A urinary infection is produced by the excessive growth of microorganisms in any part of the urinary tract, as stated in this research published by the Pediatric Primary Care Journal. It is a common condition, so people wonder if it is possible to cure a urinary infection naturally.
The answer is that it can often be treated with alternative remedies. However, it is essential to consult your doctor first if you think you may have a severe problem or if the symptoms are prolonged after trying to solve it without consulting.
Once this warning is made, you can read this article and discover how to cure a urinary infection naturally. However, let’s see first what can lead to it appearing.
Contents
Why can a urinary infection appear?
As mentioned, this type of disease can originate when pathogenic microorganisms enter the body through the urethra. Even though the urinary system is prepared to block the entry of these invaders, the bacteria usually find a way to enter.
Entry can occur due to a weakened immune system and direct exposure to pathogens. Estimated that 76% of urinary tract infections are due to Escherichia coli. However, other microorganisms can also cause them.
Due to this weakening, viruses, bacteria, or fungi can grow uncontrollably, either in the bladder and urethra or directly in the kidneys.
What factors are linked to its appearance?
In general, we can identify a series of causes that, on occasion, could lead to the appearance of a urinary infection. The most important include:
- Depressed immune system Diseases such as diabetes deteriorate the immune system, making the body unable to fight bacteria and adequately increasing the risk of infections.
- Bad habits or use of irritating products in the intimate area. According to a study, bad habits in the private space and the use of certain products can trigger a vaginal infection that, due to the proximity of the vagina to the urethra and anus, leads to a urinary infection.
- I am holding the urge to urinate for too long. Urine is a sterile liquid; however, storing it in the bladder for a long time can lead to the proliferation of bacteria that triggers a urinary infection.
- We were having unprotected sex. Studies ensure that sexually transmitted diseases can cause cystitis. Likewise, it is necessary to guarantee hygiene after sex to prevent bacteria from entering through the urethra due to the humidity produced by male and female fluids.
- Use of contraceptive diaphragm. As stated in this study, using the vaginal diaphragm, as well as the condom or other planning methods with spermicide, can cause a urinary infection since it alters the vaginal pH, favoring the growth of lactobacilli.
- Abnormalities or injuries in the urinary tract. This type of injury inhibits the flow of urine normally, which is why it can cause, in addition to frequent infections, kidney injury and kidney stones.
- Recent urinary procedures. Using medical instruments can lead to an increased risk of urinary infection.
Symptoms of a urinary infection
Several symptoms appear when this type of infection occurs; they can be mild or severe, and they can even interrupt daily tasks by causing general discomfort throughout the body.
The signs and symptoms of a UTI are not always clear to patients. Sometimes they are so mild that they go unnoticed. However, most of the time, it is possible to experience one of these, as stated by the information obtained from the United States National Library of Medicine:
- The constant need to urinate.
- Burning or stinging sensation when passing urine.
- Little urine, with a cloudy appearance and a strong odor.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Bleeding in the urine.
- Moderate fever and chills.
- The feeling of fatigue.
- Pelvic pain around the pubic bone area is joint in women.
How to cure a urinary infection naturally
To alleviate this type of infection naturally, modifying some lifestyle habits and using remedies with plants or spices is enough. However, remember that it is essential to seek medical attention, especially if you have already tried some options without positive results.
1. Increase water consumption
Consuming plenty of water can help cure urinary tract infections naturally, according to this information from the Mayo Clinic. This vital liquid improves the kidneys’ functioning, purifies the urinary tract, and reduces the concentration of bacteria in the system.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine journal showed that large water intake also helps prevent urinary tract infections. It is important to remember that the composition of urine is one of the body’s defense mechanisms against these conditions, so an increase in its production is beneficial.
It should be taken between 6 and 8 glasses daily, pure or in tea.
2. Take vitamin C
Studies indicate that consuming vitamin C or ascorbic acid produces a decrease in urinary pH that inhibits the development of bacteria in the urine by making it more acidic. It is estimated that the consumption of vitamin C in a healthy adult should be between 75 and 90 milligrams each day.
Of course, in patients with diabetes or kidney failure, they should consult their doctor, as this long-term treatment is contraindicated. In addition to a vitamin C supplement, foods with a high concentration, such as lemon juice, can be consumed.
