Home Remedies for Bladder Infections (Urinary Tract Infections)

As most women know, bladder infections can cause mild discomfort to downright misery! Also known as urinary traction infections (UTI's), they are most prevalent in women, but men can also get bladder infections.

Symptoms of bladder infections include:

1. Extreme pressure to urinate with little or no relief after urination.
2. Burning sensation during urination.
3. Blood in urine.
4. Lower back pain.

Bladder infections are caused by E.coli bacteria present on the skin near the rectum that enter the vagina and then the urinary tract through the urethra. Sexual intercourse, waiting too long to urinate, and improper hygiene techniques can cause bladder infections.

Following are some home remedies you can try to get rid of a bladder infection or at least relieve the symptoms.

Cranberry Juice

Drinking plenty of cranberry juice, 2-4 glasses a day, can be helpful in the treatment of a bladder infection. The way cranberry juice works is by preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and multiplying. And drinking cranberry juice on a daily basis can help keep bladder infections away.

Water

Drink lots and lots of water which will help to flush the bacteria out. Eight 8-ounce glasses of water is recommended.

Baking Soda

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water and drink. This is most effective at the first signs of a urinary tract infection. Baking soda raises the acid-base balance of irritating, acidic urine.

Vitamin C

Taking Vitamin C, approximately 5,000 mg a day, may help with a bladder infection. Vitamin C keeps the bladder healthy by acidifying urine. This helps to keep out potentially harmful bacteria.

Pineapple

There is an enzyme in pineapples called bromelain which may help clear up a bladder infection.

Of course, it is advisable to see your doctor if urinary tract infections persist as antibiotics may be required to clear the infection.

Source:

http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/14.cfm

http://www.pitt.edu/~cjm6/s99cranberry.html

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-urinary-tract-infections4.htm