Home Remedies for Urinary Infections — Continued

Drinking water promotes urination, which sweeps bacteria out of your urinary tract and has a positive effect on recovering from UTIs. Medical recommendations for bladder health suggest drinking enough water that you need to go to the bathroom at least every 3 to 4 hours.

Drinking fermented milk products that are high in probiotics has been linked to decreased risk of urinary tract infections. Probiotics are also available in supplement form, and research indicates they may help maintain urinary tract health and treat UTIs, particularly for people who have recurrent infections. A review of literature concluded that probiotics are a safe and likely effective alternative to antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs.

The naturally-occurring chemicals found in green tea, known as catechins, could have antimicrobial effects on UTIs caused by E. Coli bacteria. Drinking green tea is a safe home remedy for urinary tract infections and has additional health benefits.

Ginger has antimicrobial properties, although there is little research into its effect on urinary tract infections. Multiple studies, however, have shown that ginger tea is a safe home remedy, and drinking tea encourages good urination. Research also indicates that certain concentrations of rosemary extract have antibacterial effects on the bacteria that cause UTIs.

Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in some fruits. As it passes through your body, mannose prevents bacteria from adhering to the walls of your urinary tract. Some research has shown that taking mannose, known as D-mannose in supplement form, may be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent UTIs. Some studies have even found that it is more effective than antibiotics at preventing recurrent urinary tract infections.

Drinking cranberry juice is not recommended for the prevention of UTIs.

Home remedies for urinary infections to avoid

You should avoid some common home remedies for urinary tract infections, including:

• Vitamin C
• Baking soda and water

Taking vitamin C supplements is popularly considered to treat urinary tract infections because they increas the acidity of your urine. But research does not show that vitamin C improves UTI symptoms or prevents recurrent infections. Many clinical trials on using vitamin C to prevent urinary tract infections have produced mixed or inconclusive results.

Drinking a baking soda and water mixture can improve symptoms of a UTI, including pain and the urge to urinate. Research indicates, however, that the concoction poses serious health risks, causing imbalances of electrolytes and acids in your body. This is especially true for people who take antacids, pregnant women, and children. You should avoid using baking soda and water as a home remedy for urinary tract infections unless your doctor it.

Use home remedies for urinary infections safely

If you take supplements, ask your doctor about safe options, as the supplement industry is largely unregulated in the United States. Some supplements contain ingredients that can interact negatively with other drugs or medical conditions.

If you use home remedies for your urinary tract infection, but your symptoms do not resolve within a week, seek medical help. UTIs can develop into kidney infections, which can cause dangerous health complications.

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