Home Remedies and Herbs for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system—kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract—the bladder and the urethra. Infections in the upper tract—the ureters and kidneys—are usually the result of an untreated lower infection.^1,3 A bladder infection is called cystitis. If bacterial infection spreads to the kidneys and ureters, the condition is called pyelonephritis. Cystitis is considered a lower urinary tract infection. Pyelonephritis is an upper urinary tract infection and is much more serious. Infection of the urethra is termed urethritis. ³ Serious urinary tract infections need medical attention and intervention with antibiotics however many minor UTIs may be relieved with home remedies, herbal treatment, herbs, supplements and alternative natural cures.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common type of infection caused by bacteria (most often E. coli) that travel up the urethra to the bladder.³ Women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections than men and their infections tend to recur. One reason is that the urethra (the tube that carries urine away from the bladder) is shorter in women than in men. Frequent sexual intercourse also increases a woman’s risk of developing UTIs. Contraceptive spermicides and diaphragm use are other risk factors. When women reach menopause, the decrease in estrogen thins the lining of the urinary tract, which increases susceptibility to bacterial infections. ²

Pregnancy does not increase the risk of getting a urinary tract infection but it can increase the risk of developing a serious infection that could potentially harm the mother and fetus. Pregnant women should report any symptoms of UTIs to their doctors, and should be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria (presence of significant numbers of bacteria without symptoms).³ Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract. The following may increase your risk of getting a UTI: ³

• Conditions that obstruct your urinary tract, such as kidney stones
• Difficulty emptying your bladder fully
• Using a contraceptive diaphragm or condoms coated in spermicide
• Diabetes
• A weak immune system—from chemotherapy or HIV, for example
• A urinary catheter (a tube in your bladder used to drain urine)
• An enlarged prostate gland in men

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms

Urinary tract infections don't always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do, they may include: ^1,2,3

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored—a sign of blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, in women—especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone

UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in older adults. Some elderly people exhibit little or no symptoms of UTIs.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Urinary Tract Infection

Nature provides many organic sources for controlling urinary tract infections, including relief of the symptoms. The best available home remedies, herbal treatments, herbs, supplements and alternative natural cures are:⁴

• Cranberry Juice - Cranberry juice contains organic compounds that are natural antibiotics and particularly effective in the urinary tract. 2–3 glasses per day are required and ensure to consume pure cranberry juice, not cocktail which contains aggravating sugars.
• D-Mannose - D-Mannose is a nutritional supplement found in cranberries, peaches, apples, other berries and some plants. It’s available in powder form in health food stores.
• Apple Cider Vinegar and Water -This is another readily available and effective home remedy and economic alternative treatment.
• Apple Cider Vinegar With Baking Soda in Water - Adding baking soda to apple cider vinegar amplifies the remedy with a proven natural cure supplement.
• Baking Soda and Water - Plain baking soda mixed with water is still one of the most used and effective natural cures available.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20037892
2. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Urinary-tract-infection-adults/Pages/Introduction.aspx
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/urinary-tract-infection
4. http://www.raysahelian.com/urinarytractinfection.html