Urinary tract infections are some of the most frequent clinical bacterial infections in women, More than 50 percent of women will develop a UTI in their lifetime. Antibiotics are the most common conventional treatment used for UTIs, therefore, bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant and recurring infections are a major concern.Urinary tract infections are extremely common, especially among sexually active women ages 18 to 24.
Therefore, it’s advisable to use home remedies for UTIs that eliminate bacteria completely and reduce the risk of developing recurrent urinary tract infections. Some of the best home remedies for UTI include:
Drink Plenty of Fluids
A study conducted in 2013 at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas discovered that chronic intake of low fluid may be the major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of UTIs. Therefore, drinking plenty of water or fluids frequently helps flush of bacteria from your system. It's healthy to drink eight glasses of water a day, at least one after every meal in order to stay hydrated and to help flush out bacteria that may lead to infections.
Urinate Often
Urinating more often and when the urge arises ensures that bacteria aren't growing in urine that stays in the bladder. It’s also important to urinate soon after sexual intercourse in order to flush out bacteria that may have been deposited in the urethra. Studies have found that holding urine for a long time allows bacteria to multiply within the urinary tract, resulting in a urinary tract infection.
Stay clean and dry
Women, you should avoid wet inner wears like a plague. Also, ensure that you wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement. This ensures that bacteria doesn’t get into the urethra. It’s also important to wear loose-fitting clothes and underwear, which allows air to keep the urethra dry. Wearing tight jeans or material like nylon can be problematic because moisture can be trapped, allowing bacteria to grow.
Uses of garlic
Freshly crushed raw garlic is believed to contain allicin which has a variety of antimicrobial functions. In its pure form, allicin exhibits antibacterial against a wide range of bacteria. Garlic also has antifungal properties which fight against candida albicans, which causes yeast infections.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C makes urine more acidic, inhibits the growth of E. coli and enhances immune function. A 2007 study evaluated that daily intake of 100 milligrams of vitamin C plays a role in urinary infection treatment during pregnancy. Researchers found that vitamin C treatment for a three-month period was able to reduce urinary infections, improving the health level of the gestating women.
Avoid using spermicides
Spermicides can increase irritation and allow bacteria to grow. Using unlubricated condoms can also cause irritation, so choose lubricated condoms that don’t contain spermicides. A 1996 prospective study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that among sexually active young women, the incidence of UTI is high and associated with recent sexual intercourse, along with the recent use of a diaphragm with spermicides.