Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that lodge in the bladder, kidneys or urethra, leading to diseases such as bacteriuria, cystitis or kidney infection. The culprit of most urinary tract infections (UTI) is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium that resides in the intestinal tract. The main forms of urinary infection are cystitis, which affects the bladder, pyelonephritis, which affects the kidneys, urethritis, which affects the urethra, and ureterocele, which affects the ureters.
In children, urinary tract infections may be more atypical. Sometimes, cystitis causes fever without any other symptoms. A stomach ache and enuresis (bedwetting) can also be a sign of urinary tract infection. In toddlers, the burning sensation during urination can be manifested by complaints or crying when urinating.
UTI in Teenagers: 21 Home Remedies
Although this condition can affect anyone, women tend to be more likely to develop it. Despite not being a threat to health, in case of not receiving proper treatment in time, the infection could become more painful and spread to other organs, causing permanent damage. Some of the listed home remedies to treat UTI are:
Water
The first thing you should do if you suffer from an infection in the urinary tract is to drink plenty of water, as much as possible 8 to 10 glasses per day. The consumption of large amounts of water helps reduce the concentration of bacteria in the bladder and urinary tract. In the first days of infection, you can try drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda.
Diuretic plants
There are many diuretic plants that promote the elimination of bacteria: nettle, boldo, basil, and parsley. Asparagus is also very beneficial since it purifies the urinary tract.
Blueberries
Blueberries have antibacterial properties that help fight the bacteria that causes the infection. You can incorporate these fruits in yogurt, consume them with cereals, or in shakes. The important thing is to consume at least two daily servings of natural products without added.
Coconut water
If the infection is from the kidneys, the coconut water helps eliminate impurities in them.
Pineapple
To cure a urinary infection, you can consume pineapple as fruit, or drink it in juices. Pineapple has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and an enzyme called bromelain, which helps reduce the symptoms of infection. It is always better to consume the natural fruit instead of the canned versions.
Parsley and lemon
Undoubtedly, parsley and lemon are one of those home remedies for urine infection that will not stop working. Blend a sprig of parsley with the juice of a lemon and then add a cup of water. Take before going to bed and when you wake up, fasting. You will see that it is good for the bad of urine and that you can use it without any problem.
Consumption of vitamin C
Drinking many lemons, citrus juices, a good white tea, a green tea or an orange juice can be excellent ways to gain vitamin C, boost antioxidants and keep the immune system high. Among the home remedies for a urinary infection, this is one of the best solution available.
Sodium bicarbonate
Use this product to prevent an infection or to stop the problem in the early stages. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink the mixture twice a day. The compounds of this product help to accelerate the healing process, neutralizing the acidity of the urine.
Salvia
This herb has analgesic, antiseptic and diuretic capacities. Its infusion is recommended to treat urinary tract infection.
Tea tree oil
The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil help to fight the bacteria and reduce the symptoms of the infection. This product cannot be consumed and should only be used in baths or massages.
Hot compresses
If you want to get relief for the symptoms of urinary infection, try hot compresses. Place a bag of hot water on the lower abdomen, so that the heat helps improve circulation to that area and reduce inflammation.
Garlic
Garlic has natural properties against fungi and could help prevent candidiasis. It is considered that fresh garlic is the most recommended, although garlic pills sold commercially offer the advantage that they reduce odor. Fresh garlic can be mixed with other foods, eaten raw after removing the peel or crushed and inside gel capsules, up to a maximum of six teeth a day.
Urinate frequently
The longer the urine remains in the bladder, the more will be the bacterial growth. So its better to urinate often and when necessary.
Avoid tight clothing
Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing. The garments made with the synthetic material or narrow clothing favors the proliferation of microbes because it does not allow the correct transpiration.
Use of herbs
Mix a handful of each of these herbs: marshmallow, plantain, mille-feuille, nettle and goldenrod (only the surface parts); Take a spoonful, pile it up and pour it into a cup of boiling water. Cover, let stand for 15 minutes, filter and drink two cups a day.
Sitz bath
Mix four spoonfuls of each of the following ingredients in one liter of water: calendula, flaxseed, horsetail, and thyme. Boil for 10 minutes, then cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Filter and take a sitz bath up to twice a day.
Cherries
Cook half a kilo of cherries with their tails. Remove the kernel when they are tender and pass the rest through the sieve. Add a spoonful of honey, put in a glass jar with an airtight lid, and consume two spoonfuls a day.
Onion broth
Peel an onion and cut it in four. Put it to boil in half a liter of water, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 8 hours. Filter and drink this broth that will help you to urinate more regularly, and eliminate bacteria in your body.
Barley
Boil 20 grams of barley in one liter of water. When boiling, add 20 grams of juniper. Cook on low heat for a few minutes. Pour into a covered container, filter and drink up to three cups a day.
Keep your back clean
After defecating, clean from front to back to prevent the bacteria in the stool from reaching the urethra.
No feminine hygiene products
Avoid feminine hygiene products (aerosol or powder) and strong soaps: These can irritate the urethra and genitals and turn them into a breeding ground for bacteria.
In neonates and infants, urinary tract infection is even more difficult to recognize. It is usually accompanied by fever, a refusal to eat, and sometimes gastrointestinal disorders and irritability.
Also, negligence cannot be tolerated, as the infectious agent continues to multiply and invade the urinary tract. This can lead to a more serious kidney problem, such as pyelonephritis. Exceptionally, a urinary infection can worsen to the point of sepsis or kidney failure. In any case, it is important to consult a doctor in case of signs of urinary infection.
References:
26 Best Home Remedies For Frequent Urination & Burning At Night