Urinary tract infections (UTIs)are distinctively painful. They are known to start a lingering discomfort, be it a burning sensation while urination, an increase in the urgency to pee or sharp lower abdominal pain. In fact, UTIs affect over 150 million people each year. With so many cases, is there an ideal treatment for this condition? Well, antibiotics are popular options. 

Still, there are times when you do not have access to the right medication, and you may not be able to talk to your doctor. In such cases, home remedies can counter these infections without any prescriptions.

So, without further ado, here are the top five household solutions you can try to treat UTIs.

5 Effective Home Remedies to Manage and Treat UTIs

1.  Consume Cranberry Juice

Cranberry, known as ‘karonda’ in India, is a small, red fruit. It is primarily available in regions like South India, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

The juice of this fruit is one of the best treatments for UTI. Notably, the compounds in cranberry juice can prevent the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria. This bacterium is one of the main contributors to UTI.

Here are some of the main constituents in cranberry juice:

• Antioxidants
• Proanthocyanidin
• Vitamin C

Hence, regular intake of this juice is an effective home remedy for UTI.

2. Apply Heat for Instant Relief

What if you face pain and a burning sensation due to a UTI in the middle of the night? Well, the discomfort can become irritating.

The application of heat can thus prove to be a practical home remedy. A heating pad can reduce inflammation and soothe the pelvic region. However, you should follow some simple tips before using heat therapy:

• Do not place the heat pad or other source directly on the skin
• Use a clean towel or suitable cloth as a barrier between the pad and your skin

This home remedy for UTI works well in reducing the intensity of irritation and pain. 

3. Focus on Adequate Hydration

Urinary tract infections result from bacteria reaching the bladder, leading to an inflammatory reaction. Hence, this infection is limited to the urinary tract organs.

For treating as well as preventing UTIs, drinking adequate water is pivotal. Here’s what water does to your body:

• Facilitates organs to remove waste easily 
• Aids in the dilution of urine
• Speeds the flow of urine through the system

The bacteria infecting the mucosal bladder cannot reach the tract easily. This is where drinking plenty of fluids can be really effective in avoiding UTI. 

4. Make Changes in Your Diet

If you have time before contacting your physician, it is better to alter your diet. Here are some of the foods that you should avoid with an ongoing UTI:

• Poultry
• Meat
• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

On the other hand, consuming the following foods can help counter an ongoing UTI:

• Garlic
• Bearberry leaf
• Bananas
• Green beans
• Foods rich in fibres (lentils, nuts, oats)

These foods inhibit bacterial growth, thereby treating UTI. In addition, it is also better to avoid eating highly acidic foods like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Over-intake of citrus foods can irritate your bladder.

5. Prefer a Probiotic

In simple words, probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your digestive system. These are available in some food items or in supplemental form.

Consuming probiotics can lead to the replenishment of healthy bacteria in your gut. Hence, their presence can enhance immune function. Here are some of the well-known sources of probiotics:

• Yoghurt
• Kimchi
• Kefir
• Capsules

Keeping a probiotic at home or consuming relevant fermented food can be an effective home remedy for UTIs.

When To Visit a doctor

The home remedies can work if your UTI is mild and the infection lowers within a few days. However, it would help if you notice the red flags that prompt an instant visit to a urologist. Here are some of the signs to identify:

• Recurring infection 
• Fever, shaking, chills
• Vomiting
• Blood in your urine

Overall, you must contact your physician if your symptoms do not improve over a few days. 

Consult a Urologist Now

In A Nutshell

Specific home remedies can prove effective in treating urinary tract infections. Some top suggestions are consuming cranberry juice, using heat, drinking plenty of water, altering your diet, and using probiotics.

In any case, you should always keep an eye on the intensity of your symptoms. If the infection doesn’t go away, it is vital to contact a reliable urologist near you.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dhanunjay Reddy