First you feel the urge to urinate more frequently than usual. And then the painful, burning sensation begins. Both of these are signs of UTI (urinary tract infection), which affects more than 10 million men and women each year, according to Epigee.com. It is more common in women however, and while the quickest method of treatment is an antibiotic there are home remedies that may be just as effective in the early stages of the infection.
Step 1
Watch how you wipe. This is especially important for women. According to Epigee.com, 85 percent of all UTIs are caused by E. coli, a bacteria that resides in your colon. Wiping from back to front moves this bacteria into the urethra and bladder making it easy for a UTI to develop. Changing your wiping habits is imperative when trying to rid yourself of this painful infection.
Step 2
Flush your system with water. Dr. Kristene E. Whitmore, chief of Urology at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia and contributor to MotherNature.com states that you need to drink an 8-ounce glass of water, every hour for eight hours. This not only helps rid your bladder of any present infection but also increases the amount of urine passing through the body; this makes it difficult for the bacteria to stick to the walls of the urethra.
Step 3
Reach for some cranberry juice. Cranberries are believed to be an outstanding natural treatment for UTIs. It works in two ways; first it destroys the bacteria causing the infection and the vitamin C it contains helps increase and balance the acidity of your urine, making it difficult for bacteria to thrive in your bladder. For the best results, buy all-natural or organic cranberry juice.
Step 4
Make a baking soda mixture. As recommended by Dr. Whitmore, mix a half-teaspoon of baking soda into 8-ounces of water and drink it as soon as symptoms of UTI arise. This will help balance the acid in your urine.
Step 5
Take a shower rather than a bubble bath. While bubble baths can be tempting they can also leave the door wide open for bacteria to find its way into your bladder. In addition showering after sexual intercourse helps wash away any bacteria that may have been transmitted during lovemaking.
Step 6
Know when to visit your doctor. While all of these home remedies may be effective, there might come a point when you have to see your doctor. If you suffer from persistent lower back pain, this may be a sign that the infection has moved into your kidneys. You should also see your doctor if you haven't noticed any improvement in your symptoms within a few days.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Cranberry juice
- Baking soda
