Urinary Tract Infection

A bladder infection, also known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), can occur when bacteria grow uncontrollably inside the bladder. This type of infection can affect anyone, but it most often occurs in women.

About bladder infections

Bladder infections are also called urinary tract infections. They can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up into bladder. The urethra is the tube that takes urine out of the body. Once bacteria go into the urethra, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and multiply quickly. The resulting infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as sudden urges to urinate, pain while urinating, and abdominal cramping. These symptoms may be eased with a combination of medical and home treatments.

Do you have frequent, painful UTIs? You may be surprised by how much you can do at home to relieve your discomfort.

Taking an antibiotic  isn’t the only way to get over symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

In fact, some remedies don’t require a prescription — and they can be done right at home in addition to any treatment your doctor has recommended. But be cautious with do-it-yourself home solutions, and check in with your doctor before trying a new strategy.

Drink Water-A lot of Water

This may not sound like the most extraordinary remedy, but it is one of the most important things you can do when you have a UTI. It can help flush out bacteria, and (almost) more importantly, it gives you something to actually push out when you pee! A lot of home remedies for urinary tract infections are drinks because you should always be flushing fluid through your system to give it a helping hand in getting rid of the nasty bacteria. Drink like a fish stranded in the desert at the first hint of an infection. Get your 8 glasses, and then some more. Keep clearing out your urinary tract and you may be able to bounce back rather quickly-or at least be comfortable!

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is an alkaline substance-the opposite of acidic-which means it can help neutralize or lessen the acidity of your urine. If you find yourself resisting the urge to pee because of a burning sensation, baking soda can help ease the discomfort. Stir the baking soda into the water until it dissolves, and then drink the whole glass. Do this first thing in the morning. Don’t do this for more than a week, or if you are trying to avoid salt, since baking soda is high in sodium.

Cucumber

Thanks to their high water content, cucumbers are a great way to get to get extra fluid through your system when you find yourself having a hard time drinking enough water.

Ginger

No list dealing with any condition that involved any kind of inflammation would be complete without ginger. Its chemical make-up allows it to block prostaglandin synthesis, a process which creates little messengers (aptly called prostaglandins.) Prostaglandins communicate about a variety of biological processes, such as inflammation. They also transmit pain signals to neurons. It can therefore help to prevent inflammation, reduce current inflammation, and reduce pain. This is the same process that OTC anti-inflammatory medications-just without all the nasty side-effects!

AMLA

Indian Gooseberry is rich in vitamin C which in turn inhibits the growth of bacteria. ake a cup of water.

Add one teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) powder and one teaspoon of turmeric powder.Boil the solution until half the water evaporates.Drink the residue three times a day for three to five days.You can also eat more fruits like lemons, oranges, bananas, guava, kiwi, melon, raspberries, blueberries , tomatoes, and papaya

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar is a rich source of enzymes, potassium and other useful minerals that can prevent the bacteria that cause UTIs from multiplying or growing. Those suffering from UTIs can use apple cider vinegar as a natural antibiotic to treat the infection. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. You can also add lemon juice and sweeten with honey. Mix it well.Drink this two times a day for a few days.

Heating pads

Why it helps: Putting low heat across your abdominal region or back may soothe the dull ache that sometimes occurs during bladder infections. This can be especially helpful if medications aren’t enough to ease your discomfort.

Preventing future bladder infections

The following lifestyle changes may help reduce or eliminate the occurrence of bladder infections:

• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day
• Urinate as soon as you feel the need
• Take showers instead of baths
• Wear cotton underwear
• Change your underwear daily
• Wipe from front to back after urinating, if you’re a female
• Don’t use douches or feminine hygiene sprays, if you’re a female
• Use sanitary pads instead of tampons, if you’re a female who menstruates
• Avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide and change to an alternate form of birth control
• Use nonspermicidal lubricated condoms, if you’re a male
• Urinate before and after sexual activity