Bladder and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in women than in men. Also known as bladder inflammation or cystitis, bladder infections are commonly diagnosed in women because it’s easy for bacteria to enter the urinary tract as the urethra is located very close to the vagina and anus. Here are some home remedies to help you get healed from bladder infections.
Goldenseal
Also capable of healing inflammation, skin problems, sore gums, ulcers, etc., goldenseal is studied to have a number of uses in its all three forms viz. solid, liquid, and dry as indicated by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Also known as yellow root, the plant is popular for its antibacterial and anti-infective function which helps to treat bladder and UTIs. The alkaloid substance named berberine present in goldenseal restricts bacteria from clinging on to the bladder walls. Infection is usually controlled by this potent botanical by amplifying the production of immunoglobulins which are antigen-specific.
Baking Soda
Don’t mistake baking soda for soda – fizzy soft drink. Any condition from heartburn to UTIs could be controlled with the help of baking soda. By finding the right acid-base balance, it can reduce or neutralize the acidity of your urine and help you get over the erroneous urge of resisting to urinate because of the discomfort or burning sensation occurred in a UTI. Stir 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water and drink it first up in the morning. Do this for up to a week and you will see the results.
Cranberry
Terri Anne Camesano, Ph.D., said, “A number of controlled clinical trials — these are carefully designed and conducted scientific studies done in humans — have concluded that cranberry juice really is effective for preventing urinary tract infections.” Cranberry juice is a sweet medicine that constrains the growth of bacteria, especially E. coli. E. coli has the ability to grow quickly by sticking to other bacteria and cause UTIs. But, drinking 2 glasses of cranberry juice or simply having enough cranberries will help you to avoid UTIs in an effective manner.
Parsley Water
Acting as a diuretic, parsley water helps to speed up the healing process of a UTI by relieving discomfort and flushing out impurities and bacteria. It helps to raise the overall output of urine from the body by increasing sodium excretion in urine by the kidneys. As more sodium is excreted, more extra body fluids are also flushed out, thus lowering fluid pressure in the arteries and thereby helping to treat high blood pressure as well. To prepare parsley water, add parsley leaves in boiling water and simmer it until the leaves get infused. If you prefer its cold version, put the preparation in your refrigerator to come up with refreshing iced parsley tea.
Cucumber
With its high water content, cucumber could help you to release extra body fluids from your body and of course, UTI bacteria. Drinking cucumber juice twice a day is a good substitute if you’re tired of drinking enough plain water to get rid of your UTI. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to your cucumber juice to get the best results.
Celery Seeds
Just as parsley, celery seeds also act as a diuretic element. They are studied to help prevent UTIs according to a few anecdotal evidences. These seeds are also a great substitute for parsley if you don’t prefer parsley water. Preparation of celery seed water follows the same procedure as that of parsley water. A handful of celery seeds right after the meal once or twice a day should do the job for you.
Ginger Tea
Prostaglandin synthesis is a process where prostaglandins, aka “little messengers”, are produced to communicate pain indications to neurons and inflammation including other various biological processes. Matching up with OTC anti-inflammatory medications, ginger holds such a strong chemical composition that it can prevent prostaglandin synthesis and thus, reduce pain and inflammation. Drinking ginger tea is the best way to consume ginger. Add 4-6 slices of raw ginger in 2 cups of hot water with a teaspoon of honey. To add taste, you could add lime juice made from half a lime.
Hot Water Bottle
Coming down to some non-food treatments, applying heat over your bladder will help to relax your muscles and evade pain and discomfort caused by inflammation or spasms. Pour hot water in your hot water bottle, wrap it in a towel, and gently place it on your bladder. Don’t press it hard with your hands, but just a gentle push should help. Avoid making the bottle a hard lump by adding too much water. It should feel like a water bed and not too bulgy.
No 4 C’s
There are 4 C’s which you need to avoid in order to prevent from further worsening your bladder infections. They are caffeine, carbonation, chocolate, and citrus. These could amplify the acidity of your urine and also aggravate irritation at the lining of your bladder and provide a good base for bacteria to thrive in your bladder and promote more UTIs.
Urination
Holding up your urine will do no good for you. Yes, it is painful to live with that burning sensation. However, even though it causes discomfort, urination is a vital part of the healing process. Irregular urination will give chance for bacteria to multiply and develop UTIs. Drinking plain water (at least 8 glasses) will help you to urinate frequently and flush of the growing bacteria. Ice cold water is mostly recommended by the experts.
