Individuals suffering from urinary tract infections should drink plenty of water, avoid holding in urine, and maintain cleanliness in the genital area to alleviate discomfort without the need for medication.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are often mild but can become serious if left untreated. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, UTIs affect 150 million people worldwide each year.
Although this condition can occur in anyone, women are more susceptible to infections due to the shorter length of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, compared to men. This shorter distance allows bacteria to enter and reach the bladder more easily. Common symptoms of urinary tract infections include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or dark urine, strong-smelling urine, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and pelvic pain.
95% of urinary infections are caused by bacteria, while the remaining 5% may be due to fungi. In the past, doctors typically prescribed antibiotics for patients with urinary infections, but now some healthcare providers may adopt a watchful waiting approach if the infection is uncomplicated and symptoms are mild.
For example, in Europe, healthcare providers often give a 48-hour prescription for patients to use at their discretion while also encouraging natural remedies. Experts suggest that when experiencing mild urinary infections, patients can implement several natural measures to expedite the healing process.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
In the study “The Effect of Increased Daily Water Intake in Premenopausal Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections”, published in 2018 in JAMA (USA), researchers found that fluids help the body eliminate more bacteria circulating in the bladder. Frequent urination can help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract to prevent infection. If one does not urinate regularly, the bladder can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Experts recommend that individuals with urinary tract infections aim to drink at least 8 cups of water daily. It is important to drink water whenever feeling thirsty and to avoid holding in urine for extended periods, ensuring regular urination.
2. Drink Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is beneficial for those with urinary tract infections. (Image: Freepik)
Cranberry juice contains compounds believed to prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for alleviating urinary tract infection symptoms. The compounds in cranberries play a role in preventing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, helping to avert infections.
A 2016 study in the United States showed that women with a history of infections who consumed about 240 ml of cranberry juice daily for 24 weeks experienced fewer urinary infections compared to a control group. Consuming cranberry products may reduce the number of urinary infections over a year, especially for women with recurrent urinary infections.
3. Supplement with Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps alleviate symptoms of mild urinary tract infections by increasing the acidity of urine, making it more difficult for bacteria to thrive. Individuals with urinary infections can enhance their vitamin C intake through daily foods or supplements while avoiding any foods or beverages that may irritate or inflame the urinary tract, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, as these can exacerbate symptoms.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that women aged 19 and older consume at least 75 mg of vitamin C daily, while men need about 90 mg each day. Adults who smoke should supplement an additional 35 mg of vitamin C daily.
4. Maintain Cleanliness in the Genital Area
Urinary infections develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces reach the urethra. Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel to other parts of the urinary system, causing infection. After urination, individuals should wipe in a manner that prevents bacteria from moving from the anus to the genital area. For example, using separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genital area and anus.
Urinating after sexual intercourse can also reduce the risk of bladder infections by preventing the spread of bacteria. Additionally, those prone to urinary infections should avoid using spermicides as they may increase the risk of bladder infections.
5. Practice Good Sexual Hygiene
Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria and other microbes into the urinary tract, so practicing good sexual hygiene can help reduce this risk. Some beneficial sexual hygiene practices include urinating before and immediately after sexual intercourse, using contraceptive methods like condoms, and cleaning the genital area, especially the foreskin and vagina, before and after sexual activity.
6. Use Probiotics
Many studies have shown that beneficial bacteria known as probiotics help maintain a healthy urinary tract by eliminating harmful bacteria. In particular, probiotics from the Lactobacillus group can help prevent urinary tract infections. Probiotics are found in various fermented dairy products, including yogurt, certain cheeses, and sauerkraut.
