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UTIs are, unfortunately, far more common than many people would like to admit. However, there are plenty of ways to deal with a UTI, and to even cure it. Here are a few tried and tested home remedies to help relieve you of the pain and irritation of a UTI.
Increase Vitamin C Intake
The first thing you should do is increase your Vitamin C intake. While Vitamin C has been shown to be better at preventing UTIs, it can still help cure them, as the acidity can kill off the bacteria causing the infection.
Whether it be from Urinary Tract support supplements from Ethical Nutrients, or having a few glasses of orange juice, getting more Vitamin C into your system is a must.
Hydration
A lack of proper hydration has been shown to both increase your risk of getting infected, and to not help fix the infection. Simply put, proper hydration means you will go to the bathroom more often, and your body will flush out the bad toxins and bacteria.
Cranberry Juice/Supplements
One of the oldest remedies that we all know about is cranberry juice. Many experts believe that regular ingestion of unsweetened cranberry juice can help prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls.
If the juice form isn’t for you, there are plenty of cranberry supplements on the market. However, it is important to note that cranberry juice isn’t a cure-all for everybody, and if you don’t see improvements, it is best to visit a doctor.
Probiotics
Probiotics have many wonderful benefits for your gut and digestive system, thanks to their ability to regulate the healthy bacteria in your gut. Because of this, they are often recommended as a way to prevent UTIs.
While not a guarantee, some studies have shown that a balance in bacteria can help fight off the bad bacteria that is caused by a UTI infection.
Hygiene Habits
Hygiene plays a vital role in both preventing and dealing with a UTI. It is vital to keep your genitalia clean throughout the day, which includes wearing clean clothes, especially underwear.
D-mannose
D-mannose is a type of sugar that can be found in cranberries and other fruits. Similar to cranberries, these fruits and D-mannose can help prevent the UTI bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.
Many studies have shown that increasing your intake of blueberries, apples, peaches, oranges, and broccoli, which all have D-mannose, can be an effective treatment for active UTIs.
Use the Bathroom When Needed
A small measure that can make a huge difference is to go to the bathroom as and when you need to. Holding in urine for extended periods increases the amount of harmful bacteria in your bladder, which can quickly lead to a UTI.
Instead, get out of the habit of holding in your urine, and get to the bathroom as soon as you can. While this can get annoying, especially if you increase your hydration, the long-term benefits are irrefutable.
Wear Breathable Clothing
While not necessarily a fix, wearing loose and breathable clothing can help relieve some symptoms of a UTI by keeping the area clean and dry. Therefore, when possible, wear the baggiest clothing you own, but prevent items that will cause you to get hot or sweat.
Tight clothing will keep the area warm and moist, which can drastically increase the amount of bacteria in the area, and can worsen the infection.
Look at Your Birth Control
For women, there is a chance that your birth control can be the cause of a UTI. Some studies suggest that one of the adverse effects of some birth control can be the increased risk of contracting or worsening a UTI.
While this is sometimes hard to confirm, it may be the case if you are following the other steps listed above and still experience UTIs. If this is the case, consult with your doctor to explore if your birth control is the cause.
UTI Prevention
If you have had a UTI before, or you want to take precautions against getting one, here are a few ways to do so.
Skip Baths
The first thing you should do is to either stop bathing, or only bath occasionally. The simple fact is when bathing, the bacteria and dirt aren’t being washed away, and therefore, you are increasing your chances of infection. Instead, if possible, shower more often.
Invest in a Bidet
Bacteria caused by going to the bathroom can be mostly cleaned away by toilet paper, but it isn’t a foolproof method. To ensure you are completely clean, it is a great idea to invest in a bidet.
Not only are they inexpensive, but they are easy to attach to most types of toilets, and all you need are a few basic tools.
Stay Hydrated
Finally, one of the best and easiest ways to avoid a UTI is to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water means you will go to the bathroom often, and you will flush out all of the nasty toxins and bacteria that can cause infections.
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