Some women even compare the burning, frequency, and stabbing pains around the pelvis caused by invading bacteria to the level of discomfort experienced during labor.
Although doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for UTIs, there are some effective natural options that can both help treat current UTIs and prevent new ones from occurring.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil has incredibly potent antibacterial properties, making it one of the most powerful ways to help treat UTIs. One Polish study from 2012 showed the oil to be effective against 20 different strains of bacteria, including E. Coli—the most common cause of UTIs.
For a mild UTI, take 2 drops in water 3 times per day, every day, for no more than a week.
Probiotics
Some studies have suggested that probiotics, specifically lactobacillus, are effective in both prevention and treatment of UTIs. Probiotics work by building up good bacteria, which can then fight off the bad stuff whenever it comes around!
To get your daily dose of probiotics, add foods with live cultures like kefir and Greek yogurt into your diet!
Cranberry
Eating cranberries, drinking cranberry juice, or taking cranberry extract is often recommended to help treat a UTI, as the D-Mannose in the berry prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and urethra. Many women swear by drinking several glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice a day to help flush out an infection. However, the berry and its juice or extract will probably not prevent one from occurring.
If you choose to drink cranberry juice, make sure it’s 100% juice with no additives/sweeteners, and organic is always best.
Some general habits to begin:
Stay hydrated: If you feel a UTI coming on, it’s important to drink your standard eight glasses of water, and then some. This will help to flush out the bacteria causing your infection.
Pee after sex:Â Ladies, this is super important! Urinating after sexual activity will help to get rid of any bacteria you may have picked up before it makes its way into the bladder or attaches to the walls of the urethra.
Sleep commando: Again, this is especially important for women. Yeast and bacteria both need a moist, warm environment to grow and spread. Taking off those undies and letting your nether regions air out when you sleep helps to prevent both yeast and bacterial infections.
Cut out bladder irritants: Some “C-foods,” like chocolate, caffeine, carbonation and chili are highly irritating to the bladder. Avoid these if you find yourself getting UTIs frequently. Some people also find citrus highly irritating, but its vitamin C and acidity can also help to flush bad bacteria, so you may have to see what works for you.
Note: Before starting any home treatment, it is highly recommended to consult a health professional you trust.
What do you do to prevent a UTI?
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23484421
https://www.thealternativedaily.com/every-time-sex
http://www.livescience.com/13747-good-bacteria-prevent-urinary-tract-infection.html
http://chriskresser.com/treat-and-prevent-utis-without-drugs
