Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common type of infection that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. UTIs can cause a variety of symptoms, such as pain or burning when urinating, pelvic pain, pressure in the lower abdomen, cloudy or bloody urine, and nausea and vomiting.
Ayurvedic treatment for urinary tract infection doesn’t just cure the UTI pain but it also takes a root cause approach that heals the urinary problems. This helps to prevent any recurrence of urinary tract infection once you take the treatment.
Ayurveda recommends several herbal remedies for UTI treatment that can swiftly cure UTI without any side-effects and without the use of antibiotics!
In this post, I’ll show you how you can naturally find relief from urinary and bladder infections with Ayurvedic treatment. We will go through the best Ayurvedic medicines, diet and lifestyle tips that can help you to treat uti naturally and prevent urinary disorders. Let’s begin!
What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to bacterial infection in any part of the urinary tract organs as the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The infection often starts at the opening of the urethra where the urine leaves the body and moves upward into the urinary tract.
UTIs as inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) and bladder infections (cystitis) are more common in women as they have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria from the vagina or anus to enter the urinary tract.
Types of Urinary Tract Infections
Based on the location of infection, a urinary tract infections are classified as:
- The upper urinary tract infection (kidney): The inflammation of the renal parenchyma is also known as Pyelonephritis. It is diagnosed by chills and fever, burning sensation, flank pain and constitutional symptoms caused by bacterial attack of the kidney.
- Lower urinary tract infection (bladder, prostate, and urethra): This leads to symptoms of dysuria, increased frequency and urgency in urination. Lower urinary tract infection is further categorised as:
- Cystitis – The urinary tract infections begin as bladder infections.
- Urethritis – The urinary tract infections begin as infections in the urethra.
What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?
Here are some factors that trigger Urinary Tract Infections and lead to multiplication of bacteria in the urinary tract, thus making the symptoms worse:
- Exposure to E. coli, common bacteria that causes around 80-90 percent of Urinary Disorders.
- Sexually transmitted diseases, for example, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause urethritis.
- Insufficient water intake that affects immune system, urinary system and circulation in the body.
- Holding off urination or not emptying the bladder completely due to being in a rush. This often weakens the muscles of the urinary tract and also exposes skin to bacteria in the urine.
- Hormonal Imbalances such as low Progesterone levels in Menopause and PCOS can affect the strength and tone of the urinary tract muscles and also slow down immune system response.
- Pregnancy: A weakened immune system and hormonal changes often make pregnant women more prone to Urinary Tract Infections.
- Health conditions as Diabetes, Obesity, Bowel incontinence, kidney stones, Immobility and Thyroid Disorders.
- Certain methods of birth control (e.g. diaphragms or spermicides)
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Though sometimes, there will not be any symptoms with urinary disorders most people will experience some of the following symptoms.
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Urinating frequently but in small amounts
- Painful urination (often described as a burning sensation)
- Strong-smelling or foul-smelling urine
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine (appears as red, brownish, or bright pink)
- Pus in the urine
- Pressure or cramps in the lower back, belly, or sides
When the Urinary Tract Infections have progressed into a kidney infection, the symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain in one side of your mid-back
- Burning Urination
- Painful urination
The severity of these symptoms will vary from person to person.
Health Complications of Untreated Urinary Tract Infections
Most Urinary Tract Infections confine in the bladder, the pouch-shaped organ where urine is stored before peeing. If the urinary disorders are left untreated or there is delay in treatment, then the bacteria can carry on multiplying and travel up the ureters to multiple body organs causing serious symptoms.
When the bacteria reach one or both kidneys, it can cause an infection in the kidneys called pyelonephritis (pronounced pie-low-nef-rightiss). This can lead to fever, chills, dehydration, back pain and even sepsis.
Urinary Tract Infection: An Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, UTI can be correlated to “Mutrakrichha” painful and burning urination. It arises as a result of an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha in the body.
Both of these dosha together can create painful urination, inflammation, burning sensation and change in urinary frequency symptoms and also affect the health of the urinary system organs.
Urine is one of “mala” waste products of the body through which we flush out excess fluids, toxins and nutrients from the body.
Mutra vaha Srota is the channels that facilitate the passage of urine out of our body. This includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters and the urethra – basically the urinary system.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection
Ayurveda offers natural treatment, herbal remedies and Ayurvedic medicines, which are an effective alternative to prescription antibiotics and the irreversible side effects that come with them.
Ayurvedic treatment for Urinary Tract Infection involves flushing out the toxins, reducing the inflammation and heat (pitta dosha balance), removal of blockade in the urinary tract (balance of the apana vayu) and Ayurvedic procedures to strengthen the urinary system.
