Frequent urination, lower back and stomach pain, and pain or burning during urination are common symptoms of urinary tract infection. UTIs are one of the most common reasons for women to go to the doctor. While not all urinary tract infections can be treated naturally, if the sufferer is knowledgeable about treatment options, trying natural cures may be a good place to start.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms of urinary tract infection can include any of the following:
- painful or burning urination
- the need to urinate frequently
- cramps or pain in the lower abdomen or back
- fever or chills
- blood in the urine
Symptoms of urinary tract infection in children can include low-grade fever, abdominal pain, and foul-smelling urine. If a UTI is suspected in a child, take the child to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment rather than attempting to treat the urinary tract infection naturally.
Often symptoms of bladder infections begin when one is unable to see his or her primary care physician. Often it's a good idea to work to treat the urinary tract infection naturally until a doctor can be seen to diagnose and treat the infection if this is the case.
Simple Ways to Treat Urinary Tract Infection Naturally
Drinking more fluids can help to flush out bad bacteria in the urinary tract. If a UTI is suspected, drinking lots of water right away may help to lessen the duration or intensity of the infection. Cranberry juice is a common alternative to water for natural treatment of urinary tract infection- because it works. Cranberries contain natural occurring compounds which have been proven to be antibacterial, diuretic, and, most importantly, effective in preventing the bacteria e.Coli from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. This is significant because the bacteria e. Coli is the most common cause of bladder infections. Drinking 17 ounces of cranberry juice a day, along with plenty of water, can be quite effective to treat urinary tract infection naturally.
Consuming dandelion root can be an important facet of care for UTI. The most common way to consume dandelion root is roasted (dry) dandelion root added to tea or coffee. This herb stimulates the urinary tract, as well as the liver, which helps to flush out toxins from the body. Some evidence suggests dandelion root is also good to maintain women's health, especially due to the high levels of potassium found in the herb.
Eating yogurt with live active cultures can cut down on the bad bacteria causing the bladder infection. Anecdotal evidence suggests that yogurt infused with probiotics may help encourage good bacteria to grow, helping to stave off bad bacteria. Eating yogurt infused with probiotics can be a natural treatment for urinary tract infection.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
For information on preventing UTIs, see "How to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection Naturally".
For more information on dandelion root, see "Natural Health Benefits of Dandelion Root".
Resources: "Urinary Tract Infection in Women", www.umm.edu, accessed February 9, 2011
Duke, James A., Ph.D. The Green Pharmacy. St. Martin's Press, 1997.
Elizabeth Rose - Elizabeth Rose has been publishing online content since October 2008 and has written for various websites, including eHow.com, ...
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