Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are uncomfortable experiences for many people. They occur when bacteria, such as E. coli, travel through the urethra to the bladder.
From there, the infection may spread to the kidneys. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain with urination, cloudy urine and lower abdominal cramping.
Treatment of a urinary tract infection involves antibiotics. But some individuals may turn to home remedies to reduce the discomfort.
The MayoClinic.com noted that these remedies can help with the symptoms while the antibiotics clear the infection. But if you think you have a urinary tract infection, talk to your doctor. An untreated urinary tract infection can result in several complications, such as an acute or chronic kidney infection.
One popular home remedy for a urinary tract infection is drinking cranberry juice. Cranberries, along with lignonberries and blueberries, contain tannins. These compounds prevent E. coli from binding to the cells in the urinary tract, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
The amount of cranberry juice an individual needs to drink to either fight the infection or prevent one is unknown. But the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that some studies on cranberry juice has found that it may decrease the number of urinary tract infections that cause symptoms.
Drinking cranberry juice for a urinary tract infection is safe for most people. Some individuals may have diarrhea or an upset stomach.
However, if you take the medication warfarin, you should not consume cranberry juice. The combination of warfarin and cranberry juice may result in bleeding, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Consuming plenty of water can be a helpful home remedy for a urinary tract infection. The water dilutes the urine.
But when choosing fluids, avoid ones that can irritate the bladder. When the bladder becomes irritated, it can make the sensation to frequently urinate worse.
These include beverages that include caffeine, such as coffee and soda. Other beverages to avoid include alcohol and drinks that contain citrus juices.
Another home remedy for a urinary tract infection is a heating pad. When placed on the abdomen, it can help reduce discomfort and pressure in the bladder. The MayoClinic.com noted that the temperature of the heating pad should be warm, not hot.
References
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Urinary Tract Infection – Adults. Web. 4 June 2012
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000521.htm
MayoClinic.com. Urinary Tract Infection: Alternative Medicine. Web. 4 June 2012
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-tract-infection/DS00286/DSECTION=alternative-medicine
University of Maryland Medical Center. Urinary Tract Infection – Lifestyle Changes. Web. 4 June 2012
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/non-antibiotic_measures_preventing_recurrent_urinary_tract_infections_000036_9.htm
MayoClinic.com. Urinary Tract Infection: Lifestyle and Home Remedies. Web. 4 June 2012
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-tract-infection/DS00286/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
Reviewed June 4, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith