Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs are common health problems impacting millions, primarily women. According to a report by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health, UTIs are common, accounting for 1.2% of all problems managed in Australian general practice consultations. While antibiotics are the primary treatment for UTIs, natural home remedies can complement offer medical interventions to relieve symptoms. Let’s explore various natural home remedies for UTIs accentuating their effectiveness and safety.
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that develops in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. It is a common medical ailment, often caused by bacteria such as E.coli entering the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplying. If not treated, UTIs can lead to more severe complications.
UTI symptoms:
Here are some common UTI symptoms you should be aware of:
- Frequent urination: You may feel the urge to urinate more often, even when a small amount of urine is to pass
- Hematuria: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is possible if you have a UTI. 3. Malaise or fatigue: A UTI may be accompanied by a feeling of being sick, fatigue, or a high fever.
- Pelvic discomfort: A UTI may cause pain in the pelvic area, particularly in women.
- Urgency: You may feel the sensation of having to urinate immediately, usually without any prior notice.
- Pungent odour: Your urine might have a strong, unpleasant odour.
- Pain or burning sensation: You may experience pain or burning while urinating.
- Vomiting and nausea: Some people with UTIs may feel nauseated, especially if the infection has spread or if their kidneys are affected.
- Pain during sexual activity: Women who have a UTI may feel pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Back pain or discomfort: If the infection spreads to the kidneys, a UTI may cause pain or discomfort in the back or lower abdomen.
If you experience severe symptoms such as a high fever, severe back pain, vomiting, or blood in the urine, seek medical help immediately.
Home remedies to relieve the symptoms of UTI
Although utilising home remedies for a UTI might help alleviate some symptoms, it's important to remember that they cannot substitute for medical care, particularly if the infection is severe or recurring. However, in addition to prescription antibiotics, these homemade remedies might help reduce discomfort:
- Plenty of water: Water is important to stay hydrated as it aids in the removal of microorganisms from the urinary system. Try to have eight glasses of water or more each day.
- Steer clear of irritants: Things that can aggravate the bladder and aggravate the symptoms of a urinary tract infection include alcohol, caffeine, and spicy meals.
- Probiotics: Found in yoghurt and supplements, probiotics can support the health of the urinary system and can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the body.
- Urinate frequently: To stop bacteria from growing, empty your bladder often and avoid holding onto urine for extended periods.
- Herbal remedies: Traditionally, several herbs have been used to enhance urinary tract health, including buchu, goldenseal, and uva-ursi. However, because of their unproven efficacy, speaking with a healthcare provider before utilising them is crucial.
- Apply heat: You can ease discomfort brought on by pain from a UTI by placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on your back or stomach.
- D-Mannose: D-Mannose is a kind of sugar that has the potential to stop germs from sticking to the urinary tract's walls. It is offered as a supplement and could help some people who have urinary tract infections. Consult a doctor on the proper usage.
- Urinate after intercourse: After sexual activity, empty your bladder. Urinating soon after can aid in the removal of any bacteria that may have entered your urinary system and can help prevent UTIs
- Increase daily intake of vitamin C: It is thought that vitamin C causes urine to become more acidic, which can help stop germs from growing in the urinary system. Add vitamin C-rich foods to your diet, such as bell peppers, oranges, kiwis, and strawberries. However, consult a doctor if you have a history of kidney stones.
- Garlic: It is proposed that the antibacterial qualities of garlic may help prevent bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections. Consider adding fresh garlic to your food or taking supplements containing garlic, but before doing so, speak with a healthcare provider.
- Maintain good hygiene: To stop bacteria from spreading from the anus to the urinary system, practice proper hygiene. Keep the genital area dry and clean, and wipe after using the restroom from front to back.
- Epsom salt baths: Taking a warm Epsom salt bath can help ease pain and encourage relaxation. Magnesium sulphate, an ingredient in Epsom salts, has long been used to relieve aches and pains in the muscles.
- Prioritise comfort: To promote airflow and reduce urinary tract discomfort, wear loose-fitting cotton clothes and undergarments.
