Home Remedies for UTI's

According to the Mayo Clinic, "a urinary tract infection is an infection that begins in your urinary system. Your urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Any part of your urinary system can become infected, but most infections involve the lower urinary tract---the urethra and bladder." When a UTI is left untreated, the bacteria can spread to the kidney, which can result in severe problems, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, you can use home remedies to not only treat an existing UTI, but to help prevent further UTIs from occurring.

Prevention

According to the NIH, women develop UTIs more often than men do. Thus, it is important for many women to know how to prevent an UTI from occurring. The first step is to reduce your risk of spreading bacteria to your vagina and urethra. When using the bathroom, wipe from front to back, thus preventing bacteria in the anus from entering the vagina. Urinating when you need to can also reduce your risk of an UTI; in addition, urinating before and after sexual intercourse also help prevent an UTI. Also, do not use scented douches or hygiene sprays---these can also cause an UTI and make the symptoms worse.

Water and Cranberry Juice

Drinking either water or cranberry juice can help treat an UTI, according to the NIH. Water helps to flush out the bacteria and dilute urine. However, cranberry juice can also be used, and is a popular option to treat an UTI at home. On the other hand, not all fluids can be used to treat an UTI. For example, coffee, alcohol and caffeinated citrus sodas will make a UTI worse by irritating your bladder. This will result in more severe and uncomfortable symptoms.

Heat

Another home remedy for treating a UTI is using direct heat on the abdomen, such as with a heating pad. The heat helps to minimize the bladder pressure and discomfort, according to the NIH. However, a heating pad should not be used as the primary method for treatment. While heat can help reduce the symptoms, it will not treat the bacteria causing the infection. UTIs require an antibiotic to completely eliminate the infection.