Updated: Oct 8, 2020
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are some of the most common infections in the United States. UTIs generally affect women and can potentially be a reoccurring problem for years. Generally, doctors recommend an antibiotic-centric approach to deal with these infections; however, there aren’t any readily available over the counter antibiotics that cure UTIs. You will need a prescription from your primary care physician to get them, but there will also be times when you cannot wait to see the doctor and need relief right now. For those instances, you’re asking yourself if there are effective home remedies that can treat your UTI and provide that relief you need.
So, Can You Treat A UTI Without Antibiotics?
The short answer is a resounding yes! Albeit with some caveats. While more severe UTIs will require doctor prescribed antibiotics, your body can naturally process and fight off minor and uncomplicated varieties. With the uncomplicated UTIs, you can help your body fight it off by trying some of these homemade remedies. The following infographic offers a brief overview of some potential homemade UTI remedies:
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
One of the most agreed upon and effective ways of preventing and curing a UTI is to stay hydrated. Proper hydration helps your body clear itself of harmful bacteria that causes UTIs while also retaining needed electrolytes and vital nutrients. With every unique person comes unique hydration requirements, but the general rule of thumb is to aim for six to eight glasses of water daily to maintain proper hydration.
When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go
When the need to urinate arises, heed nature’s call. Frequent and regular urination puts pressure on the bacteria in your urinary tract, potentially clearing them out in the process. It can also reduce the time that the bacteria and the cells in your urinary tract are in contact, thus limiting the chances of a full-blown infection to develop.
Cranberry Juice. Yes, Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice enjoys the status of being one of the most renowned and established home remedies for UTIs. While scientific studies have yielded mixed results, some of the antioxidants found in cranberry juice may possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent bacteria from attaching itself to the urinary tract.
Fight Bacteria with (Good) Bacteria
Probiotics consist of a variety of beneficial bacteria that can help combat harmful bacteria that cause UTIs. You can take a probiotic supplement to help support your natural production, or consume various probiotic-rich dairy products such as yogurt and kefir.
A Vitamin C Rich Diet
A key antioxidant, Vitamin C promotes improved immune system function in people. Vitamin C reacts to the nitrates found in urine to kill bacteria in the urinary tract by lowering the natural pH. A combination of increased vitamin C intake, probiotics, and unsweetened cranberry juice can lead to an increase in the natural protection against bacteria causing UTIs.
With these natural remedies for UTIs, you can get a handle on the uncomplicated varieties and experience needed relief quickly. However, for the more severe UTI strains, you will need a doctor and a prescription for antibiotics. Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to wait to see your doctor to get diagnosed and get that desperately needed prescription, though?
Fortunately, Breezefast is here to help you! With our telehealth subscription service, you will have access to a doctor 24/7, even on weekends and during holidays! You don’t need an appointment to see one of our doctors either. Contact the Breezefast team today to learn more about our plans and how we can help you take greater agency in your personal healthcare!
