Before popping antibiotics, try these 5 home remedies to treat UTI

Your body eliminates toxins and waste fluids through the process of urination. But, what if you avoid going to the bathroom due to the fear of experiencing pain while urinating? If so, you may be suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI) whose major symptom is painful urination. Secondly, holding your urine can further worsen the symptoms of UTI. However, some home remedies for UTI have proven to eliminate the irritation.

UTI is not something that can’t be cured. It can be easily prevented by taking antibiotics. But, why don’t you try these natural remedies to get instant relief from the symptoms of UTI?

Before that, ‌look at these symptoms of UTI to find out if you are infected:

* Burning sensation or itching
* Pain while urinating
* Frequent urination
* Foul-smelling urine
* Pain in abdomen
* Soreness down there
* Blood in the urine
* Fatigue, fever, and chills
* Cramping and vaginal irritation
* Pain with sexual intercourse

Here’s how you can deal with it

In a chat with HealthShots, Dr Madhuri Burande Laha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Mumbai, listed the 5 best home remedies to cure UTI at home.

Here they are:

1. Drink enough water

If you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you will have to stay hydrated by drinking enough water. Doing so can help you to eliminate toxins in the urinary tract. Try to drink 8 glasses of water during the day. Moreover, you need to avoid having alcohol and caffeine that can irritate the bladder.

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2. Eating a well-balanced diet is key

Try to opt for zinc and vitamin C-rich foods in the diet to tackle UTIs. Make sure to include strawberries, broccoli, citrus fruits, sprouts, seeds, legumes, and eggs in the diet. Say NO to processed, canned, and oily food.

3. Have cranberry juice

Cranberry juice is loaded with a compound called proanthocyanidins that will help prevent the bacteria, E. Coli from entering the tissues in the urinary tract. Not only this, even the vitamin C content in the juice will reduce the overgrowth of bad bacteria.

4. Don’t forget probiotics

Try fermented foods, and probiotic supplements because they are helpful for the gut and prevent a UTI.

5. Applying a heating pad can be beneficial

Did you know? Inflammation and irritation owing to a UTI can lead to burning, pressure, and pain down there. Thus, applying a heating pad can do the trick. It can soothe the area, lower pain, and irritation. But you shouldn’t directly place it on the skin. First, place a clean cloth and then the heat pad on the area and you will surely notice the difference.

“Most importantly do not start antibiotics on your own or just ask a chemist or refer to an old prescription. If you do so you will be in trouble as further testing of urine will not help you to detect which organism is the culprit for this UTI. Self medication also doesn’t help you to find effective antibiotics,” warns Dr Laha.

So, try these home remedies for a day or two maximum and always reach the doctor immediately if the symptoms persist. The doctor will assess the situation, investigate the cause and treat accordingly. But don’t delay as most of the time UTI burning and pain increases at a fast pace making it unbearable for patients.

Things to remember

Always keep these few things in your mind to keep your vaginal health on track:
Maintain personal hygiene

* Clean your vagina after intercourse
* Pee after intercourse
* Avoid strong perfumed soaps or lotions
* Do not douche
* Use vaginal moisturizer to provide moisture and to prevent dryness
* Wipe from front to back
* Do not hold your urine
* Maintain good menstrual hygiene
* Wear cotton underwears

So Ladies, follow these remedies and keep these tips handy because prevention is better than cure!