These “DIY” UTI treatments are perfect to try before your doctor’s appointment!
Urinary tract infections are very common, and an analysis from 2022 showed that over 404.6 million people from all around the world had to heal with a UTI only in 2019!
These infections happen when bacteria from the skin manage to enter the urinary tract through the urethra. An infection can affect any part of your urinary tract, but the bladder ones are the most widespread.
Anyone can get a UTI, but women are more prone to it, and this is all due to the fact that their urethra (the tube that carries the urine outside) is considerably shorter than the one of men.
Common symptoms are feelings of burning when peeing, murky or black urine, a sense of insufficient bladder emptying, pelvic discomfort, and sometimes others.
But we all know that you might need to wait a couple of days before your doctor’s appointment, and this is why these UTI treatments are perfect for you.
1. Cranberry supplements and cranberry juice
This is one of the most well-known UTI treatments. Many say that their symptoms diminish after drinking unsweetened cranberry juice, and the best thing is that it’s all-natural. If you are not a fan of the juice, you can take capsules, and the results will be similar.
But why is cranberry juice so effective? Experts believe that cranberries keep bacteria away from the urinary tract by making it almost impossible for them to adhere. In research published in 2022, individuals with a history of repeated simple UTIs reported fewer infections after using a cranberry supplement for 6 months.
But keep in mind that most research tells us about prevention. Cranberry supplements work great as a preventive medication, and cranberry juice and capsules are not actually UTI treatments. Still, they have some benefits, and this is why you should give them a try.
2. Hygiene habits are a must
Among the home UTI treatments, hygiene is also a part. This is important when you have an active infection but is even more important when you don’t, because this is one of the ways you avoid getting a UTI in the first place.
First of all, make sure you are using the restroom when you need to do so. Never hold urine for too long. Why? This can lead to bacteria building up and, in the end, a UTI. Also, always pee after intercourse because this greatly reduces the risk of UTIs and is recommended by all health authorities, including Planned Parenthood.
Next, if you are a woman and you are using the toilet, be careful and always wipe front to back and never back to front because this will carry all the bacteria and can increase the risk of getting a UTI.
3. Try D-mannose
Ok, first of all, what is this? D-mannose is a type of sugar that, guess what? It is found in various fruits and also in cranberries. This works in the same way as other home UTI treatments from this list and is amazing at preventing bacteria from adhering to your urinary tract.
There are also studies that say that D-mannose is amazing at treating and preventing UTIs. However, it is important to know that more than three studies showed that this substance is good at fighting active UTIs. This is not just preventive treatment.
The research investigating how effectively D-mannose works to treat persons with recurring UTIs is still in its early stages, but the results so far are encouraging.
So, you can take D-mannose supplements, but you can also get it from food. If you don’t know where to start, here is a list of foods rich in D-mannose: green beans, blueberries, cranberries, oranges, apples, broccoli, and peaches.
4. Probiotics
You can get them from food or supplements, and they are good bacteria that keep your gut happy. Ok, maybe you are wondering how this can be one of the best home UTI treatments.
Well, besides the proven benefits that your gut gets from taking probiotics, your immunity also gets stronger from them. And a better immune function means that your body is more able to fight infection.
Some research suggests that specific probiotics could decrease the risk of UTIs. These studies used oral and vaginal probiotics, as well as a variety of probiotic strains.
Also, considering that the main treatment for UTIs is antibiotics, you can be sure that your gut will have to suffer. This is why probiotics are a must, as they reduce the side effects of antibiotics and also restore good bacteria in the gut. The best foods that contain probiotics are kombucha, kefir, probiotic yogurt, and kimchi.
However, bear in mind that probiotics might not be suitable for everyone. You can consult with your doctor about what probiotics are good for you as well as which strains to take.
5. Vitamin C
There is some evidence that taking vitamin C is one of the home UTI treatments. The way it works is that vitamin C will increase the acidity of the urine, which will kill bacteria and, in the end, stop or slow down the infection.
In 2020, there was a randomized placebo study involving 19 people, and it checked the amount of bacteria in the urine of those who had undergone a kidney transplant. The study found that the group that received intravenous vitamin C had fewer bacteria in their urine compared to the placebo group.
Combining vitamin C with two additional well-known natural UTI remedies—cranberries and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus—may help to cure recurrent UTIs. This is all based on research that took place in 2016 and involved 42 patients.
More research is needed to be sure that these claims are true, especially the one about the acidity of the urine, but you can still try it and see how it works for you.
Want to get more vitamin C naturally? Make sure you eat lots of oranges, and you can also make some cranberry tea and add lemon to it. But this is not enough vitamin C to make a difference, so you can also try some supplements such as sprays, oral tablets, and gummies.
6. Garlic
Yes, it has amazing antibacterial properties that are baked up by various studies, and this makes it an entry that can’t be missing from a list of home UTI treatments.
For example, there is this older study from 2014 that showed that parsley combined with garlic oil is amazing at fighting UTIs because it stops bacterial growth. In 2022 research, rats with an induced UTI produced by E. coli bacteria showed considerable improvement in their illness when given garlic.
One thing to consider is that cooking garlic will reduce its antibacterial properties, but the good thing is that most people can consume raw garlic without any side effects. Doing this is healthy and is one of the home UTI treatments that might work wonders.
However, if you have GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, or take blood thinners, it’s safer to avoid raw garlic and consume it only when it’s cooked.
If you need a D-mannose supplement, you can try this one. You can find it on Amazon, and it has great reviews: Now D-Mannose 500 mg, 300 Capsules – Vegan, Non GMO Supplement for Women and Men
You should also read: Do You Have a Protein Deficiency? These are the 8 Major Signs
