Home Remedies for UTI

Drink Lots of Water

If you have a painful UTI, then you should increase the quantity of water you drink. The extra fluids will dilate the urine and help flush bacteria from your bladder. It will help relieve pain as concentrated (or dark) urine tends to be more acidic, making it more painful to pass. Diluted urine, on the other hand, won’t typically burn as much.

Avoid Irritating Beverages

One of the simplest home remedies for UTI is to avoid any drink that can irritate the bladder. This means avoiding drinks with caffeine or citrus juice, such as soft drinks, alcohol, and coffee. These beverages will not only cause bladder irritation, but they may also make your need to urinate worse.

Get Relief from Heat

One of the most effective pain relief methods for a UTI is to apply a heating pad on the genital area or relax in a hot bath. Just remember to never fall asleep with the heating pad there and select a temperature that isn’t too hot, but still warm. This can minimize discomfort and bladder pressure.

Drink Cranberry Juice

Although there still isn’t scientific proof, there has been some evidence that cranberry juice can help fight infections. People say that drinking some each day can prevent a urinary tract infection, particularly among women who frequently suffer from them. There is no problem with drinking cranberry juice as one of the home remedies for UTIs and it will be safe for most people. Just keep the calories in the juice in mind and stop drinking it if you get diarrhea or an upset stomach. Don’t use this method if you take warfarin.

Try Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people believe that apple cider vinegar is the perfect UTI home remedy as it contains minerals, potassium, and enzymes that prevent bacterial growth. Try mixing two tablespoons apple cider vinegar (and optional lemon juice or honey) to water, then drink the mixture twice daily for several days.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda can help improve the acid-base balance for acidic urine, helping to relieve pain and speed up your recovery. Drink a teaspoon baking soda mixed into a cup of water one or two times each day for relief.

Have Blueberries

Because of the bacteria-inhibiting properties of blueberries, they are one of the popular home remedies for UTIs. They also contain antioxidants which boost the immune system and prevent bacterial growth. Either add fresh blueberries into your diet (such as your breakfast cereal) or make some into juice. If you make fresh blueberry juice, don’t add artificial sweetener.

Eat Pineapple

Bromelain is found in pineapple and this enzyme is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the symptoms of UTIs. Combining pineapple with antibiotics can help you quickly get over your urinary tract infection.

Some also suggest that regularly having a cup or so of pineapple will prevent UTIs. Another option is to make your own pineapple juice. Always opt for fresh pineapple as it won’t contain preservatives like those found in the canned version.

Ask About Vitamin C

Some doctors now prescribe vitamin C in a dose of 5,000 mg or more each day for those who suffer from recurring urinary tract infections. The vitamin C helps to improve bladder health because it acidifies the urine, which makes it unappealing to the bacteria which are potentially harmful.

Don’t Delay Urination

Going to the bathroom when you feel the need to will do the same thing as drinking more water. In other words, it helps eliminate pathogens from your system, limiting the number that can reach the bladder, causing or worsening an infection.

Be Smart When Making Love

When you are making love, be smart about it. If you or your partner have any history of difficulty with UTIs, always clean up (and have your partner do the same) before you make love. Afterwards, go to the bathroom to urinate, as this will get rid of bacteria that can potentially harmful. If possible, opt for a condom as opposed to a diaphragm as diaphragms might promote urinary tract infections.

Opt for Cotton

Any material that is in close contact with your personal areas should ideally be made of cotton. Women should either opt for cotton-lined panty hose or cotton underwear to keep them dry and fresh. Men should opt or cotton boxer shorts.

In some cases, your doctor may give you a standing antibiotic prescription if you are a woman with frequent UTIs which are uncomplicated in nature. You would then take these antibiotics whenever you notice UTI symptoms. If your doctor suggests this approach, be sure to always follow the doctor’s instructions if you notice symptoms you are positive are due to a UTI. Take the medicine correctly and pay attention to your symptoms so you can let your doctor know if the symptoms don’t improve or the UTIs become more frequent.