5 Helpful Tips to Treat UTIs
A urinary tract infection can negatively impact the kidneys, urethra, urinary tract, and the bladder. Most UTIs are caused by bacterial growth. However, fungal and viral growth cause some others. UTIs can cause severe burning and itching sensation that can be very harrowing to handle. It is advisable to consult with a professional health care provider instead of wasting time. The following at home treatment options for UTI are to be put to use along with antibiotics and other medicines that the doctor prescribes
1. Stay well-hydrated
One of the best and most effective home treatment options for urinary tract infections is drinking adequate amounts of water. It assists the kidneys in maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance while also kicking out toxins. Additionally, the right amount of fluids in the body means the urine will be rightly diluted making it less susceptible to bacterial or other infections.
2. Go pee when you have to
We prioritize things according to their urgency. Things that are more emergent have to be finished off first. So why is it that we find it so easy to ignore the urge to pee in favor of completing the task at hand. Holding off urinating can give bacteria added time to cause an infection leading to UTIs. One of the critical prevention and home treatment options for UTIs is to empty the bladder as soon as the need arises.
3. Cranberry to the rescue
One of the most reliable and harmless remedies to deal with an UTI is to rely on a glass of good old cranberry juice. It has been used since as long as we can remember to naturally treat infections and keep the recovery period short. Various studies have proven its effectiveness in this matter. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. All of these things make cranberry juice an effective treatment option for curing UTIs at home.
4. Increase probiotic intake in diet
Probiotics are good bacteria that are beneficial for gut health. They help eliminate harmful microbes from the digestive system by way of urine or feces. Increasing the intake of probiotics in daily diet keeps the harmful bacteria from latching on to organ tissues. Probiotics also help maintain a healthy pH level of the urinary tract making it less susceptible to bacterial infections that cause UTIs. Probiotic drinks like kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut are tasteful and healthy to consume. Alternatively some types of cheese also carry probiotic properties if yogurt is not your probiotic choice.
5. Add vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most significant sources of antioxidants for the body. It helps fortify the immune system while also lowering the pH of the urine. The low pH makes it difficult for the bacteria to survive preventing urinary tract infections. The National Institute of Health suggests women to consume at least 75 grams of Vitamin C in a single day. Foods that have a good amount of Vitamin C are berries, oranges, tangerines, lemon, potatoes, and more.