Can Garlic Cure a UTI?

Urinary tract infections -- or UTIs -- are common bacterial infections of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. UTIs are rarely dangerous when treated promptly. These infections require antibiotic treatments for a cure. There are many alternative medicine methods that can help cure the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. One of these methods is the use of garlic. While garlic cannot cure a UTI, it can help in prevention as well as treatment.

Urinary Tract Infections

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UTIs are 10 times more likely to occur in females than males, and nearly 50 percent of women will experience a UTI at some point in life. Other risk factors for developing a UTI include pregnancy, diabetes, a history of UTIs and being sexually active. Symptoms include frequent urination, a burning or painful sensation during urination, voiding little at a time, cloudy urine, blood-colored urine, foul-smelling urine, back pain, abdominal pain, chills, nausea and vomiting. Conventional treatment includes antibiotics, pain medications and drinking plenty of fluids to help flush the bacteria out of your system.

Garlic

Garlic contains several compounds that have benefits to your health. Garlic contains high amounts of sulfur-containing compounds -- including amino acids -- along with antibiotic properties. Garlic also contains alpha-linolenic acid -- an essential fatty acid -- zinc, frulic acid, beta-carotene and chlorogenic acid. The active compound in garlic is known as allin. Allin provides antibiotic activity, according to James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of "The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions: Herbs, Foods and Natural Formulas to Keep You Young." Garlic enhances the function of your immune system by helping to activate your immune system. This can help your body engulf the pathogens and bacteria that lead to urinary tract infections. Consume 600 mg of garlic powder daily. This can help reduce E. coli in the body. E. coli is the most common cause of UTIs.

Methods of Garlic Consumption

There are a number of ways to consume garlic to reap the antibiotic properties to help prevent and clear UTIs. You can opt to add raw garlic to regular meals -- such as in a salad or on toast. You can also make garlic tea. Tea is made by mashing two garlic gloves and mixing it with 8 oz. of hot water, according to physiatrist Robert A. Schulman and a physician and dietitian Carolyn Dean, authors of "Solve It with Supplements." Try to consume garlic one to three times per day.

Considerations

Always consult your doctor before using garlic or any other form of alternative medicine treatment for a urinary tract infection. Garlic is not a guaranteed means of treating or preventing UTIs. One person may find success with garlic, while another sees no changes. Garlic is not a substitute for antibiotics. Failure to treat a UTI can result in the infection spreading to your kidneys. A kidney infection can cause permanent kidney damage and may result in hospital stays and the need for IV medications.