Natural treatment for urinary tract infections

Natural treatment for urinary tract infections

If you experience excruciating pain when urinating, have constant lower back pain, or your urine gives off a foul odor, you may be suffering from a urinary tract infection, or UTI. If left untreated, these annoying symptoms can lead to more serious complications.

When any of the organs that make up the urinary tract becomes infected with bacteria, fungi, or a parasite, it results in a urinary tract infection. The urinary tract includes organs such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The more specific and localized classifications include urethritis (urethra infection), cystitis (bladder infection), and pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

Urinary tract infections can be caused by strains of bacteria that originate in the colon, such as E-Coli, and can be extremely painful and irritating. Most urinary tract infections are limited to the bladder. However, if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can be life-threatening.

Bacteria travel from the urethra to the bladder and then to the kidneys. Women are more susceptible to this type of infection than men because women have a shorter urethra and it is easier for microbes to reach the bladder or kidneys. Also, if you have an enlarged prostate or kidney stones that restrict or interrupt the flow of urine, you could be more susceptible to a urinary tract infection. Additionally, if you don't drink a lot of water, you increase your risk of getting a urinary tract infection. Urination flushes the urinary tract, but this is only possible if you drink enough fluids.

If you notice symptoms of a bladder infection, it is important to get it treated quickly and properly. Otherwise, you could end up with a kidney infection, which is far more serious. Symptoms typically include a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy urine, a foul odor, occasional traces of blood in the urine, and a feeling of needing to urinate urgently and often. It may be very difficult to urinate or defecate completely. If you are experiencing unbearable pain or back pain, act quickly to avoid potentially serious complications.

The standard conventional treatment for a urinary tract infection includes normal antibiotic treatment. However, if you want to take a more natural approach, naturopathy offers a number of options that can help you. Herbs with an affinity for the urinary tract such as uva ursi, goldenrod, barberry and corn silk can be very effective in the right combination. Homeopathic remedies can also provide quick relief with Cantharis, Berberis and many other single and combination homeopathic remedies. Probiotics are important for controlling the types of bacteria present in the colon, and proper wiping (front to back) reduces bacterial contamination.

Cranberry has long been considered a remedy for bladder infections, but only the pure, unsweetened juice should be used. When you start filling up on the delicious cranberry juice from your local grocery store, it just adds sugar to your system, which lowers your immune function and feeds the bacteria.