Over eight million doctor's office visits occur each year in the United States as a result of urinary tract infections, or UTIs, according to 2005 data from the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. You will most likely need to take an antibiotic to destroy the bacteria that cause this painful infection, but sodium bicarbonate--commonly known as baking soda--may serve as an inexpensive yet effective ally in your fight against the UTI monster.
Background
You develop a urinary tract infection when bacteria infiltrate your urinary tract and attach to the tissue lining your urethra or bladder. Urinary tract infections tend to crop up more frequently in women, most likely because the urethral opening is so close to the bacteria-laden anal area. They also occur more commonly in people who use catheters regularly. Signs that you might have a UTI include smelly, discolored or pink urine, a frequent or urgent desire to void, abdominal pain or pressure, fatigue, and pain or burning when passing urine.
Significance
Individuals suffering from a urinary tract infection may notice a decrease in UTI pain when they consume sodium bicarbonate, says Molly Courtenay, registered nurse, professor of clinical practice at the University of Surrey and coauthor of "Essential Nurse Prescribing." This reduction in pain seems to result from the ability of the baking soda to make your urine more alkaline. The less acidic urine is then less likely to burn or irritate the swollen, painful urinary tissue as it passes through your urinary tract.
Method
Talk to your primary care physician before taking sodium bicarbonate to minimize UTI symptoms, particularly if you need to follow a low-sodium diet or have high blood pressure. Once your doctor gives his approval, mix 1 tsp. of plain baking soda with 1 cup of cold water, stirring the mixture vigorously with a spoon before drinking the blend. Consume the sodium bicarbonate-water solution once or twice daily while you're experiencing UTI symptoms, recommends Dr. Laurie Steelsmith, licensed naturopathic physician and co-author of "Natural Choices for Women's Health." Down at least 6 to 8 cups of water each day, as well, to speed recovery by helping expel the offending bacteria from your urinary tract.
Cautions
Even though sodium bicarbonate may help ease the pain of a urinary tract infection, it doesn't rid your body of the infection. Most urinary tract infections require a course of antibiotics to get the bacteria out of your system, so arrange an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as you start experiencing possible UTI symptoms. Failure to seek medical attention promptly could allow the bacteria to go to your kidneys, potentially causing a serious kidney infection or blood infection. Possible indications that the bacteria have spread to your kidneys include vomiting, nausea, fever and back pain.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Urinary Traction Infections in Adults; December 2005
- "Natural Choices for Women's Health"; Dr. Laurie Steelsmith, et al.; 2005
- "Essential Nurse Prescribing"; Molly Courtenay, Ph.D., RN, et al; 2002
