7 helpful home remedies for urinary tract infections

While physicians often prescribe antibiotics, the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs)can be eased at home. Here are seven remedies known to help.
Every female is susceptible to a urinary tract infection, due in part to basic human physiology. A urinary tract infection, or UTI, causes burning and often painful cramps in the pelvic region These seven home remedies include simple applications, such as drinking lots of water and consuming probiotics foods, which offer some of the most effective relief from UTIs.

The first action is to ease the intolerable burning sensation near the pubic region. A teaspoon of baking soda with a full glass of water can help relieve pain. Use this solution sparingly, since baking soda has a high alkaline content, which can undo some of the beneficial effects of other remedies, such as cranberry juice.

Drink 100 per cent cranberry juice, high in flavonoids—particularly proanthocyanidins—that can help prevent the growth of the bacterium, E. coli, from sticking to bladder cells. At first, scientists thought the acidic berries worked by killing bacteria, now studies show that cranberries prevents some bacteria from grasping to bladder walls. Drink two glasses (two 250 milliliters) of cranberry juice per day.

One of the first recommendations given by doctors for UTIs is to drink lots of water. Purified water flushes out bacteria every time the bladder is emptied and puts the individual on the right path to recovery. Aim for two litres of water per day.

Like cranberries, blueberries, oranges, limes, and lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is important in helping to eliminate infections. The ascorbic acid in vitamin C fights harmful bacteria while it heals and repairs the urinary tract. For active UTIs, take a high-dose vitamin C supplement or drink 125 milliliters of lemon juice each morning until the infection heals.

Colloidal silver acts like an antibiotic, destroying the bacteria responsible for UTIs. For centuries, silver, a trace mineral, has been used to work naturally with the body's immune system. Drinking 300-600 milliliters of colloidal silver per day can help disarm most UTIs.

Take probiotic supplements or fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, miso, and sauerkraut, which are excellent for the digestive and urinary tract. Eating a small portion on a regular basis supports the body's natural defence system and prevents the growth of bacteria that causes UTIs.

Prepare a brew made with golden seal root using five milliliters of the dried herb per 250 milliliters of hot water to soothe UTIs that last longer than two days.