If you feel you have to go to the bathroom, but find you can't go once you're there, or you can go but it's painfuly, you may have a bladder infection. Bladder infections are often caused by bacteria, and may also be called UTIs or urinary tract infections. While home remedies can help you prevent and treat these infections, see your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection such as fever, or symptoms don't clear up quickly with home remedies. Use caution with any herbal treatment, especially if you are taking prescription medication.
Hydration
Proper hydration is important for a lot of reasons, but especially if you are trying to prevent bladder infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, citrus juices and coffee and other beverages containing caffeine if you have an active infection. These beverages could irritate your bladder. And if all the liquid you're drinking makes you feel the urge to urinate, Mayo Clinic recommends going right away. Regularly emptying your bladder helps flush out any infection-causing bacteria.
Green Tea
Green tea can help you stay hydrated, and help boost your immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A strong immune system can help your body fight infection naturally. Try decaffeinated green tea as a beverage, or 250-500 mg standardized extract supplements daily.
Probiotics
Probiotics are helpful bacteria that help you stay healthy. In an article published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2001, researcher Gregor Reid reported that consuming probiotics appears to protect the health of the urogenital system. Probiotics are available at a number of health food stores and in some brands of commercial yogurt.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C makes your urine more acidic, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, according to Dr. Richard Macchia, urology professor at SUNY-Brooklyn College of Medicine. In "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," Dr. Macchia recommends 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily, spread throughout the day. He cautions, however, that this is a large dose and you should check with your doctor before taking it. The University of Maryland recommends 500 to 1,000 mg. of vitamin C, up to twice daily, to treat an active infection.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice helps keep bad bacteria from sticking to the tissue lining the bladder. According to an article published in "Age and Aging" in 2000, cranberry juice is effective at preventing bladder infections. The authors caution, however, that cranberry juice is high in oxalates, which can be a problem for individuals prone to kidney stones. You can drink cranberry juice, or purchase cranberry extract capsules.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Cystitis---Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infection in Women
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition;" Probiotic Agents to Protect the Urogenital Tract Against Infection; Gregor Reid; February 2001
- MotherNature: "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies;" Bladder Infections: 11 Remedies for a Vexing Problem
- "Age and Ageing;" What's the Use of Cranberry Juice?; KJ Harkins; January 2000
