Did you know that urinary tract infections are more common in women than men because they have a shorter urethra? Shockingly but unfortunately, it’s true. The urethra, which is the tube that carries the urine outside, is shorter in women and closer to the anus . this is an area where the common causative organism of urinary tract infection, the bacteria E. coil, resides.

 .The urinary tract include the urethra and bladder. Any infection by micro-organisms involving this tract is called urinary tract infection . Usually, bacteria are the micro-organisms involved in UTIs. The infection may also affect the ureters  and might infect the kidneys.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection :

• Fever
• Pain during sex
• Vomiting
• Mental changes or confusion
• Pain in penis
• Unexplained fatigue
• Pain while urinating
• Blood in urine
• A pain the side or flank, groin area or abdomen

1. Cranberry juice

Cranberry juice might help against urinary tract infections. It has been used for the treatment of UTIs for centuries. The use of cranberry juice in UTIs is due to its potential antibacterial property. Cranberry juice has many bioactive compounds (flavonoids, anthocyanins, organic acids, etc.), which might result in the excretion of hippuric acid.  Thus, Hippuric acid being a potent antibacterial agent might play a role in bringing down the bacterial count against bacteria causing UTIs. However, more research is required to prove these claims. Kindly consult a doctor before use.

 

2. Bearberry 

Bearberry is also known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi or upland cranberry. The leaves of this plant might exhibit potent antibacterial properties. It might be a potent herb for bladder infections. It might specifically have antibacterial activity against E. coli, which is known to be the primary causative agent of UTIs. It contains a compound, arbutin, which might be responsible for its diuretic (increased urine production and excretion) and astringent (acidic or bitter) property, which might be helpful against UTIs. However, more research is necessary to prove these effects. 

 

3. Cinnamon 

It is known that cinnamon might have an action against the bacteria causing UTIs in long- term catheter users. This activity might be due to its potential effect of preventing the bacteria from coating the urinary tract. Therefore, cinnamon might be an effective natural remedy for UTIs. However, more research is required to prove such claims. Kindly do not self-medicate.

 

4. Probiotics 

Probiotics are gut-friendly bacteria that might be helpful against UTIs as well. They might be helpful against UTIs. They mainly contain bacteria such as Lactobacillus, which apparently adhere to the wall of the urinary tract, thus forming a barrier against the UTI causing bacteria. However, more research is required to state the use of probiotics for UTIs.

 

5. Coconut water 

Narikela or coconut has many benefits in many different forms. It is known as narial, coconut palm and many other names in various parts of India. Drinking coconut water regularly might be helpful for those suffering from UTI and to enhance urinary health in general.  It acts as a diuretic (facilitates urine formation and urination).  It might help in flushing the kidneys too.  However, more research is required to ascertain these effects.

 

6. Punarnava

Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae. It is also known as horse puselene and Hog weed in English. It might be helpful in recurrent urinary tract infections. Your Ayurvedic physician might prescribe you a decoction containing the leaves of Punarnava, Tribulus (Gokshura) and coriander for UTIs. This decoction might also be helpful in treating pain or burning sensation felt during urination in people not having UTIs. However, these claims need to be backed up by more research. Kindly do not self-medicate.