Naturally Treating a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

UTIs, or urinary tract infections, affect millions of people every year. They are most common in women, but men and children are susceptible as well. UTIs occur when bacteria attaches to the urethra's (the tube that lets urine flow from the bladder to the outside of the body) opening and multiply. Nearly all UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), bacteria which normally lives in the colon. People suffering from urinary tract infections can experience frequent urination, back pain, burning when urinating, pressure around the bladder or generalized fatigue and weakness, while others have no symptoms at all.

Urinary tract infections are often treated by antibiotics (which can have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea or allergic reactions) or the home remedies listed above. Home remedies may help decrease the number of bacteria or provide UTI relief, but rarely can completely eliminate the infection itself.

If you catch your UTI at the very first sign of symptoms (painful urinating, constant urge to urinate, lower abdominal pain) you may be able to flush out the bacteria with plain water. Drink plenty of water and it will dilute and flush out the toxins. Another natural remedy to try at the first signs of a UTI is baking soda. Mix 1/2 teaspoon in an eight ounce glass of water and drink. The baking soda will raise the acid balance in your urine.

A common natural UTI treatment is to flush the bacteria by drinking lots of water and other non-sugar based liquids. Flushing the bacteria from your urine helps to greatly diminish the painful side effects of a UTI. It is important to avoid sugar based liquids because they tend to encourage bacterial growth. The goal of naturally treating a UTI is to completely stop bacterial growth and remove the bacteria from your urinary tract system.

