Over 150 million people each year are affected by urinary tract infections or UTIs. It’s the most common type of bacterial infection worldwide. UTIs are typically associated with women but men, women and even children can be affected by UTIs.
These types of bacterial infections are typically treated with a round of antibiotics. But research shows that antibiotics are ineffective at preventing UTIs and they have also become ineffective at supporting UTIs in general. It is likely that if you’ve been infected with a UTI once, it will reoccur. So how do we support and prevent UTIs without ineffective and dangerous antibiotics? Let’s take a look at the best natural remedies for a UTI.
What Is A UTI?
First, let’s look at what a UTI is so that we can address the root issue. A urinary tract infection happens when the defenses fail and bacteria enter any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters (a tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder). It is more likely for bacteria to enter the urinary tract when a person has a suppressed immune system, poor diet choices, and poor cleaning habits especially in the case of children, sexual intercourse, or use of birth control. UTIs are also a common occurrence during pregnancy and menopause for some women.
Common Symptoms of a UTI
The symptoms of a UTI vary and are experienced mostly among women. Both men and women can be affected by this common bacterial infection. Those most at risk for a UTI include women who have dealt with a UTI previously, sexually active people, those exposed to vaginal infection, diabetics, and overweight or obese people.
Discomfort or burning when peeing
Cloudy urine
Changes in the amount of urine
Strong urges to pee
Lower back and/or belly discomfort
Pelvic discomfort in women
Nausea, fever, and chills in children
Strong smelling urine
Discolored urine
8 Natural Remedies for a UTI
1. D-Mannose
Research shows that d-mannose is about as effective as an antibiotic for preventing the recurrence of UTIs. They work by stopping bacteria from infecting the urinary tract. Food sources of d-mannose include cranberries, apples, oranges, peaches, broccoli, and green beans.
2. Cranberries
Cranberries are a great source of d-mannose. Aim for cranberry supplements or juice without additives or added sugars!
3. Silver Serum
Livingood Daily Silver Serum uses a special formula to suspend colloidal silver in water. Colloidal silver is a super effective immune agent making it a great natural remedy for UTIs. You can take it orally or spray it on a feminine product.
4. Cut Down on Sugar and Dairy
Diet always plays a role in any type of bacteria affecting areas of the body. Sugar and dairy are major culprits in yeast and bacterial overgrowth. It may be worth working towards getting refined sugar and dairy out of your life to prevent UTIs from recurring.
5. Probiotics
The bacteria that travels and infects the bladder, kidneys, urethra, or ureters typically originates in the gut. Probiotics help rebuild the good bacteria in our gut and building up your good bacteria will help your gut’s defense against bad bacteria!
6. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Regularly doing pelvic floor exercises can help improve bladder and bowel control. It can also help by strengthening the muscles and walls in this area which can help to reduce occurrences of bacteria traveling to the urinary tract. Check out pelvic floor exercises in the challenge or Livingood Daily member’s area!
7. Baths Epsom Salt or Baking Soda
Sit and soak in an Epsom salt or baking soda bath in order to relieve symptoms of a UTI.
8. Oil of Oregano + Monolaurin
Livingood Daily Oregano Oil + Monolaurin is immune-boosting and a great defense against bacterial and viral infections.
Summary
Urinary tract infections can greatly affect your quality of life, especially if they are reoccurring. Use these natural remedies for a UTI to gain control over your immune system and digestive tract.
