A strong urge to urinate yet passing only small amounts of urine, a burning sensation when you pass urine, urine that is cloudy or urine that has a foul odor. These are all symptoms of a UTI, also known as a urinary tract infection. While a common problem, these infections tend to affect more women than men, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is due to the anatomical make-up of the gender; their shorter urethra--the tube carrying urine to the outside of the body--makes it easier for bacteria to make its way to the bladder. Medications can help, but some prefer natural treatment instead.
Step 1
Consider sipping lemon juice. Lemons may be more than an attractive wedge decorating the side of your water glass; they may actually help cure your UTI. The website A2Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness, explains that lemons may benefit those with urinary tract infections. Because this fruit is a natural diuretic, it can flush the toxins and bacteria from your body. Add natural lemon juice to your water or make lemonade--whichever you prefer.
Step 2
Increase your water consumption. The Mayo Clinic highly recommends drinking more water; it flushes the bacteria from your body that is trying to stick itself to the cells lining your urethra while diluting the urine simultaneously. Diluting the urine helps the body flush out the substances causing the infection. The more water you drink, the greater your urine flow is which may result in faster results. The website MotherNature.com recommends drinking eight to 10 glasses per day, and as a reminder, carry a bottle of water with you at all times.
Step 3
Create a new kind of cocktail. Baking soda and water may not be the tastiest drink you have ever had, however, it is one that may make a urinary tract infection run in the other direction. Everyone needs their urinary pH to be in balance, and when it is not, an infection can occur. The baking soda helps restore this balance by increasing your pH level. To make, add a 1/2 tsp. of baking soda into an 8 oz. glass of water, stir until the soda completely dissolves.
Step 4
Remove all that is bad. Certain beverages irritate the bladder, making a bladder infection worse. These include alcoholic beverages and beverages containing caffeine. Citrus drinks like orange juice, and beverages such as soda are also included. These drinks, according to the Mayo Clinic, have a tendency to increase the urgency to urinate or aggravate the frequent need to go. The Clinic recommends eliminating these beverages from your diet until the infection subsides.
Step 5
Consider cranberry juice. The jury is still out when out comes to the efficacy of cranberry juice for the treatment of a UTI. While it does appear to help some people, especially women who suffer from frequent infections, there is no scientific proof that is has infection-fighting properties, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is also not clear how much you need to drink, nor how often you need to drink it to reap its rewards. MotherNature.com differs slightly in opinion, stating that this juice helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the cells lining the urinary tract. The site does warn that it can be an irritant for some people, in which case, diluting it may help. If the irritation persists, discontinue use.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Lemons
- Cranberry juice
- Baking Soda
