Other names for Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder infection
Lower urinary tract infection
UTIs

Synopsis of Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, or kidneys. Most commonly, they involve the bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis), and are more prevalent in women due to their shorter urethra. UTIs are typically caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria entering the urinary tract. Symptoms include a strong urge to urinate, burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the infection from ascending to the kidneys, where it can become more serious.

Types:

• Lower UTI (cystitis): Affects the bladder

• Urethritis: Affects the urethra

• Upper UTI (pyelonephritis): Affects the kidneys and may cause back pain and fever

• Recurrent UTI: Two or more infections in six months or three in a year

• Asymptomatic bacteriuria: Presence of bacteria in urine without symptoms (common in pregnancy)

Common Causes:

• Bacteria from the rectum entering the urethra (e.g., E. coli)

• Sexual activity

• Poor hygiene or improper wiping (especially in children and women)

• Urinary retention or incomplete emptying

• Use of catheters or spermicides

• Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)

• Dehydration

Severity Causes:

• Delayed or incomplete treatment

• Structural abnormalities in the urinary tract

• Diabetes or immune suppression

• Kidney involvement or abscess

• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

• Frequent recurrences without prevention strategy

When to See a Doctor:

• Burning or pain while urinating

• Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine

• Pelvic or back pain

• Fever, chills, or nausea (may indicate kidney infection)

• Frequent UTIs or no improvement after treatment

• Symptoms during pregnancy or in young children

Natural remedies for Urinary Tract Infections

Probiotics: Help maintain healthy urinary tract flora and reduce the risk of recurrent infections, especially Lactobacillus strains.

Vitamin C: Acidifies urine and strengthens immune defenses against pathogens, making the bladder environment less hospitable to bacteria.

Aloe vera: Soothes urinary tract lining and may reduce inflammation and irritation during active infection.

Magnesium: Supports bladder muscle function and helps with discomfort related to cramping or tension in the lower abdomen.

Hydration: Drinking ample water flushes out bacteria and dilutes urine, easing discomfort and preventing infection buildup.

Urinate frequently: Helps remove bacteria from the bladder before they multiply.

Avoid irritants: Refrain from caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and synthetic underwear, which may worsen symptoms.

Urinate after intercourse: Helps clear bacteria from the urethra and is especially helpful in preventing post-coital UTIs.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Urinary Tract Infections

Abrus
Abuta
Achyranthes
Adzuki bean
Aerva lanata
Agave
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alfalfa
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
Amor seco
anamu
Angelica
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
arbutin
Aronia melanocarpa
asafoetida
asparagus
astragalus
aucubin
bacillus subtilis
bael
baicalin
baobab
barberry
Bauhinia
bearberry
berberine
Berberis (unspecified)
Bergenia
bergenin
big quaking grass
birch
black currant
black gram
bottle gourd
buchu
carambola
cardamom
carvacrol
cassia bark
celery
chanca piedra
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cloudberry
Coconut Water
Coin-leaf desmodium
coix
coriander
corn
cornsilk
couch grass
cranberry
Crinum latifolium
cubeb
cucumber
Cucurbita
currant
Cynodon dactylon
D-mannose
dandelion
Desmodium
dong quai root
dwarf morning glory
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
Euryale seed
fennel
fenugreek
fleabane
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
Galium
goji berry
gokhru
goldenrod
goldenseal
gravel root
Graviola
green tea
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
hibiscus
honeysuckle
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydrangea
hydroxyquinoline
Indian gum arabic tree
Java tea
Job\'s tears
juniper berries
Kachnar
knotgrass
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lespedeza capitata
lime
lingonberry
Lomatium
Long Buchu
Longleaf buchu
lophatherum leaf
Lophira lanceolata
Loranthus
Lysimachia
mannose
manzanita
Marsh Tea
Melon
Methenamine
Methyl arbutin
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mormon Tea
Mulberry
Mung bean
okra
Oldenlandia diffusa
ophiopogon root
Ovate Buchu
Palo Azul
Pareira
Pata de Vaca
pau d'arco
Pedalium
Pedra hume
Pelargonium
Pepper Bark Tree
Phragmites
Pipsissewa
pumpkin
purslane
pygeum
Pyrola
radish
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
rosthorn snake gourd
Rumex acetosa
sage
Sambucus nigra
saponins
sarsaparilla
Scirpus
Semecarpus anacardium
sheep's sorrel
shepherd's purse
Shilajit
smilax
Spiny Restharrow
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Swertia
Tannins
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Tribuloside
Vasicine
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon