Home Remedies for UTI

What is UTI?

UTI or urinary tract infection, as the name suggests, is an infection that affects the urinary tract or system.



The urinary system comprises a pair of kidneys and ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. While a UTI can refer to an infection in any part of the urinary system, in most cases, the infection is contained in the lower part of the system; the urethra and bladder. Although an infection in the bladder can be extremely painful, it is not as serious as one that reaches up to the kidneys. UTI is more common among women.

What causes UTI?

Most UTIs result from a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. The bacteria, which enter through the urethra, reach up to the bladder and begin to multiply, resulting in a UTI. While the body is designed to combat such infections, sometimes the defense mechanism fails.

Cystitis or infection in the bladder is caused by bacteria known as Escherichia coli, or E. coli, which is prevalent in the gastrointestinal tract.



In most cases, the proximity of the urethra to the anus allows the bacteria to enter the urinary tract. This is also why women are more susceptible than men. Urethritis, or infection of the urethra, is another type of UTI. Here, sexual intercourse (which increases the chances of an STD) has been regarded as the cause, owing to the proximity of the vagina to the urethra.

What are the symptoms of UTI?

While the symptoms of a UTI do not always manifest, the most common ones include a constant need to urinate, a burning sensation when passing urine, and bloody or cloudy urine.
Home remedies. UTI is a serious infection and should not be taken lightly. If left untreated or ignored, it could manifest into a severe infection with negative affects. Hence, it is advised that a physician be consulted before beginning any kind of treatment at home.



Below are some of the popular home remedies for UTI.

One of the best home remedies for UTI, when it is in its early stages, is consuming a glass (eight ounce) of water mixed with half a spoon of baking soda. Since baking soda makes the urine more acidic, it is effective in fighting a UTI. Another excellent remedy for UTI is to simply drink lots of water. This ensures that your system is continuously flushing out the toxins.

Cranberry juice is a powerful weapon against UTI.



This is because the juice hinders the clinging of the bacteria to the cell. If the bacteria are unable to cling to the cell, they will be flushed out during urination.  

Other effective home remedies include consuming Echinacea and Oregon grape root. These can be taken in the form of capsules, two to three times a day.