Developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) is more common than you may think. It is also a condition that, if left untreated, can sometimes turn deadly. If you’re experiencing symptoms, these 5 natural remedies for a UTI may help. Certain alternative treatments for a UTI are often recommended by doctors, see if yours likes these before using.
Check ‘em Off
Here is a list of possible UTI symptoms as posted by Healthline. Some of these symptoms may present subtly so keep a close eye if any seem slightly familiar.
See your physician or naturopathic doctor to determine a diagnosis and course of action which might include these 5 natural remedies for a UTI.
Load Up the C
Vitamin C can help with a UTI, particularly during the beginning stages. This is helpful if you’ve had a prior UTI and are more aware of a flare up. Symptoms would be those mentioned above, just milder.
An archival study (posted by Live UTI Free) by researchers at the Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology found that vitamin C appeared to protect against UTI, stating that,
“Vitamin C, also called “ascorbic acid,” is believed to create an acidic environment, triggering the production of nitric oxide, and thereby causing the bacteria present to end their own existence.”
Check with your physician or naturopathic doctor to determine the right dosage for you. It has been found that most people can tolerate doses up to 5,000 mg. Higher than this dosage could cause diarrhea. Also, excessive doses should not exceed two weeks as it could adversely affect the liver.
For vitamin C from whole foods, add more high-level sources to your diet, such as:
3 Amigos: Classic Cranberry, Water, No Sugar
Combining unsweetened cranberry juice, good intake if plain water, and limiting sugar all work in unison for preventing or even mitigating a UTI.
Unsweetened cranberry juice has been the health benefit go-to since ancient remedies practically began. It holds a tart bitter taste that lets you know you’re taking Nature’s medicine.
Healthline reports on a past study of the effects of cranberry juice on UTIs,
“A 2007 study of UTIs in pregnant women looked at the effects of taking 100 mg of vitamin C every day. The study found that vitamin C had a protective effect, cutting the risk of UTIs by more than half in those taking vitamin C compared to the control group”
It is important to make sure that there is no sugar added to the cranberry juice or cranberries for that matter. Sugar is like adding fuel to any health compromise. Some people think they are getting the benefits of cranberries when they eat the dried version or cran-raisins when many of these products are loaded with sugar and other additives such as food dyes. It is best to drink as much water as possible in place of sweets or sweetened beverages.
Urology Specialists of the Carolinas commented on sugar and UTIs,
“There have always been many reasons to limit the sugar in your diet, and now keeping a healthy urinary tract is on the list. Too much sugar promotes bacterial breeding in your urinary tract, so limiting your sugar will weaken the breeding ground and help avoid UTIs. It’s another reason to think twice before reaching for a sugary sweet like cookies, candy or a sweetened beverage. Substituting water for soda can help to keep your sugar intake in moderation and keep your urinary health on track.”
Maintain a Strong Gut
Most of your immune system resides in your gut. This is the colony forming unit (CFU) location, mainly in your intestines but does include your stomach and other digestive locations. CFUs are a combination of good and bad bacteria that, when in perfect flux, balance each other out. When antibiotics or other sources affect the gut, they often destroy good bacteria which throws off the colony balance and begins to permeate into the system to potentially cause health compromises like a UTI. Replacing the good bacteria with a daily probiotic supplement could help prevent and fight UTI bacteria.
One study of a specific probiotic strain called Lactobacillus showed significant results. According to research in the Canadian Journal of Urology,
“A statistically significant decrease in rUTI [recurrent UTI] was found in patients given Lactobacillus, denoted by the pooled risk ratio of 0.51…Probiotic strains of Lactobacillus are safe and effective in preventing rUTI in adult women.”
Don’t let a UTI make you succumb to conventional medicine when you can prevent it from happening at the onset. Stick to a good healthy diet, plenty of exercise and check with your doctor about trying these 5 natural remedies for a UTI. It is these proactive approaches that will keep you ahead of the curve and on a continued path of optimal health.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/uti-home-remedies#What-Is-a-Urinary-Tract-Infection?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2324774/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/liveutifree.com/vitamin-c-for-uti/amp/
https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/vitamin-c-foods.php
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