Effective + Natural At-Home UTI Remedies

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential to your immune system and enhances your body’s ability to fight off infections. Studies show it may also increase the acidity in your urine, resulting in less bacterial growth. (5)  That makes it a great UTI preventative, but exercise caution with active infections. Too much citrus, for example, can aggravate a bladder infection.

For overall wellness, citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, and strawberries are great natural sources of vitamin C. If you’re low or dealing with a condition that causes malabsorption, supplements can help.

Oregano Oil

Oregano’s antimicrobial properties may affect UTI-causing bacteria like E. coli, but most studies point to its effectiveness alongside antibiotics or as an essential oil. (6, 7) Oregano oil is a known anti-inflammatory, too, which can relieve some of the pain and discomfort associated with UTIs and support a healthy urinary tract. (8)

You can find it in capsule form to take orally. If you’d like to go the essential oil route, you’ll need to dilute oregano oil in a carrier oil before applying it topically. Never apply essential oils directly to or near the genital area.

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Garlic

Garlic is a known antimicrobial superfood thanks to high levels of allicin, a compound that may suppress infection-causing bacteria like E. coli. (9) Garlic also offers an immune system boost, another key component of helping your body battle against infections.

A few cloves daily is a great addition to your diet. If you don’t love garlic, a garlic supplement is a good alternative. As with any supplement or significant dietary change, get medical advice from your primary care doctor first. Garlic, in particular, has a blood-thinning effect.

A Note On Cranberry Juice

Unsweetened cranberry juice and cranberry supplements may be the most popular UTI strategy out there, but the research has been mixed on whether claims are overblown.

A recent systematic review compiled the available research to generate some positive news for fans of the tart berries. There are components in cranberries, like proanthocyanidins, that seem to have a positive effect on UTI prevention. (10)

They also found that women with recurrent UTIs, children, and those at high risk for infections following medical interventions were most likely to benefit from a glass of cranberry juice. At the very least, cranberries are a good source of vitamin C and D-mannose, and we know those components are good at helping your body fight infection.

While we’re at it, I’ve also seen patients adding apple cider vinegar for UTI symptom management into their regular diet. While it is an antifungal, there just isn’t enough research to support apple cider vinegar as a UTI preventative. It may support kidney health, though. (11)

Tips For Preventing UTIs

The best natural remedy for UTIs is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here’s what you can do now to fight off a UTI before it starts.

Urinate Often

If you’re suffering from recurrent UTIs, this might seem overly simple, but it’s one of the best ways to flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infections.

This is especially important after sexual activity. Urinating after intercourse helps clear any bacteria that might have entered your urethra. (12) There’s no recommended timeline here, but it’s best to do so as soon as possible after sex.

Drink Plenty Of Water

It’s scientifically proven that drinking lots of water reduces your risk of UTIs. (13) It’s the best way to dilute your urine, which simply means you’re urinating more often, and flush harmful bacteria out of your lower urinary tract.

Be sure that you’re drinking water throughout the day, and if you’re dealing with a current UTI, boost your hydration. Drink around 2 liters a day until your symptoms have subsided, which is about 8-9 glasses of water.

Stay Dry

Pathogenic bacteria love a moist environment. Drying off completely after showering or swimming can prevent bacteria from multiplying and causing an infection. If you’re doing something that causes you to sweat more, wear looser clothing and shower as soon as possible after the activity. Showers are better for UTI prevention than baths.

Switch Your Birth Control

Specific birth control methods like spermicides, diaphragms, and condoms coated in spermicides like ​​Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) are linked to a higher rate of UTIs. (14) While they’re effective at preventing pregnancy, they can contribute to bacterial growth. Seek out alternatives if you’re dealing with recurrent infections.

When To Seek Help From A Medical Professional

See a healthcare professional immediately if you’re experiencing any of the severe side effects I mentioned at the beginning. This could mean the infection has spread, and OTC treatments and heating pads won’t be enough to manage those symptoms.

If milder UTI symptoms don’t get any better after a day or so of at-home treatments, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys or rule out other bladder conditions.

If you’re struggling with recurring UTIs, a functional medicine doctor can get to the root of your symptoms. We run extensive labs to look at each of our patients holistically. This is the best way to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Ready for a new approach to your urinary tract health and more? Schedule a consultation today.

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