1. Drink More Water
One of the best ways to get rid of the pain and burning that comes along with a bladder or urinary tract infection is to drink a great deal of water. The more water you drink, the more you will urinate, and every time you urinate it helps the bladder to cleanse itself of harmful bacteria. It may help you to remember to drink throughout the day if you carry a sports bottle with you or if you check the clock and make sure to drink a glass of water on the hour, every hour.
2. Neutralize the Acidity of Your Urine
Mix 1/2 tsp. of baking soda with 8 oz. of water and drink it down. It may not taste all that great, but it will help to neutralize the acidity of your urine, which is causing all that burning and irritation every time you have to go to bathroom.
3. Drink Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is a classic remedy for an infected bladder, but you have to get pure, unsweetened juice. Most of what is sold in the stores is actually cranberry-juice cocktail and contains sugar that will irritate your bladder. Only 100-percent-pure cranberry juice (or cranberry-juice capsules) will produce the hippuric acid in the urine that can prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls.
4. Avoid the Usual Food Suspects
Certain foods and other substances are known to have an irritating effect on the bladder, intensifying and prolonging the discomfort you feel from your infection. It is suggested that you avoid consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages or smoking cigarettes. Some lesser-known bladder irritants are chocolate, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, strong cheeses, spicy foods, vitamin-C supplements and artificial sweeteners.
5. Avoid Sexual Activity
Avoid sexual activity while your bladder infection is running its course. You are not contagious and cannot pass this infection to a partner, but sexual activity can be irritating and painful at this time. Even after your infection is healed, there are certain steps you should take to prevent recurrence, including urinating and washing the genital area within 10 minutes of having sex and avoiding any type of position that puts pressure on your bladder.
