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Holistic Ways to Cure UTI

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a common medical condition in which the kidneys, bladder, urethra and/or ureters become infected and inflamed. This occurs when bacteria that is normally flushed from the body is allowed to grow and flourish. UTIs are very common, especially in women. According to the National Institutes of Health, UTIs account for more than 8.3 million doctor visits a year. Antibiotics are typically needed to clear the infection, but there are some holistic remedies you can try at home.

  1. Fluids

    • Although urinating can burn or be painful when you have a urinary tract infection, drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated provides a steady source of urine, which can help flush infection-causing bacteria out of the body. Try drinking between six and 10 full glasses of fluids each day. Water is a good choice, as are many fruit juices. Avoid drinking citrus juices and caffeinated and carbonated beverages because they can irritate the urinary tract and make you more uncomfortable.

    Cranberry Juice

    • There is some debate among doctors and medical experts about whether cranberry juice is beneficial when you have a urinary tract infection. Clinical research has shown that is has antibacterial properties that can help clear a urinary tract infection, but some doctors believe you would have to drink huge quantities of it for it to be beneficial. Regardless, many people swear by the remedy, and doctors often recommend it. If the taste of cranberry juice is too strong for you, try diluting it with water or apple juice.

    Baking Soda

    • Urine is very acidic by nature, so reducing the acid content of urine can help ease some of the pain and discomfort that are common when you have a UTI. One way to make your urine less acidic is to consume baking soda. Try adding a half-teaspoon of it to a full glass of water one or two times a day. This can be especially helpful when you first notice the signs of a urinary tract infection.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C acts somewhat like a natural antibiotic in the body, preventing bacteria from growing and multiplying. Eating a diet rich in vitamin C or taking a vitamin C supplement can help prevent and treat UTIs. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and brussel sprouts.

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