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Is it Possible to Cure a UTI at Home?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) result from the buildup of bacteria in the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent urination, fever and a painful burning sensation when you urinate. Untreated UTIs can cause kidney infections and other serious health risks, so it is very important to treat your symptoms quickly if you suspect you have a UTI. See your doctor if your painful urination and other symptoms persist.

  1. Baking Soda

    • You can treat a mild urinary tract infection at home by drinking a mixture of 1/2 tsp. of baking soda in 8 oz. of water. In the early stages of a urinary tract infection, the presence of baking soda in your body can help reduce the acidity of your urine, easing painful urination symptoms and preventing the infection from worsening.

    Water and Cranberry Juice

    • Drinking plenty of water can help you stay hydrated and flush toxins from your body. Water will increase your urine output, flushing out the bacteria that are causing your urinary tract infection. Cranberry juice is thought to stop bacteria from attaching to the cells that line your urinary tract, keeping further infection at bay. Try to drink natural cranberry juice, with no added sugar. Sugars feed bacteria and will only worsen your infection. You can buy condensed cranberry juice and dilute it with water if the taste is too strong. You can also take cranberry supplements of up to 1000 mg a day.

    Probiotics

    • Probiotic products contain "good" bacteria such as Lactobacillus and bifidus. These healthy bacteria, which naturally inhabit your digestive tract, fight the "bad" bacteria that are causing your infection. The presence of probiotics in the intestines and vagina are known to reduce your risk of UTIs. A high level of "good" bacteria in the vagina and the intestines crowds out pathogenic, or infection-causing, bacteria. Probiotics support your immune system and help you digest and absorb nutrients from food. You can eat probiotics in natural yogurts that contain live active cultures, or you can consume them in chewable tablets.

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