- Barley water: It's believed that barley water has diuretic qualities and might help boost urine production, which might help get rid of germs in the urinary system. Bring barley to a boil with water, drain, and enjoy warm or cold. Its effectiveness is not well supported by scientific evidence, and you should consult a GP before using it.
What to avoid?
It is important to refrain from particular substances and practices during a urinary tract infection (UTI) since they may worsen symptoms or impair the body's defences against the illness. The following should be avoided while you have a UTI:
- Caffeine: A diuretic, caffeine can irritate the bladder and increase urine output, which can cause more frequent urination and pain when a UTI is present.
- Spicy foods: Foods that are spicy can aggravate UTI symptoms including burning when urinating and soreness in the pelvis. They can also irritate the bladder. · Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can aggravate urinary tract irritation (UTI) symptoms, including urgency and frequency of urine. Additionally, dehydration might make it more difficult for the body to eliminate microorganisms from the urinary system.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can aggravate urinary tract irritation (UTI) symptoms, including urgency and frequency of urine. Additionally, dehydration might make it more difficult for the body to eliminate microorganisms from the urinary system.
- Artificial sweeteners: Diet drinks, sugar-free chocolates, and processed meals all include artificial sweeteners that can irritate the bladder and enhance UTI symptoms.
- Acidic meals and drinks: Acidic foods and drinks, such as tomatoes, vinegar, and carbonated drinks, may inflame the bladder and aggravate symptoms of urinary tract infections.
- Bubble baths: Scent-infused bath products and bubble baths can irritate the urethra and vagin*l region, which may make UTI symptoms worse. When washing when suffering from a UTI, choose mild, fragrance-free products.
- Avoid tight-fitted clothes: Tight clothes, particularly tight underwear made of synthetic materials, can trap heat and moisture, which can encourage the growth of germs in the genital area. Instead, go for airy, loose-fitting cotton underpants. · Steer clear of dehydration: Dehydration can make urine more concentrated and less effective in clearing the urinary tract of pathogens. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoiding liquids that might cause dehydration, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Steer clear of dehydration: Dehydration can make urine more concentrated and less effective in clearing the urinary tract of pathogens. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoiding liquids that might cause dehydration, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Smoking: Smoking can affect the body's capacity to fight off infections, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs), and weaken the immune system. If you smoke, you should think about giving it up or cutting back to boost your immune system and general health.
- Limit high-sodium foods: Foods rich in sodium cause bloating and water retention, which can make UTI pain worse. Reduce the number of processed meals, canned foods, and salty snacks that you may consume.
When to consult a doctor?
If you have symptoms like blood in the urine, pelvic discomfort, hazy or foul-smelling urine, and pain or frequent urination, you may consult a doctor for a UTI. Get help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or back pain. These symptoms may lead to a more serious illness. At the first indication of a UTI, senior citizens, children, and pregnant women should consult a doctor to avoid complications. It's crucial to seek medical help for a correct diagnosis and treatment, which may involve antibiotics, if you have recurring UTIs or if your symptoms do not improve after taking home remedies for a day or two. Early treatment can reduce the chance of complications and stop the infection from spreading.
Can a telehealth appointment with an online doctor help with UTIs?
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can be successfully treated by a telehealth visit with an online physician. You may talk to someone about your symptoms, get a diagnosis, and if necessary, get a prescription for antibiotics. Telehealth enables you to consult with a GP online from home without having to wait for an in-person consultation. It offers convenience, accessibility, and timely care. It's affordable and offers anonymity when talking about private matters like UTIs.You might need to see a doctor in person if you have severe or recurring symptoms or consequences, such as fever or repeated UTIs.
In general, telehealth consultations are a useful tool for treating UTIs, providing prompt access to medical care, and monitoring infections.Natural home remedies can offer symptomatic relief during a UTI. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before trying any new remedy, especially if you have preexisting health issues or are pregnant. With adequate hydration, dietary adjustments, and the inclusion of natural home remedies, individuals can obtain respite from the symptoms of UTIs while fostering overall urinary health.
