If you are reading this post right now, you are most likely in a lot of pain or discomfort to say the least. Burning, itching, and the urge to urinate when there is no urine are all at the beginning of the symptoms list of this very painful ailment. And, like many, you may not know why you have come down with a urinary tract infection or what to do about it.
First, there are an array of common culprits that can cause a U.T.I. in both men and women. Dehydration could be the reason, so an increase in clear liquids is advisable. Many people also develop urinary tract infections from something as simple as wearing tight clothing at the gym to unknowingly wiping from back to front after urinating. The aforementioned is especially common. So next time you 'pee', notice the direction or way you clean yourself. You may be surprised!
This type of infection can also be brought on by sex or a new sexual partner. No matter how you came down with this painful situation, there is a home remedy or routine that will relieve the pain within a day and the infection itself within a week for most people. This routine simply involves about 9-10 glasses of water daily, aspirin, and some type of real cranberry.
When I say real cranberry, I don't mean those juices that are mostly apple and white grape juice, corn syrup, and only a touch of cranberry . I am talking about going to your local health food store or Publix and buying 100% real, not from concentrate cranberry juice! I also recommend an extra daily dose of cranberry from something like Cranactin pills or a fresh cranberry sauce with meals. The combination of slow but steady water intake, some aspirin or your preferred pain killer on a full stomach, and continual yet reasonable cranberry intake will quickly ease pain and knock out the infection in most people.
Now I must, out of responsibility, tell you to see your doctor or talk to her about this routine to make sure it is right for you. Also, if you do the routine properly and are still experiencing symptoms after a week, you may not have a regular old urinary tract infection. Chlamydia and other problems can mimic the symptoms of a U.T.I, hence a visit to your doctor would be necessary. If you are sure that you have a regular U.T.I., this routine is an excellent option.
Routine Cranberry Drink:
Morning: 6 oz. of 100% cranberry juice + a few ounces of a sweet juice like apple, etc.
Night: 4 oz. of 100% cranberry juice + apple as needed
Note: Drink with food on the stomach.
Cranberry Sauce:
1 16 oz. package of fresh/frozen cranberries
1 cup of water
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Put all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a high simmer. Lower the heat to a low simmer and stir frequently. Cranberries will pop. Cook till you reach desired consistency-sauce or jam.
*Beautiful photo by Alesia17 at Stock.Xchng
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thanks for this UTI advise. My 25-year-old daughter had the problem. In a lot of discomfort and I was concerned; no real health insurance and her blase' attitude was concerning too. Anyway, I bought the $7 "pure cranberry" product. Had a rough taste for sure. I explained that problem to my daughter; she said "oh I'll just chug it; no problem". She did just that, and, really within about 1 full day problem almost gone; two days fully gone... thanks!
ReplyDeleteHuh, you learn something new everyday. I've never had a UTI and I hope I never get one. But if I ever do then now I know what to do. Thank you for the info.
ReplyDeleteI found another remedy that goes well with cranberry...Actually my grandmother found i, lol Take a glass of water and add a tablespoon of baking soda, drink 1-2 of these a day for about 3 days along with cranberry works like a charm. I get uti alot because im a soda-holic (really need to work on that, lol)it doesn't taste great but well worth it.
ReplyDeleteStella,
ReplyDeleteI love the home remedies! A lot of these things will (hopefully) work and prevent you from paying a doctor's visit and from buying meds (that are icky anyway and that might encourage antibiotic resistance if they are unnecessary).
I am a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and thought that you and your readers might like to know the real reasons behind UTIs:
1)UTIs are 10x more likely to occur in women than men because of the close proximity of the anus to the urethra. Additionally, the urethra tube inside of you leading to your bladder is much shorter in women than in men.
2)About 90% of UTIs are caused by E. coli, which is an indication of fecal contamination (most likely from wiping the wrong way, or from sexual encounters), but they are caused by other bacteria sometimes, and you are right, the symptoms of a UTI can mimic other diseases.
3)The main reason you should drink lots of water, and not just when you're sick, is that increasing fluids increases the amount of urine you put out. The force of urine coming out the urethra pushes bacteria out and routinely cleanses the opening of the urethra and flushes the tube going out from the bladder (which is shorter in women). When you hold your pee for long periods of time (or are just dehydrated) it increases the time between urine voids, which puts you at increased risk of UTI because you are allowing bacteria time to migrate up the urinary tract and land into the bladder. Once in the sterile environment of the bladder, bacteria can proliferate and cause pain/infection.
4) Lastly, if you have "flank" pain or lower back pain (like where your kidney's are)this may be an indication of an "upper" UTI. In which case, you should go IMMEDIATELY to your doctor to get some serious antibiotics. Kidney infections can result in damage to the filtering mechanisms of the kidney. Upper UTIs can be caused by an ascending "lower" UTI (bladder infection), or by bacteria in the bloodstream landing in the kidneys and taking hold.