Millions of people are affected by urinary tract infections (UTIs) every year.

UTIs are traditionally treated with antibiotics, but there are numerous home remedies available as well to help you treat or prevent them from coming back.

Here we give you 6 home remedies for UTI, as well as UTI symptoms and risk factors.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection is a common infection that affects several parts of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder or kidneys.

UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria from the bowel, but viruses and fungi may also contribute. About 80% of UTI cases are caused by the two strains of bacteria Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli.

Types of UTI

There are three different types of UTI: urethritis, cystitis, and pyelonephritis.

Urethritis. It is an infection of the urethra.

Cystitis. It is a bladder infection that often has moved up from the urethra.

Pyelonephritis. It is an infection of the kidneys, which generally begins in the urethra or bladder and goes up to one or both of the kidneys.

UTI symptoms

Common UTI symptoms may include the following:

• Pelvic pain
• Frequent urination
• Cloudy or dark urine
• Urine with a strong odor
• A burning sensation with urination
• A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder

UTIs can affect anyone; however, women’s shorter urethra makes them more susceptible to infection than men. It is easier for bacteria to enter their bladder. In fact, ~ 50% of all women will experience this infection at some point in their lives.

UTI in men is less common but has similar causes and treatment with UTI in women.

UTIs are mostly treated with antibiotics, which can also be used in low doses long-term to prevent UTI from coming back.

Antibiotics can be an effective treatment; however, they may also cause some adverse effects. Good thing there are numerous home remedies to treat and prevent UTIs.

1. Drink plenty of water

Regular urination can help prevent infection as it flushes bacteria from the urinary tract. Thus, drinking plenty of water can help prevent or treat urinary tract infections.

In fact, a study examining individuals with long-term urinary catheters has linked low urine output to increased risk of developing a UTI.

A 2003 study in 141 girls found that infrequent urination and low fluid intake were both linked to recurrent UTIs.

In addition, another study in 28 women who self-monitored their hydration status found that an increase in fluid intake reduced UTI frequency.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day—even when you’re not thirsty—is the best thing to do to stay hydrated and meet your fluid requirements.

2. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice

One of the most well-known home remedies for UTIs is drinking unsweetened cranberry juice.

Cranberries have an active ingredient that can prevent adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract, thereby treating or getting rid of the infection.

One study found that women with recent histories of UTIs who drank 240-ml serving of cranberry juice daily for 24 weeks had fewer episodes of UTI compared to the control group.

A 2015 study found that using cranberry juice capsules equivalent to two 8-oz servings of cranberry juice as treatment for UTI could cut the risk of infections by 50%.

However, cranberry juice has also been suggested by some other studies to be potentially ineffective in the prevention of UTIs.

A review examining 24 studies demonstrated that cranberry products have reduced UTI frequency in some smaller studies. However, no benefit was observed in larger studies.

Despite mixed evidence, cranberry juice may still be helpful in lowering the risk of developing UTIs.

It is important to note that you may only get these benefits from unsweetened cranberry juice—not from the sweetened commercial brands.

3. Increase your intake of vitamin C

Increasing your vitamin C intake has been shown to potentially protect against urinary tract infections.

Vitamin C could kill off the bacteria that cause infection by increasing the acidity of the urine.

In fact, a 2007 study in pregnant women with UTIs who take 100 mg of vitamin C every day found a protective effect of vitamin C, reducing the risk of infections by over 50% in those taking vitamin C than the control group.

Moreover, another study found that a high vitamin C intake decreased the risk of UTIs.

A great way to increase your intake of vitamin C is eating fruits and vegetables that contain significant amounts of vitamin C, such as citrus fruits.

Kiwifruit, oranges, grapefruit, and red peppers hold the full recommended amount of vitamin C in a single serving. They are nutritious and delicious as well!

4. Take a probiotic

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. They are consumed through foods or supplements.

Probiotics can be found in fermented foods, such as kimchi, kefir, and probiotic yogurt; they are also available in supplement form.

Probiotics has been associated with improved digestive health and enhanced immune function.

In addition, certain strains of probiotics have also been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

Lactobacillus, which is a common probiotic strain, has been found in one study to help prevent UTIs in adult women.

Moreover, taking both antibiotics and probiotics has been found in another study to be more effective at preventing recurrent UTIs than taking antibiotics alone.

Antibiotics are known as the main line of defense against urinary tract infections; however, they can also cause disturbances in levels of gut bacteria. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment may be beneficial in restoring gut bacteria.

Probiotics have been shown in studies to increase levels of good gut bacteria. They may also reduce the possible side effects associated with antibiotic treatment.

5. Try taking natural supplements

There are numerous natural supplements that may help treat or reduce the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Below are some supplements that have been studied.

Cranberry extract. Cranberry extract works by preventing the adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract.

D-Mannose. A sugar found in cranberries, D-Mannose has been found to be effective in treating and preventing recurrent UTIs.

Bearberry leaf. A combination of bearberry leaf, dandelion leaf, and dandelion root has been found in one study to reduce UTI recurrence.

Garlic extract. Having antimicrobial properties, garlic may potentially block the growth of bacteria to prevent urinary tract infections.

6. Follow these healthy habits

Practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits is a great way to prevent urinary tract infections.

1. Do not hold urine for too long. Holding your urine for too long can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which can result in infection.

2. Pee after sexual intercourse. Peeing after sexual intercourse can prevent the spread of bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of infections.

3. Avoid using spermicide. Spermicide has been linked to increased UTIs.

4. Wipe from front to back. Wiping from back to front has been associated with an increased risk of UTIs as it can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract. So make sure you wipe from front to back when you use the toilet.

Risk factors of UTI

Although UTI can affect anyone, some people, especially girls and women, are at a higher risk of developing a UTI. This is because the female urethra is shorter and closer to the rectum, making it easier for bacteria to get into the urinary tract.

Here are some common factors that may increase the risk of developing UTIs.

• Age (young children and older adults are more prone to UTIs)
• Pregnancy
• Poor hygiene
• Kidney stones
• Sexual activity
• A previous UTI
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Urinary tract structural problems, such as enlargement of the prostate

Can a UTI go away on its own?

Urinary tract infections are generally treated with antibiotics. However, uncomplicated UTIs often resolve on their own without the help of antibiotics.

People with uncomplicated UTIs can try these home remedies to speed up recovery.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infections are for sure frustrating to deal with. Although girls and women are more prone to this infection, it can affect anyone—men, children, and older adults.

However, staying hydrated, drinking unsweetened cranberry juice, increasing your intake of vitamin C, supplementing your diet with some UTI-fighting ingredients, and practicing some healthy habits and proper hygiene are good ways to reduce your risk of getting them.

If you are experiencing prolonged or recurrent UTIs despite taking antibiotic medications and practicing these home remedies, you should go tell your doctor about it immediately so you can be evaluated.