Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is perhaps one of the most common conditions of the urinary system of either male or female. However, it is most common in women largely because of her anatomy. Those who have experienced the condition report the following symptoms: pain in the lower part of the abdomen, frequency of urination and pain or a burning sensation during urination. The quality of urine also indicates that there is infection. Cloudy urine that is strong smelling indicates infection of the urinary tract. In some cases, the urine has the same color as cola drinks, indicating that there is already blood in the various urinary organs. There are various reasons why UTI develops. It can be due to infection of the bladder, which is called cystitis, or infection of the urethra, called urethritis. In most cases, cystitis is due to infection of the E. coli bacteria. If there are sexually-transmitted diseases, there are also high chances that UTI will develop. Because it is an infection, the common remedy by the medical practitioner is to prescribe the patient a regimen of antibiotics. However, there are ways to speed up the healing of the infection. Below are some of the cheapest and natural ways to get that urinary tract back in smooth action.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

   Think of the flooded sink. Think of the clogged pipes. Imagine the clogged pipes are the urethra and the sink as the bladder. Due to inflammation caused by infection of microorganisms, the very first remedy we usually do with the sink is flush it with strong stream of water. This is the same analogy with the urinary tract. If there is difficulty in urination due to the inflammation of the urethra, the first thing we need to do is increase the fluid intake. Drinking water is just equal to flushing the urinary system to get rid of stagnant urine that may cause more complication to the disease, as well as flush the bacteria that caused the infection thereby decreasing the inflammation tendencies. Drinking at least 2000 milliliters of water is not just advisable during the course of the disease. It is also recommended that one drinks plenty of water to regularly clean the urinary tract.

2. Supplement with Vitamin C

   Vitamin C has been suggested for those who are suffering from UTI. Vitamin C has several benefits to the body, and the number one of which is its ability to protect the cells from the damage that is caused by the free radicals. Vitamin C may be taken from food, like papaya, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli and pineapple. But vitamin C may also be in tablet or capsule form. Vitamin C is recommended in UTI because it increases the acidity level of the urine. In acid environment, bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms that invade the urinary tract cannot thrive. In a study conducted in the past years, doctors were able to conclude that to create an unfriendly environment for the bacteria; those with acute UTI should ingest at least 5000 mg of vitamin C every day.

3. Eat Zinc-rich foods

   Zinc and foods rich in zinc can help in fighting infections, such as the UTI. Zinc helps in boosting the cells of the immune system responsible for fighting the bacteria that flows in the blood. For those with cystitis, taking in zinc can help in protecting the cell walls of the bladder, or the bladder lining. If there is infection, there will usually be inflammation, in this case, of the bladder wall. With foods rich in zinc, such as the liver of the calf, venison meat, beef, lamb, scallops, sesame and pumpkin seeds, the bladder is not just protected, but the immune system is also strengthened.

4. Flush with Fiber

   Fiber rich foods are navy beans, dried peas, lentils, pinto beans, black beans, barley, lima beans, garbanzo and kidney beans. There are also other foods rich in fiber, but the ones enumerated are the excellent source of dietary fiber. For one, fiber can help bring regularity to the bowel movement. If bowel movement is good, UTI is prevented since with retained feces during constipation, there is higher tendency for bacteria from the anal area to travel to the urinary tract.

5. Choose Cranberries

   For many individuals, cranberry is largely associated with urinary tract infection, not as the cause, but as the cure. For several years, people are downing on cranberry juice because it is thought that cranberry is highly acidic and can create an acidic environment in the urinary tract that will inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. But research has shown that there is more to its being acidic that made cranberry a good remedy for UTI. Cranberry has proanthocyanidins that can help in the prevention of UTI. Proanthocyanidin (PAC) is a phytonutrient. If there is increased PAC in the urinary system, it becomes difficult for the bacteria to attach itself to the linings of the urinary tract. For those who are repeat victims of UTI, as well as those who never had experienced one, drinking cranberry juice is an assurance that bacteria will unlikely to invade the bladder and the urethra that will result to UTI.

6. Make Use of Natural Antibiotics

   There are antibiotics, and there are natural antibiotics. UTI are usually treated in the hospital and clinic using the antibiotic, synthetic substances to fight off bacterial infections and other infections by microorganisms. But there are also so-called antibiotics. These substances are unprocessed and can easily be found in nature. An example would be garlic, which is known universally as a natural antibiotic and can help in preventing UTI. There is also Echinacea, which when taken as a tea, can help boost the immune system of the person. Ginger is also a potent antibiotic. By adding them to your food, UTI treatment is assured.

7. Eat Yogurt

   Yogurt is perhaps one of the most common foods that are used to treat bacterial infections. Yogurt is a probiotic treat; it contains live microorganism that help in fighting the bad bacteria in the body. When taken regularly by those who are suffering from UTI, there is more effectiveness in the immune system response and immediate healing of infection and inflammation is possible.

Sources:
ezinearticles.com
livestrong.com
livestrong.com
whfoods.org