Urinary Tract Infection: UTI affects millions of women every year yet it remains one of the most common and often misunderstood health conditions. Thankfully, understanding the causes, signs, symptoms and prevention strategies can help girls and women take proactive steps for better urinary health.
Health expert Suman Agarwal shares her opinion on the causes, symptoms and natural remedies to treat urinary tract infections in women.
Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection In Women
Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs occur when bacteria, typically E. coli from the digestive tract, enter the urinary system through the urethra. Risk factors include holding urine too long that allows bacterial growth, menopause and sexual activity. Other causes include the use of irritating products such as spermicides or douches and health conditions such as diabetes that can impair immune response.
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Signs & Symptoms
Common signs of UTIs include pain or burning during urination, a frequent urge to urinate or blood-tinged urine. Lower abdominal cramps and pelvic pressure or discomfort may also be possible signs of urinary tract infections.
Natural Treatment Options- Tips & Precautions
While antibiotics are often considered the standard therapy for confirmed UTIs, natural remedies for UTIs can be followed to support recovery and ease mild symptoms.
- Ideally, you should consume 2-4 litres of water every day to flush out harmful bacteria from the urinary tract.
- The use of cranberry products that are rich in proanthocyanidins could be beneficial to prevent bacteria from adhering to bladder walls.
- Chamomile tea can be a good choice for its antibacterial and diuretic effects.
- Curd (dahi) that is packed with Lactobacillus strains can be an excellent choice as it helps in restoring healthy bacteria in the urogenital tract. Curd can be consumed in different forms such as with rice, raita or plain. Ideally, you should consume unsweetened, homemade versions to maximize live cultures.
- You can even try out Chaach (buttermilk) with cumin, water and mind. This probiotic drink can hydrate while flushing out the urinary system. You can sip 1-2 glasses post-meals.
- Idli and dosa batter, which is fermented with rice and urad dal, could help in delivering probiotics alongside fibre for better digestion. It can also be helpful to reduce bacterial migration from gut to bladder. You can pair it with coconut chutney for an enhanced gut shield to protect against UTIs.
- Rich in Vitamin C, Amla (Indian gooseberry) could also be used to acidify urine to deter E. coli growth. It can be consumed in different forms – fresh raw amla, as juice or as murabba every day, especially during UTI-prone seasons.
- The consumption of coconut water to access electrolytes and natural diuretics is also a good choice.
- You can even consume barley water (jau paani) boiled with lemon to promote frequent urination to ward off harmful bacteria.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.