Ayurvedic medicine for uti treatment helps to remove the root cause of urinary infection and prevents recurrence at a later stage.
1. Treating Urinary Infections with Ayurvedic Medicines
Ayurvedic medicines for urinary tract infection is highly effective to treat UTIs, reducing the burning sensation due to inflammation and support our body’s immune system.
Provided here is a list of herbal remedies and Ayurvedic medicines that are antiseptic and antibacterial in nature, help to detach and flush the bacteria out, and also support the function of bladder, kidneys, prostrate and our immune system.
Regular consumption of these Ayurvedic medicines helps to break the cycle of inflammation, reduces pain and helps to heal and supports the urinary system health with their natural antibiotics properties.
1. Giloy | Guduchi
2. Triphala
3. Turmeric
5. Cranberries Leaves and Fruit
6. Garlic
7. Shatavari
8. Gokshura
2. Personal Care to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Being a medical system beyond diagnosis and cures, Ayurveda is also a lifestyle. As such, simple changes to lifestyle and diet can help correct and prevent further occurrence of ailments.
Some good bathroom and hygiene habits can help prevent UTIs:
- Drink plenty of water as drinking water helps dilute urine and increases the frequency of urination which flushes out bacteria. Sip on herbal teas and natural drinks such as plain water and coconut water for hydration.
- Always wipe from front to back. After urinating or bowel movements, wiping from the front to the back helps stop bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
- Those who are susceptible to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, because it can increase UTIs.
- Pee after sexual intercourse as it can also decrease the risk of UTIs by preventing the increase of bacteria.
- Synthetic fabrics can cause irritation and redness of the skin due to excessive sweating and friction. Always prefer natural fabric such as cotton for your underpants.
3. Natural Essential Oils for Urinary Tract Infections
Apply natural and pure oils such as virgin coconut oil or sesame oil on the vaginal area. It will help to heal any wounds and also help to treat uti going forward.
Some of the essential oils and herbs that can be used in diluted form for application or cleaning of vagina are:
- Tea tree oil
- Lavendar oil
- Mint oil
- Oregano Oil
- Rose Water
- Clove Oil
- Juniper Berry
- Lemongrass Oil
4. Ayurvedic Diet to Treat UTI Naturally
A diet involving Sweet, Bitter and Astringent tastes is highly beneficial to reduce inflammation and promote metabolism. These tastes help to pacify Pitta and Vata Dosha and also supply the required nutrients to remove the deficiencies.
Best Foods to Relieve UTI
- Include blood purifying and antioxidants rich foods in your daily diet. Some examples are: watercress, green leafy vegetables, black raisins, green tea, ginger and garlic.
- Prefer cooling and normal temperature beverages such as coconut water, still water, and herbal teas.
- Consume foods that promote your digestive fire and help you to reduce inflammation. Some examples are: apple, berries, mangoes, oranges, avocados, zucchini, cucumber, cabbage, celery, garlic, onions, sprouts, barley, oats and wheat.
- Eat vegetables and foods that help to support detoxification. Some examples are: Apricots, green banana, cherry, coconut, kiwi, lemon, carrots, green beans, leeks, oats, quinoa and rice.
- Oils to prefer are Ghee, Olive Oil, and Coconut Oil. These will provide you with the right source of energy to keep your metabolism optimum.
- Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated at all times.
- Regular intake of probiotic foods in your diet will help to maintain a proper bladder pH, prevent recurrent Urinary Tract Infections, support the healthy bacteria in the gut and boost your immunity.
5. Foods to Avoid in UTI
In Ayurveda Urinary Tract Infections are considered to be a result of faulty lifestyle and foods. Excessive consumption of salty, sour, hot, spicy, and heavy to digest foods vitiates the Doshas resulting in inflammation and poor metabolism.
- Avoid high protein diet and animal products like meat, dairy, seafood and eggs.
- Get rid of excess sugars, processed foods and spicy foods in your diet.
- Avoid poor fats, fried foods, heavy to digest and stale foods.
- Reduce the amount of dairy and animal products from your diet.
- Avoid bladder irritants, such as carbonated beverages (soda), smoking, caffeine (coffee, tea, soda), and alcohol etc.
- Tomatoes and tomato based products, sugar, chocolate, and highly spiced foods can also create pain in the bladder.
- Reduce intake of artificial sweeteners particularly aspartame.
6. Ayurvedic Lifestyle to Treat UTIs
- Regular practice of yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) helps to calm the mind, balance the dosha, tone up the muscles of the pelvic floor and of the urinary system. Yoga poses that support proper elimination of urine and treat UTI symptoms are Suryanamaskara, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, Shashankasana.
