctor if you are under medication as corn silk may interfere with the effects of some medicines.
20. Ease Urination With Marshmallow Root
- “Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh marshmallow root to a glass of boiling water.
- Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink it warm.”
No, we are not talking about the sugary marshmellows but the root they are made of. Marshmallow root has diuretic properties, which make them good for treating kidney stones as well. Since marshmellow root has a thick, gluey consistency, it eases the passing of urine.28 You can drink it as a tea 2 to 3 times a day.
Practice Good Personal Hygiene To Prevent UTI
Prevention is always better than cure. Maintaining proper personal hygiene is crucial in preventing UTIs.
If you are a woman, always wipe from front to back, especially after defecating.29 This reduces the chances of bacteria from your bowels entering your urethra. You should help children inculcate this habit from a very young age.
Change your sanitary napkins regularly, avoid taking long bubble baths, and do not use perfumed products near your urethra.30 Keeping it clean and dry down there prevent an infection.
Both men and women should wear breathable underwear and should shower regularly to prevent the build up of bacteria near the urethra.31
Your Doubts Answered
1. What Is The Most Common Cause Of UTI?
[expert_opinion expertname=’andrewsiegel’ opinion=”Anatomically, women have very short urethras, which are geographically situated very close to the vagina and anus, so it is relatively easy for bacteria to get into the urinary bladder and set up an infection. Sexual intercourse helps push one’s own bacteria up towards the bladder and is the most common reason for a UTI in a young woman, hence the term “honeymoon cystitis.” In older women, changes of the vaginal bacterial ecosystem that occur after menopause are the most common underlying cause.”]
2. I’ve Heard Cranberry Juice Helps With UTI Treatment. Is It True?
[expert_opinion expertname=’andrewsiegel’ opinion=”There is a chemical in cranberry juice that can help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining, making the bladder less receptive to bacteria. However, to get adequate levels of this chemical, you would need to drink large volumes of cranberry juice, which is very high in sugar. You’re much better off using a cranberry extract product from a reputable company; this will provide the active ingredient without all the calories and can help prevent, not treat, UTIs.”]
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