Natural Ways to Treat UTI

Overview

Every year, 7 million people visit their doctors for diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI). These infections can be painful if not treated right away. People who are experiencing the symptoms of an UTI can benefit from choosing a natural approach to treatment.

Identification

The symptoms of a UTI include bloody or cloudy urine, lower abdomen discomfort, frequent painful urination and low-grade fever. Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection that is caused by bacteria. UTIs that are left untreated can infect the kidneys and escalate into a more serious problem. Women are more prone to contracting this uncomfortable condition than men. New research funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests that a woman's blood type may play a role in her risk of recurrent UTIs.

Features

In a double-blind trial, women diagnosed with a UTI received antibiotics plus bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples. These women experienced a 100 percent resolution of their infections, compared with only 46 percent of those given the placebo. Many doctors recommend 5,000 mg or more of vitamin C per day for an acute UTI because this vitamin creates an "unfriendly" environment for infection-causing bacteria. In a study at Harvard, doctors discovered that women who drank cranberry juice experienced a reduced level of bacteria. The properties of cranberries prevent E-coli, the type of bacteria responsible for most urinary tract infections, from attaching to the walls of the bladder. Blueberries contain similar properties as cranberries. Other natural sources include the following vegetables and herbs that are approved in Germany as part of the therapy for people with UTIs: asparagus, birch, goldenrod, horsetail, Java tea, marshmallow root and nettle.

Prevention/Solution

Drinking plenty of clear water is helpful and promotes urination and expels toxins. Coffee, acidic foods and alcohol irritates the bladder and compromises its ability to fight off an infection. A common solution for people suffering from a painful UTI is to add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to drinking water. The soda neutralizes the acidity in the urine, speeding recovery.

Considerations

Urinary tract infections can be avoided by creating proper toilet habits and wiping from front to back. Keep the genital area clean by washing with plain water once a day. Bubble baths and other personal hygiene products such as sprays and powders may be irritating. Don't put off trips to the bathroom when you feel the urge to go. Wear 100 percent cotton panties as the fabric lets moisture escape while other fabrics trap moisture, creating a potential breeding ground for bacteria.

Warning

Although natural remedies can help in the treatment of UTIs, it is important to seek medical attention if improvement isn't noticed quickly. If improperly treated, a urinary tract infection may spread to the kidneys and cause more damage. Most UTIs can be treated with antibiotics and the symptoms subside quickly.