- Limit exposure to extreme heat and sun.
- Never pressurize the bladder. Always avoid holding urine for too long. Because, this can build-up of bacteria, and cause infection.
- Do make sure to empty your bladder during urination. Avoid rushing out and getting off the toilet too early. Incomplete urination creates conditions for UTI and also makes bladder muscles weak.
Takeaway!
UTI symptoms are painful and may lower your confidence of ever finding relief. Yet, you should know that it is possible to heal urinary tract infections by making simple changes in your diet and lifestyle.
The key is to start early! This is because urinary tract infection is progressive in nature. You should start small and keep building up your healthy lifestyle practices on top of one another to create a strong support for your immunity. So start today!
In addition, you can take Ayurvedic medicine for urine infection to maintain normal PH level and diminish harmful bacteria without any side effects. Book online consultation with Medhya Herbals’s Ayurvedic Doctors for urinary tract infection natural treatment with Ayurveda.
Do write to us for any queries and feedback. If you have tried any of the above natural approaches for Urinary Tract Infections, then do share your experience with us. We will get back to you the soonest.
Wishing you vibrant health!
FAQ
1. What is the difference between a UTI and cystitis?
UTIs and cystitis are both infections of the urinary tract, but there are some important differences between the two. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, while a UTI can involve any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys. Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and travel to the bladder, while UTIs are typically caused by bacteria that enter through the urethra and travel up to the kidneys. Symptoms of cystitis may include frequent urination, pelvic pain, and blood in the urine. Symptoms of a UTI may include fever, back pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment for cystitis typically involves antibiotics, while treatment for a UTI may also involve hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Recurrence is also more common with UTIs than with cystitis. If you think you may have a UTI or cystitis, it’s important to see a doctor so that you can get proper treatment.
2. Why is cystitis worse at night?
Cystitis is a condition that is characterized by inflammation of the bladder. Many people who suffer from cystitis find that their symptoms are worse at night. There are a few reasons for this. First of all, when we lie down, gravity allows urine to pool in the bladder, which can irritate the already inflamed tissue. In addition, during the day we are constantly moving around, which helps to keep urine flowing and prevents it from sitting in the bladder for too long. At night, however, we are relatively still, which allows urine to build up and aggravate the symptoms of cystitis. Finally, our bodies naturally produce less urine at night, meaning that the urine that does accumulate is more concentrated and more likely to cause irritation. For these reasons, it is important to drink plenty of fluids during the day and empty your bladder before going to bed if you suffer from cystitis.
3. How do you tell if it’s a UTI or interstitial cystitis?
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Interstitial Cystitis (IC) are both conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including urinary frequency, urgency and pain. However, there are some key differences between the two conditions. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria, while IC is thought to be caused by inflammation or damage to the bladder lining. UTIs can also be treated with antibiotics, while IC often requires a more holistic approach. Ayurvedic medicine can be very effective in treating IC, as it focuses on reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural healing process. If you think you may have either UTI or IC, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
4. Can emotional stress cause UTI?
While emotional stress is not a direct cause of UTI, it can exacerbate the condition. When we are stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, which can weaken our immune system. This makes us more susceptible to infection. In addition, stress can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, which can also increase our risk of UTI. Therefore, managing stress is an important part of preventing UTI. There are many different ways to reduce stress, including exercise, relaxation techniques and counseling. By reducing stress, we can help to reduce our risk of UTI.
5. What can mimic a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that can occur anywhere along the urinary tract. UTIs are much more common in women than men, and they can cause a range of symptoms, including pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and pain in the lower abdomen. However, there are a number of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms and may be mistaken for a UTI. For example, bladder stones or an enlarged prostate can both cause pain during urination. Kidney stones can also cause kidney pain and blood in the urine. Additionally, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause symptoms that resemble those of a UTI. Therefore, it is important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. With the proper treatment, most UTIs and other conditions causing similar symptoms will clear up within a week or two.
6. What is a silent UTI?
While a UTI can be a very painful experience, there are some cases where the infection is present but causes little to no symptoms. This is what is known as a silent UTI. The most common group of people who experience silent UTIs are men over the age of 60. As men get older, their prostate gland enlarges, which can put pressure on the urethra and block the flow of urine. This can create an environment in which bacteria can thrive, leading to an infection. Other risk factors for silent UTIs include diabetes and a weakened immune system. If you suspect you have a UTI, it is important to see a doctor so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated. Left untreated, a UTI can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage or even sepsis.
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