UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) Prevention and Home Remedies

Unfortunately, Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s, bladder infections, Cystitis, Urethritis, Ureteritis) are extremely common and tend to recur, especially when addressed solely with anti-biotics.  Here is my list of things you must know to rid yourself of this nasty cycle.

These are infection preventing habits and home remedies that you should memorize!  Also, remember to be cautious in all health related matters and seek professional treatment alongside these home treatments.

To help treat/prevent Urinary Tract Infections:

1. Reduce sugar intake. Stay away from alcohol, coffee, dairy products, onions, scallions, ginger, black pepper. During the acute phase of the infection, also refrain from eating much meat (a vegetarian diet reduces the growth of certain bacteria in the urine.)
2. Do eat foods with mung beans, radishes, also watermelon, cucumber; also pears, carrots, celery, corn, barley, grapes, cantaloupe, strawberries, loquat, and drink plenty of water.
3. Don’t drink carbonated beverages – In one adult study the use of carbonated beverages was associated with more than twice the risk of developing UTIs.
4. 

   cranberry juice can help relieve UTI

   Cranberry juice or its extract can prevent the adherence of bacteria to the bladder and reduce how many urinary tract infections you get. Drink one cup per 60 pounds of body weight daily. If you don’t like cranberry juice, or would rather avoid the sugar, there are concentrated cranberry extracts available in capsule form.

5. Digestive enzymes may help break down the proteins that allow bacteria to adhere to the bladder.
6. Probiotics (“friendly bacteria” like lactobacillus) displace the bacteria which are likely to cause UTIs and help prevent UTIs. Especially if you are taking antibiotics, you need to take probiotics.
7. Be careful before, during and after menstruation as this is when you are most susceptible to infection. Pay extra attention to personal hygiene.
8. Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to avoid infection.
9. Get up and go pee after sex to prevent bacteria from infecting the urethra.
10. Substances that irritate the genital area should be avoided, such as spermicides, lubricants, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and contraceptive sponges. Select toilet tissue or feminine hygiene products that are not dyed, chlorine-bleached, or scented. Refrain from douching or the insertion of foreign objects in the vagina. In the case of severe itching, refrain from scratching or from excessive washing of the affected area.
11. Use hypo-allergenic or fragrance-free substances whenever possible, such as fabric softener, soap, laundry detergents, deodorant sprays, bathwater additives, shower gels, and related products
12. Candida cannot be killed with the normal washing and drying methods. Patients suffering from yeast infection can try to soak their underwear in bleach for 24 hours before washing them. Ironing may also be an alternative as candida is killed at high temperature.
13. Wear loose clothing and refrain from wearing tight slacks, vinyl, or tight denim. Wear silk or cotton underwear for better ventilation. Avoid polyester, snug, nonporous or nonabsorbent underpants.

Urinary tract infections symptoms include lower abdominal, back, or side pain, urination that might have a burning sensation, and increased urinary frequency.  Most often very little urine is released and the urine that is released may be tinged with blood.  Although they are not necessarily serious, you do not want the infection to spread to your kidneys.  If you’ve had more than one recurrance,  pay attention and note what you experience as an infection takes hold and gets worse.  Learning to see the signs and quickly addressing it (especially with steps 1 to 6 above) can make all the difference.  My experience is that many people initially experience especially the ab pain, hot skin, malaise, and decreased urination.

Also remember that properly prescribed herbs and acupuncture can help tremendously in preventing and treating such infections.

Finally, check out my article on fungal infections, and candida.