Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are usually caused by bacteria anywhere along the urinary system including the urethra, ureter, kidneys, or bladder. Symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, burning or pain upon urination, fever or chills, cramps in the lower abdomen, low energy, or you may have no symptoms at all. UTIs often respond quickly to home remedies.
Step 1
Drink lots of fluids and avoid all sugary sweet drinks. Coffee and caffeinated beverages also tend to irritate the urinary tract.
Step 2
Drink unsweetened cranberry juice. Cranberry and blueberries provide chemicals that help prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.
Step 3
Rest and stay warm. You may also apply heat in the form of a hot water bottle around the kidney area at the lower back. A hot shower will also help the body fight infection by raising your body temperature.
Step 4
Avoid refined sugars. Processed white sugar is present in some white breads and pastas as well as candy products.
Step 5
Make teas. There are numerous herbs that tonify the urinary system, boost immunity, or have antibacterial properties. These include uva ursi, green tea, marshmallow root, buchu, chickweed, nettle and dandelion leaf. Use any of these herbs by combining 1 tsp. of the herb to 1 cup of hot water and steep for 5 to 10 minutes for leaves or flowers, 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. You may also use herbs in capsule, glycerite, or tincture form.
Step 6
Take 100 mg of grapefruit seed extract three times a day. Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial properties. You can also take 1000 mg of vitamin C per day as it is an antioxidant and can help support the immune system.
Step 7
Eat yogurt with live probiotic cultures or a probiotic supplement at a rate of 5 to 10 billion CFUs, or colony forming units, a day. According to the University of Maryland, there is good evidence that probiotics help the urinary tract. Eating fish or fish oils can help decrease inflammation in the body because of the omega-3 fatty acids.
Step 8
See a doctor if you don't feel significantly better in 24 hours. Infections that have spread to the kidneys can be very dangerous if left untreated.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure you void completely when urinating. You may wish to take time off work to rest adequately and be close to a bathroom.
- If you feel worse or your symptoms recur immediately following treatment you should see a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Fluids
- Unsweetened cranberry or blueberry juice
- Yogurt with probiotics or a probiotic supplement
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplement
- Grapeseed extract
- Vitamin C
- Herbs in dried extract or supplement form
- Tea kettle
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary tract infection in women.
- Herbal Recipes for VIbrant Health: Gladstone, 2008.
- New York Times: Urinary tract infections, an in-depth report.
- Mayo Clinic: Urinary tract infections.
