Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria make it way inside the urinary tract; from the kidneys to bladder to the ureters, any part can get infected. While overwhelming cases result from bacterial attack, fungus can also lead to UTIs.
Women are more likely to suffer from UTIs, especially those who are sexually active. However, they effect men just the same as well.
Symptoms of UTIs
UTIs lead to burning sensation when urination. Some people also experience pain in the process. It also causes problems with emptying of the bladder; people are unable to tell if they are done or not. Urinary tract infection also leads to frequent urination.
The infection also causes pain in the pelvic region. It also makes the urine cloudy and dark in color with strong odor. Most often, UTIs require antibiotics, so you need to visit your urologist in Karachi for to get a prescription.
However, you can also benefit from home remedies in preventing the infections from reoccurring.
Home remedies for UTIs
Cranberry juice
One of the most effective and well-known remedies for UTIs is cranberry juice. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, which helps in fortifying the body. Moreover, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also help in fighting the infection in the body.
Moreover, cranberry juice also helps in clearing infection in the body, as it prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. Hence, be sure to invest in cranberry juice for to fight the infection.
Cut back on caffeine
Since your bladder is already suffering on account of the infection, do not test its limit further, which then means you should cut back on foods that irritate the bladder. The chief example is caffeine.
Hence, moderate your intake of chocolate, coffee, tea, energy drinks and other sources of caffeine. If you can eliminate all together for the time being, that would be even better.
Heating pad
Heat helps in soothing pain. So, if your UTI is causing you pain in your pelvic region, you can soothe your muscles by using a heating pad. However, be careful when using it; do not directly apply heat to the skin; put it over your clothes. For optimal performance, use the pad only for around 15 minutes at a time, otherwise, there is danger of burns as well.
Probiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria that help in keeping the body healthy and prevents the harmful bacteria from running amok. They work to prevent the bad bacteria from latching to the cells of the urinary tract.
It also makes pH changes and hydrogen peroxide, making it harder for the bacteria to survive. Yogurt is a good source of probiotics.
Stay hydrated
Your body needs to be well hydrated to perform well, however, the importance of hydration increases when accosted with problems like UTIs.
Essentially, the more you drink water, the more your body needs to pee, and therefore, the chances of bacteria being flushed out with the urine run higher.
Therefore, make sure to drink plenty of water but you must refrain from sugar drinks and beverages, as they can exacerbate your condition by promoting the proliferation of bacteria.
Water-based food
To further amp up your hydration, you should also include more fruits and vegetables that have high water content. These also then supplement your need for higher water. Some examples include watermelon, oranges, cucumber etc.
Similarly, you can also take more foods like soups, that also offer nutrition alongside ample water content.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is effective for improving immunity, alongside many of its other benefits. It also causes changes in the pH of the urine, which then makes it harder for the bacteria to survive. Excellent dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, for example, grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes. You can also consider taking supplements if your urologist is also of the same mind.