Dealing With Urinary Tract Infections

According to the Kidney and Urology Foundation of America, every 1 in 5 women will develop Urinary Tract Infection in their lifetime. In another report by Patient Safety in American Hospitals, Health Grades, it was reported that 24,025 cases of UTI were reported between the years 2000-2002.

Can this painful disease have a gentle cure? Themedguru.com looks for alternative treatment for UTI.

What are Urinary Tract Infections?
UTI is an infection that may occur anywhere in our urinary tract or in all the organs, which help in collecting and passing the urine out of the body.

Organs susceptible to UTI are, Kidneys (Collects wastes and extra water from the blood), Urethras (Carry the urine from the kidneys to bladderdefine), Bladder (collects and removes urine), Prostate (adds fluids to semen) and Urethradefine (carries the urine out of the body).

UTI is caused by bacteria infecting the urinary tract, which generally enter through the urethra and slowly infect the bladder and kidneys. Mostly these bacteria move out from the body, but sometimes they remain and cause serious infections.

Women are more prone to UTIs than men. An infection affecting the bladder can be painful and very irritating. However, once the infection moves on to the kidneys, serious conditions can arise.

Who are at a Higher Risk of Contracting UTIs?

• The anatomy of a female body makes them more vulnerable to Urinary Tract Infections. The Urethra in women is shorter than men, which helps the bacteria enter the bladder easily.
• Sexually active women especially are at a higher risk of UTIs. Sexual intercourse irritates the Urethra, making germs enter more easily into the tract.
• Most of the female contraceptives like diaphragms also increase the chance of a Urinary Tract Infection.
• Post menopause the skin of the vagina becomes thinner and less able to defend against possible infections.
• Illnesses that affect the immune systemdefine can cause Urinary Tract Infections.

Curing Urinary Tract Infections?

There are many antibiotics that are used to cure infections in the Urinary Tracts. However, there are also various natural and homemade solutions to prevent and cure such Urinary Tract Infections.

Diet
Cooling foods like asparagus, carrots, green leafy vegetables, parsley, vegetable juices, watermelons, grapes, pomegranates and mung beans should be included in the diet to reduce and soothe the irritation in the tract.
Food that helps in strengthening the kidneys and the bladder should be included in daily diet. These include beans and vegetables. On the other hand, food that irritates the urinary system should be avoided as much as possible, such as alcohol, junk food, caffeine, vinegar and also tomatoes.
Cranberry and Blueberry juices (unsweetened) are an excellent source of hippuric acid, which helps in removing the bacteria lining the urinary tract.
Intake of food with high Vitamin C and Vitamin E can be helpful in the case of Urinary Tract Infections.

Herbal Therapy
There are a number of herbs, which can help in treating these infections:
1. Hibiscus: The flower relieves the symptoms of cystitis. It is an alternative, mid-antiseptic, anti–inflammatory, antispasmodic, demulcent and diuretic.
2. Flax: Help in reducing the burning sensation associated with urination during Urinary Tract Infections. They are anti-inflammatory in nature.
3. Marshmallow: Soothes irritated bladder.
4. Nettle, Oregon grape and many more herbs can help soothe and finally cure these infections.

Homeopathy, Aromatherapy and a detoxifying bath at regular intervals can also help. Any kind of natural treatment will show results, gradually though. If the infection is pretty advanced and needs immediate action, antibiotics are the best option.