Urinary tract infections - natural treatments
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when there are too many microorganisms within any part of the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder, ureter) according to this study published by Pediatría Atención Primaria.
They can be caused by a weakened immune system or direct exposure to pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
These infections involve mild or severe symptoms that can disrupt day-to-day activities by bringing on general discomfort throughout the body.
Can they be treated naturally? Although some cases require medical attention, most can be treated with alternative remedies. Do consult your doctor first if you think you may have a serious problem or if the symptoms linger.
You’ve been warned. Now you may proceed to read this article and find out how to use homemade remedies to prevent them. However, let’s see why you get these kinds of infections, to begin with.
What causes urinary tract infections?
As we mentioned above, this type of infection happens when pathogen microorganisms enter the body through the urethra.
The urinary tract has qhat it takes to block them from entering, but its defenses might be weak.
Therefore, viruses, bacteria, and fungi can spread uncontrollably in the bladder, urethra, or kidneys.
Factors associated with urinary tract infections
In general, we can identify a number of causes that, sometimes, could lead to the appearance of a urinary infection. The most important are:
- Bad habits or using irritating products in an intimate area. In fact, this study conducted by the Centro para el Desarrollo de la Farmacoepidemiología in Cuba, warns against their use if you have a related vaginal problem.
- Enduring the urge to urinate too much.
- Having unprotected sex. Sexually transmitted diseases can cause cystitis, as this study by General Calixto García Hospital Universitario in Havana, Cuba assures.
- Use of contraceptive diaphragms. This as stated in this study by Universidad de Chile.
- Abnormalities or lesions in the urinary tract.
- Recent urinary procedures
Read this article too 9 Foods That Strengthen Your Immune System
Symptoms of urinary tract infections
The signs and symptoms of UTIs aren’t always obvious to infected people. Sometimes, they’re so minor that they go unnoticed. However, you may experience any of these in all cases, as per the information obtained from the National Library of Medicine in the US of A:
- a constant need to urinate
- pain or burning sensation when urinating
- urinating small quantities of cloudy, foul-smelling urine
- pain in the lower abdomen
- bloody urine
- moderate fever and chills
- fatigue
Check out this article too What Causes Abdominal Pain on the Left Side?
How to treat urinary tract infections quickly and naturally
Treating these kinds of infections involves changing your lifestyle habits and using remedies made with plants or spices. These solutions can help you deal with symptoms while you heal when mixed together.
Drink more water
Drinking plenty of water can help control a UTI according to this information from the Mayo Clinic. It improves liver function, cleanses the urinary tract, and diminishes the concentration of bacteria in your system.
So, drink between 6 to 8 glasses of water or tea a day.
Limit your sugar and alcohol intake
In order to speed up your recovery, it’s important to limit your consumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages as much as you can, according to this study carried out by IntraMed. Both contain irritating substances that are harmful to the urinary tract.
Use hot compresses
Hot compresses are an excellent way to curb pain in your pelvic area.
Likewise, applying it directly stimulates your blood circulation and greatly reduces swelling. So, if you’re experiencing discomfort, dampen a cloth in hot water and apply it to the affected area.
Use cotton underwear
The normal humidity and warmth from the genitalia is a perfect environment for bacterial growth. Thus, it’s important to choose breathable cotton underwear.
Drink radish juice
Radish juice is a natural remedy that soothes cystitis or any urinary tract infection. This is because it contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds that are ideal for calming symptoms according to this study by the Jordan University of Science and Technology.
Even though there’s no scientific evidence, this is a very tasty drink.
Drink coconut water
Due to its antibiotic (as per this study by the State University of Santa Cruz in Brazil) and diuretic properties (according to the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry), coconut water is a good aid in the control of the symptoms of an infection.
Some believe that its intake promotes the cleaning of their urinary tract, regulates the pH of the urine, and expels viruses and bacteria. Thus, they recommend consuming between 2 and 3 glasses of coconut water a day.
However, there’s no scientific evidence to associate it with an improvement in the symptoms of urinary infection.
Eat raw garlic for urinary tract infections
Garlic has active ingredients with antibacterial and antibiotic effects, according to this research carried out by Instituto Tecnologico de Oaxaca, which would help facilitate the treatment of urinary tract infections.
However, there’s no evidence that garlic alone can cure it. However, it’s still a good thing to have in your diet.
Once you’ve taken note of all these tips, remember to keep track of any urinary infections you might have. Even though it’s normal to have them from time to time you still need to evaluate their origin for more effective treatment.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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