Can i treat uti at home

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to improve immune system function. Vitamin C also reacts with nitrates in urine to form nitrogen oxides that can kill bacteria. It can lower the pH of urine, making it less likely that bacteria will survive. As with cranberry juice, people have been using vitamin C in various forms to treat UTIs for thousands of years.

But there is a lack of quality research to confirm whether or not increasing vitamin C intake can prevent or treat UTIs.

According to the limited research, taking other supplements alongside vitamin C may maximize its benefits. In a study , 38 women with recurrent UTIs took vitamin C, probiotics, and cranberries three times daily for 20 days, then stopped for 10 days. They repeated this cycle for 3 months. The researchers concluded that this could be a safe and effective treatment approach for UTIs. The National Institutes of Health recommend that for people aged 19 and over, women should get at least 75 mg of vitamin C per day, while men need around 90 mg per day.

Adults who smoke should take an additional 35 mg of the vitamin each day. Many UTIs develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces gain access to the urethra, the small channel that allows urine to flow out of the body. Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs where they can lead to infections.

After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from coming into contact with the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus.

Sexual intercourse introduces bacteria and other microbes from outside the body to the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce the number of bacteria that people can transfer during intercourse and other sexual acts. Currently, researchers are trying to design vaccines that would prevent many types of bacteria from being able to attach to body cells properly.

They are also working on developing other UTI vaccines that prevent bacteria from being able to grow and cause infection. To date, only one type of UTI vaccine has reached preliminary human trials. Studies on the rest are still using animals and tissue samples. If a person suspects that they might have a UTI, they should speak to their doctor for advice on the best way to treat the possible infection. Antibiotics may not always be necessary to treat UTIs, but it is still important to seek medical attention for any infection or suspected infection.

This will reduce the risk of a more severe infection developing that is harder to treat. Many UTIs go away on their own or with primary care. While this type of medication is the standard treatment, researchers are noticing that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are reducing the effectiveness of some antibiotics in treating UTIs.

The overuse or misuse of antibiotics is often the reason for antibiotic resistance. This can happen when the same antibiotic is prescribed over and over again for recurrent UTIs.

Because of this risk, experts have been looking for ways to treat UTIs without antibiotics. So far, preliminary studies have been promising. Some research has shown that UTIs can be treated without traditional antibiotics by targeting E. Typically, the urinary tract flushes away bacteria when you urinate. But according to researchers, FimH can cause E. If researchers can uncover a way to target this protein with other types of therapies, treating or preventing UTIs with antibiotics might become a thing of the past.

D-mannose is a sugar that sticks to E. Recently, researchers have studied the possibility of using D-mannose and other mannose-containing substances to block the binding of FimH to the lining of the urinary tract. One small, limited study from showed positive results when attempting to prevent recurrent UTIs. More research is needed, but potentially, a medication that utilizes a mannose-containing substance that opposes FimH from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract in one way or another could show promise for the treatment of UTIs caused by E.

Researchers are also currently testing immune-boosting drugs. These could help urinary tract cells become more resistant to infections.

The American Urological Association AUA recommends vaginal estrogen as a non-antibiotic option for perimenopausal or postmenopausal women seeking to prevent recurrent infections. Until there are more advancements in UTI treatment, antibiotics remain the most effective standard treatment.

Along with standard therapy, you can incorporate home remedies to feel better sooner and reduce the likelihood of recurrent infections. Cranberries may contain an ingredient that stops bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. Research is inconclusive and more studies are needed, but some studies say that you might be able to reduce your risk of UTIs with unsweetened cranberry juice, cranberry supplements, or dried cranberries. Most adults should aim to drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

Urinating helps flush harmful bacteria from the urinary tract. Holding your urine or ignoring the urge to urinate can allow bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract. As a rule of thumb, always use the bathroom when you feel the urge.

Probiotics promote healthy digestion and immunity. Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off the bacteria that cause infection 9. An older study of UTIs in pregnant women looked at the effects of taking mg of vitamin C every day The study found that vitamin C had a protective effect, cutting the risk of UTIs by more than half in those taking vitamin C, compared with the control group Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.

Red peppers, oranges, grapefruit , and kiwifruit all contain the full recommended amount of vitamin C in just one serving Despite these studies, there is still more research needed to prove the effectiveness of vitamin C for reducing UTIs. Increasing vitamin C intake may decrease the risk of UTIs by making the urine more acidic, thus killing off infection-causing bacteria.

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections. Cranberries work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing infection 13 , In a study, women with recent histories of UTIs drank an 8-ounce mL serving of cranberry juice every day for 24 weeks.

Those who drank cranberry juice had fewer UTI episodes than the control group Another study showed that consuming cranberry products may lower the number of UTIs in a year, especially for women who have recurrent UTIs A study showed that treatment with cranberry juice capsules equivalent to two 8-ounce servings of cranberry juice could cut the risk of UTIs in half However, some other studies suggest that cranberry juice may not be as effective in the prevention of UTIs.

One review looked at 24 studies with a total of 4, participants. Though some smaller studies did find that cranberry products could reduce UTI frequency, other larger studies found no benefit Although the evidence is mixed, cranberry juice may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Keep in mind that these benefits only apply to unsweetened cranberry juice, rather than sweetened commercial brands. Some studies show that cranberries could help reduce the risk of UTIs by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.

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

Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods , such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and probiotic yogurt. The use of probiotics has been linked to many things, from improved digestive health to enhanced immune function 19 , This is because the urethra in women is shorter and closer to the anus, which can harbor harmful bacteria.

It is important to seek medical care if you suspect you might have an infection in your urinary tract. Everyone has bacteria on their skin and in their genital areas and anus.

When this bacteria enters the urethra, it can cause an infection. Escherichia coli, or E. Bacteria can enter the urethra and spread in the urinary tract in a number of ways. Common causes and risk factors of UTI include:. If a UTI spreads to your kidneys, you might experience different symptoms. Signs of a kidney infection may include:. Kidney infections , when left untreated, can spread to the blood and cause serious health problems. A provider will likely recommend treating your UTI with antibiotics to kill the bacteria in your urinary tract.

Drinking lots of water is one of the best home treatments for UTI. Dehydration is itself a risk factor for developing a UTI, and regular urination can help remove bacteria from the urinary tract, which can help prevent infection.

In fact, studies show people who increase their water intake from less than 1. As a general rule, drink water throughout the day and whenever you feel thirsty. When you are well-hydrated, your urine is typically clear or straw colored. You should also avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks when you have a UTI or want to prevent one. Some studies also suggest patients with recurring UTIs should drink cranberry juice or take cranberry extract for prevention.