3. Consume unsweetened cranberry juice
The consumption of cranberry juice turns out to be an excellent option to cure a urinary infection naturally, especially in female patients of reproductive age. According to research in this regard, cranberry prevents the adhesion of bacteria to the urothelium.
This fruit’s antibacterial properties are due to its compounds’ action, especially proanthocyanidins since they act before bacteria invade the urinary tract. This is as long as it is consumed naturally, free of sugar and additives.
Still, a study published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that blueberries are less effective than previously thought. However, its use is still recommended for some mild infections.
4. Drink radish juice
A natural remedy to cure cystitis or any urinary infection is radishes. This is because they contain anti-inflammatory active ingredients (this study confirms this by the Jordanian University of Science and Technology), ideal for calming symptoms.
Although there is no clear scientific evidence on why it helps to control a urinary infection, there are studies that recommend its consumption in these cases. In any case, radishes are a very healthy food with outstanding medicinal benefits.
5. Drink coconut water
Due to its antibiotic properties, as confirmed by this study by the State University of Santa Cruz in Brazil, and diuretics, coconut water is an excellent complement to control the symptoms of an infection.
It is believed that its intake promotes the urinary tract’s cleanliness, regulates the urine’s pH, and favors the expulsion of viruses and bacteria. Therefore, consuming between 2 and 3 glasses of coconut water a day is recommended.
However, there is no scientific evidence that associates it with an improvement in the symptoms of urinary tract infection.
6. Eat raw garlic
Garlic has active ingredients with antibacterial and antibiotic effects, according to this research by the Technological Institute of Oaxaca, which would help cure urinary infections naturally. However, there is no evidence that it can help fix it, although it is a very healthy food to include in our diet.
A small study published in Case Reports in Medicine found that garlic and other natural alternatives help treat these infections. The other alternative remedies used were parsley, L-arginine, and cranberry tablets.
7. Consume probiotics
Probiotics are foods or substances that contain beneficial microorganisms for the human body. These can be found naturally in yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, and kefir.
In general, this supplementation is beneficial in alleviating intestinal conditions. However, it has been suggested that probiotics could naturally influence UTIs in women. These organisms can be used alone or during antibiotic therapy.
Other recommendations
In addition to resorting to these natural alternatives to cure urinary infections, speed up recovery, and prevent it from reappearing, it will be necessary to take other measures. We leave you some recommendations that can be very useful.
1. Limit the consumption of sugar and alcohol
To fight against this type of disease, it is essential to limit the consumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages as much as possible. This is because both substances are irritating and harmful to the urinary system, as well as to health in general.
2. Apply warm compresses
Hot compresses are excellent allies to reduce pain in the pelvic region.
Its direct application helps activate blood flow and significantly reduce swelling. If you are in pain, soak a washcloth in hot water and apply it to the area.
3. Wear cotton underwear
The characteristic humidity of the intimate zone, combined with its warm environment, creates a good place for the growth of bacteria. Therefore, choosing breathable underwear made of cotton fabrics is essential.
4. Maintain good habits
Good habits are the best way to naturally cure and prevent any disease, including urinary tract infections. In this sense, it is recommended not to hold the urge to urinate for a long time and go to the bathroom after having sexual intercourse.
Another fundamental step to prevent these infections is to wipe from front to back when going to the bathroom and never the other way around. In this way, bacteria in the anal region will be kept away from the urethra.
5. Some natural supplements
Although these supplements have no scientific foundation, popular belief states that they help prevent urinary tract infections. Thus, it is possible to use D-Mannose to avoid recurrences of urinary infections. For their part, uva-ursi and dandelion infusions could have the same effect.
When to see a doctor for a urine infection?
A mild urinary infection is not very serious; it can be cured naturally at home. Even so, one should not rule out seeking medical help. Of course, some symptoms make the consultation essential:
- Bleeding in the urine.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Vaginal discharge that alerts to an infection.
- Pubic or back pain that does not subside.
- Fever or temperature above 38 degrees.
- Cystitis or frequent urinary infection (more than three times a year).
You can cure a urinary infection naturally and quickly
Once you have taken note of all these tips, remember to keep a record of the urinary infections you suffer from. Although it is customary to develop them, sometimes it is necessary to evaluate what causes them to achieve a more effective treatment.