NATURAL CURES FOR UTI (URINARY TRACT INFECTION)

Learn The Symptoms Of An UTI and How To Treat It Naturally

Urinary tract infections also known as UTIs (or bladder infections) are no fun: painful, frequent urination that can lead to blood in the urine, a kidney infection or worse. A UTI is an irritation of the urinary tract anywhere from the urethra to the end of the bladder lining. Also called cystitis, UTIs usually affect sexually active, menstruating women but can happen to anyone. UTIs can be chronic, recurring, or a single episode and they often follow sexual intercourse, as unhealthy bacteria are pushed into the urethra by all that motion and pressure.

UTI SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of urinary tract infections include pain and burning sensations during urination, an increased need to urinate and pain located in the lower back and pubic region. UTIs must be treated; untreated bladder infections can become very serious and affect the kidneys, leading to blood in the urine, fever, nausea, vomiting and back pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should consult a health care professional immediately.

WHAT CAUSES AN UTI?

UTIs are caused by bad bacteria that are unable to be eliminated from the urinary tract by normal means (urination), and menopause can exacerbate this problem. To prevent UTIs, always urinate after sexual intercourse- as soon as possible, anyway. Diaphragms and contraceptive sponges can also contribute to UTIs as they can block the bladder from full emptying out. UTI-prone women should consider other forms of birth control.

Keeping your body and immune system healthy is the most important factor to ward off urinary tract infections, and there are specific foods, herbs and supplements that can further help prevent UTIs and treat burgeoning infection symptoms. However if you experience bladder infection symptoms for longer than three days, you must see a health care professional.

NATURAL CURES FOR AN UTI

Nutritional Supplements for an UTI

Useful nutritional supplement for the prevention of UTIs include vitamin A, beta carotene, zinc and acidophilus. All women should take a quality multivitamin every day, and menstruating females should make sure that theirs contains iron, which is lost every month during menstruation.

Herbs For An UTI

To treat a urinary tract infection, try a tea or infusion of fresh parsley, buchu, corn silk, couch grass, goldenseal, marshmallow leaf and uva ursi.

Diet and UTI

Cranberry juice has been proven to prevent UTIs as it stops bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary tract. Drink fresh squeezed cranberry juice every day if you are prone to UTIs, or if the taste is too much, take supplements in pill form. Commercial cranberry juice is also an option, but read the label and make sure your beverage is pure cranberry without any added sugar- many so-called “juices” are really just sugar punches with artificial dyes and flavorings.

A healthy diet is important to stave off infection and keep your body working properly. Eat a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, free-range meats and wild-caught fish. Avoid processed foods, alcohol, coffee, sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, dairy, wheat, refined carbohydrates and trans fats.
Bacteria love sweets. A diet high in sugar promotes a body environment that encourages the growth of bacteria; the elimination of natural and refined sugars from your diet can help prevent UTIs. If you currently have a bladder infection, cut your consumption of sugar to a minimum, including fructose (fruit sugar) and lactose (milk sugar).
Drink plenty of pure, alkalized water throughout the day, and then drink some more. Proper hydration is essential to prevent and fight UTIs.

HOW TO PREVENT UTIs

UTI’s are caused by bad bacteria that are unable to be eliminated from the urinary tract by normal means (urination), and menopause can exacerbate this problem. To prevent UTI’s, always urinate after sexual intercourse- as soon as possible, anyway. Diaphragms and contraceptive sponges can also contribute to UTI’s as they can block the bladder from full emptying out. UTI-prone women should consider other forms of birth control.

Keeping your body and immune system healthy is the most important factor to ward off urinary tract infections, and there are specific foods, herbs and supplements that can further help prevent UTI’s and treat burgeoning infection symptoms. However if you experience bladder infection symptoms for longer than three days, you must see a health care professional.

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Shilo Urban is a freelance writer who has just relocated to Los Angeles after her previous homes of Seattle, New Zealand, Paris, Maine, and Austin. She is an active member of the West Coast electronic music community and lives to promote the art that she loves and the people who create it.