If you have ever been unfortunate enough to suffer with a urinary tract infection, then there is no doubt about it, you will be well aware of just how uncomfortable, even painful it can be. However, there are a few natural remedies which can be used to stop urinary tract infections prior to going down the prescribed medication route.
First of all, pay a visit to your doctor and don’t be hesitant to ask him or her about natural remedies to treat the infection. If they are in agreement with you giving natural remedies a try, here are some you may wish to consider.
1. Cranberry juice has been used for many years to treat urinary tract infections.
Proanthocyanins contained within the juice are thought to prevent bacteria getting a foothold and inflaming and infecting the walls of the urinary system. The bacteria are then flushed from the body as the urine passes through. Cranberry tablets or as much as three cups of pure cranberry juice can be taken each day.
2. Containing arbutin, Uva Ursi is known to stop bacteria in its tracks but in order for it to work the urine needs to be alkaline. A good way to increase the alkalinity of your urine is to take sodium bicarbonate and then follow up with Uva Ursi to treat the condition.
What is Uva Ursi? Well, it is the leaves of a particular berry plant. You should be able to find these crushed leaves or a powder form in health food or specialty shops. Please keep to the recommended dosage though, as I’ve heard it can become toxic if overconsumed.
3. Diuretic herbs such dandelion leaves, hydrangea and parsley increase the amount of urine produced and when more urine is passed the bacteria gets flushed out of the body quicker. Horsetail and marshmallow are examples of other useful diuretic herbs.
4. Vitamin C boosts the immune system power which results in a stronger attack against bacteria. For the most part vitamin C is provided by the food we eat, in particular, citrus fruit. Eat as much citrus fruit as you can as urinary tract infections tend to deteriorate in acidic surroundings. It’s best to get vitamin C from foods, but if necessary a supplement may be taken.
5. The body is made up mostly of water and, therefore, more water is needed to internally shower the body. The cells of your body as well as your urinary system need water to flush away any unwanted pollutions so drinking lots of water will help to prevent the reoccurrence of infection. Basically, changing the environment where bacteria flourishes will go a long way to putting an end to urinary tract infections.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to have a chat with your doctor prior to treating yourself or taking herbal remedies. Herbs should be considered as medications and the possibility of any serious interactions with traditional medications need to be considered. If you are pregnant or feeding your baby yourself, there are some herbs, for example, Uva Ursi which are not recommended for use.
A urinalysis will confirm that you have freed your body from the bacteria causing the condition in the first place.
Hi everyone,
I’m always a fan of natural ways of treating things. So, give these a whirl. And let me know which urinary tract infection home remedy has worked for you.
To your health,
Kimberly
