Natural UTI Remedies
When it comes to making urine and carrying it out of the body, we have the urinary tract to thank for handling this important task. Connected to this intricate system of waste removal is the bladder and kidneys and when its balance gets disrupted, you are in for a nasty treat. An infection sets in, causing a variety of painful symptoms and unbearable discomfort, especially when it comes to relieving yourself after a tall glass of water.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
The urinary tract is comprised of the kidney, ureters, bladder, and urethra. When an infection develops in any of these body parts, it is called a urinary tract infection [1]. Ignoring a urinary tract infection (also known as UTI), can lead to serious complications. The infection could spread to the kidneys, which often causes permanent damage. While the infection can attack anyone, from children to the elderly, a high percentage of cases are seen throughout the female population.
Symptoms
If you have developed a urinary tract infection, you may exhibit any one or more of the irritating signs or symptoms listed below:
a) Urination Problems: Since the urinary tract is responsible for the release of urine from the body, many of the common symptoms of UTI focus on this substance. During urination, you may experience pain or a burning sensation. Your urine may give off an unattractive odor or appear cloudy. You may also feel the urgency to urinate, but only produce little to no results.
b) Stomach Issues: When touching your stomach, you may feel tenderness or heaviness. You may also feel nauseous or experience bouts of vomiting.
c) Flu-Like Symptoms: Urinary tract infection may also cause you to experience a fever or chills.
d) Pain: When you experience pain on one side of your back, especially underneath your ribs, you might be suffering from UTI. It is at this location that the kidneys are positioned [2].
e) Traces of Blood: Accompanying painful urination and the burning sensation are traces of blood that may appear in the urine.
Cause of Urinary Tract Infection
Germs are the main cause of UTI. They often enter through the urethra, which is the tube that transports urine from your bladder and out of the body. These germs are already living within your large intestine and are the same ones present in your stool. Once the germs make contact inside the urethra, they can move about the rest of the body, visiting your bladder and kidneys, which then leads to the development of an infection. Below you will find additional causes as to why we get urinary tract infections:
a) Short Urethra: The reason why women are more susceptible to UTI is because they possess a shorter urethra, which makes it easy for germs to find its way to their bladders [2].
b) Sexual Intercourse: Vaginal sexual intercourse also increases the chances in women to develop the infection. This is because bacteria present within the vaginal tract are pushed up into the urethra as the penis moves in and out of the vagina. Usually, having multiple sexual partners will also increase this chance to spread bacteria to the urethra.
c) Blocked Bladder: An individual has an increased chance of developing UTI when they exhibit any problem that blocks urine flow from the bladder. This may include having an enlarged prostate gland or suffering from kidney stones.
d) Holding Back Urination: Those who wait too long to pee have an increased risk to develop urinary tract infection because the bladder becomes stretched. The more stretching the bladder undergoes, the weaker it gets. This hinders complete release when you finally go to the bathroom. The longer the urine stays in the bladder, the higher the chances of infection.
e) Lack of Fluids: Chances of developing a UTI is also higher if you do not drink enough fluids.
Risk Factors
Diabetics, pregnant women, and patients with kidney problems or a weak immune system should immediately contact their physician if they feel they have a urinary tract infection. Individuals, who are also 65 years or older tend to become an easy target for UTI due to their weakened bladders and urination problems that tend to develop with age.
Diagnosis
Urinary tract infection is diagnosed through a urine sample. When paying a visit to the doctor, they will ask test your urine to see if any germs are present. Further testing may be needed when a patient exhibits chronic urinary tract infections, which alert patients that something else is causing this reoccurrence.
Natural Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection
While antibiotics are the first line of defense against urinary tract infections, there are plenty of people who turn towards a natural remedy for uti. Below you will find a wide-range of natural treatments:
a) Cranberry: Besides drinking a lot of water, cranberry juice has the ability to flush out the bacteria that causes infection. The juice also reduces the concentration of the urine, further aiding in its release. This natural remedy is especially helpful when used during the first 24 hours after symptoms show. There is also a cranberry pill, which uses the extract from the berry to treat UTI.
b) Celery: The seeds of celery are used to flush uric acid from the body through infusions and tinctures. Only seeds that are untreated should be used. Pregnant women should refrain from this natural remedy.
c) Bearberry: The leaves of this herb are used to create tinctures and infusions that treat acidic urine and clean out parts of the kidney. Beware that high doses may cause nausea.
d) Buchu: The leaves of this herb are used to make tinctures, infusions, and capsules that work as a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic.
e) Aromatherapy: Some individuals have treated their urinary tract infection by creating an essential oil that is rubbed across and massaged over the bladder area. This treatment method involves combining equal parts of sandalwood, tea tree, bergamot, frankincense and juniper.
f) Echinacea: Take two capsules of echinacea or goldenseal to fight the bacteria that causes UTI. This regimen should be repeated three times per day.
g) Vitamin C: If you increase your consumption of vitamin-C filled foods, you can prevent the growth of the bacteria that causes urinary tract infection. Fill up with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as milk to keep a healthy balance within the body.
Urinary Tract Infection Prevention
When you are interested in preventing urinary tract infection, you should make it a habit to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Incorporating cranberry juice or adding a cranberry pill to your diet will also help. When choosing foods to eat, you should know that spicy items, dairy products, cheese, and chocolate increase the risk of UTI. Coffee, alcohol, and smoking should also be avoided. Carbonated drinks, such as soda and beer are also risky.
Whenever you feel the urge to pee, you should immediately go to the bathroom. Holding in your urine gives bacteria a chance to breed. For women, urination after sex is a must to maintain your body’s health. Artificial sweeteners, such as Equal and Sweet-n-Low have also been linked to UTI, which is why diabetics have an increased chance of developing a urinary tract infection.
Resources
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urinary_tract_infection
[2] http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/ |
