Lower back pain and a frequent urge to urinate are both symptoms of urinary tract infection. When the bacteria E. Coli encroach the urinary tract (the kidneys, the bladder, the uterus, and the urethra), the sufferer experiences pain in the lower back and abdomen, frequent urination, passing no or very little urine, and pain and burning sensation while urinating.


The bacteria present in the tract multiply causing distress to the sufferer. If not treated in time, UTIs can lead to kidney and bladder infections (cystitis). Women are more susceptible to this ailment, though it does affect men too.


Other symptoms of UTIs include cloudy and foul-smelling urine and traces of blood in the urine. If the infection affects the kidneys, the sufferer will vomit and feel nauseous. Fever and chills may also occur if the infection has reached the bloodstream. The main causes of UTIs are kidney stones or gall stones, holding back the urge to urinate, multiple sexual partners, and visiting unclean toilets. Being sexually active when suffering from UTIs worsens the condition as the bacteria present in the urethra get shoved further up because of penile movement. A lack of hygiene before and after sexual intercourse also results in UTIs.

Usually, a case of UTI can be successfully treated with a course of antibiotics. But, this infection can recur at any point if the immune system is debilitated or weakened. Other than antibiotics, there are home remedies that can also be used to treat the condition. Initial signs of UTI can be treated by consuming a mix of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Baking soda shoots up the acidic level in the urine making the environment uncongenial for the bacteria. Drinking lots of water (three liters everyday) and other fluids, especially cranberry juice, flushes out the bacteria from the system. A decoction that would also help is taking two tablespoons of coriander seeds in a glass of water and boiling it till the water is reduced to half. Strain the water and set it aside to cool. Sip on the water. Consuming this everyday will be beneficial in treating UTI.

The patient must also make some dietary changes to prevent and treat UTI. He must avoid foods that can cause acidity; like, spices and condiments, citrus fruits like lemon, tomatoes, caffeine, and chocolates. Eating more raw vegetables, fresh fruits and healthy food fights bacterial attacks. Wearing comfortably fitting cotton clothes and underclothing also prevents infections.