Probaby one of the most frustrating and irritating infections is a Urinary Tract Infection. ( UTI) The discomfort, burning pain, increasing feeling of urination and the feeling of wanting to pass urine even when the bladder is not full, leaves you feeling quite debilitated.
Infections can occur if bacteria gets into the body via the bloodstream or the urethra. UTI”S are more common in women. Despite containing fluids, salts and waste products, urine is sterile ( free from germs such as bacteria ). An infection occurs only when the bacteria grows. An infection can occur in any part of the urinary tract when a bacterium, fungus or virus invades. It is vital to treat an UTI once we get the first symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when you urinate, a pain in the lower back or abdomen and general discomfort.
Fortunately, this is one type of infection where home remedies are the most effective so it is best to go the natural way.
Non – dietary remedies
Preventing UTI starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits :
- Do not hold urine for too long. Go to the toilet as soon as you have the urge to pass urine.
- When you use the toilet, wipe front to back. Wiping the other way (back to front) causes bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and leads to a higher risk of UTI.
- Using the toilet immediately after sex reduces the risk of UTI”s by preventing the spread of bacteria.
- If you have recurring infections, please make sure you have your blood sugar checked. Personally, I was suffering from recurrent UTI”s and only when I got my sugar checked did I realise I was borderline diabetic and started taking a lot more care.They have since not re-occurred.
- Use hot packs around the lower abdomen as it will provide temporary relief from pain and pressure-like sensation in the pelvic area. Can even reduce inflammation by promoting blood circulation in the area.
- Yoga and exercise is highly recommended.
- Take showers instead of baths.
- Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays.
- Avoid working in the sun or near furnaces and boilers.
Dietary Remedies
- Stay hydrated — It is very important to flush your system of toxins and increase the flow of urine.
- Apple cider vinegar twice a day with water and honey is effective in reducing the growth of infection causing bacteria.
- Unsweetened cranberry juice twice a day is useful as well.
- Parsley and coriander are very good for the kidneys and alleviate the symptoms of UTI. Infuse fresh parsley or coriander leaves in boiling water, strain and drink.
- Have 3 to 5 fresh cloves of garlic daily.
- Coconut water 200 ml twice daily balances the electrolytes and cools the body.
- Yogurt and fermented foods are very good for UTI.They indirectly help fight UTI’s by strengthening the immune system.
- Add lemon juice to betel leaves after boiling in water and straining.Extremely effective remedy to control and contain an infection.
- Increase intake of herbs like green cardamom, coriander and licorice root (mulethi).
- Have one teaspoon of powdered Indian gooseberry (amla) with one glass of water on an empty stomach in the morning.
Basically, please keep your body as alkaline as possible.As mentioned in a previous post, infections do not thrive in an alkaline environment.
All the best and Happy Healing from Naturally Dimpi!!