Bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs), are commonly treated using antibiotics. However, if you are allergic to antibiotics or want to avoid the side effects of antibiotics such as diarrhea or yeast infections, plenty of non-medical treatments for UTIs can effectively relieve your symptoms.
If you have a bladder infection, take a look at the following at-home remedies that may be promising at improving this condition.
Drink Lots of Water
Water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to treat a bladder infection. Bladder infections occur when bacteria enter your digestive tract. Water helps flush out the harmful bacteria causing your symptoms so your infection can start clearing right away.
Increase your water intake as soon as you know you have a bladder infection. Drinking more water will likely cause you to urinate more frequently, which may be painful when you have a UTI. However, drinking lots of water will help dilute your urine and make it less acidic, so you won’t feel as much discomfort when using the restroom.
When you have a UTI, stick to drinking water and avoid drinking coffee, citrus juices, and other beverages that can further irritate your bladder and cause pain when urinating.
Consume Probiotics
Probiotics in certain foods, drinks, and supplements are great for your gut because they add “good” bacteria into your gut that can destroy and eliminate “bad” bacteria—including those that cause a bladder infection.
Foods and beverages that contain probiotics include:
- Yogurt
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Tempeh
- Sauerkraut
- Kombucha
- Miso
- Natto
If you have difficulty including these foods in your diet for any reason, take probiotic supplements instead. Ask your healthcare provider to recommend quality brands of supplements that can help eliminate your UTI.
Try Cranberry Juice
Cranberries contain special compounds and substances that prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder and causing infections. Load up on cranberry juice and drink a few glasses a day until your UTI goes away.
When buying cranberry juice, look for brands that contain 100% cranberry juice and don’t contain sugar, preservatives, and other additives that can harm your health.
Go When You Need to Go
Resisting the urge to urinate or holding it in for long periods can promote the development of bladder infections and worsen your existing symptoms if you already have a UTI. This is because urine is a form of toxic waste, and allowing it to sit too long in your bladder can cause bacteria to multiply.
Try to urinate as soon as you feel the urge and go more frequently than usual to relieve symptoms of a bladder infection. It is also important to urinate immediately after having sexual intercourse, as this helps flush bacteria away from your urinary tract and reduce the risk of a UTI.
Get More Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps strengthen your immune system and is loaded with antioxidants and other compounds that can fight bacterial infections—including UTIs. Vitamin C can also reduce your risk of developing a bladder infection in the first place.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin C is 75 mg for adult females and 90 mg for adult males. You can also include more foods rich in vitamin C in your diet to combat your UTI.
Citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit, contain high amounts of vitamin C, but if you’re trying to avoid acidic foods for the sake of relieving your symptoms, try eating other fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C.
Foods high in vitamin C include:
- Kiwi
- Red and green bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Baked potatoes
- Tomatoes
Use a Heating Pad
Placing heat over your abdominal region may reduce any aching and discomfort caused by your bladder infection. This remedy may also reduce the number of times you need to visit the restroom, which can be extremely helpful if you are experiencing a burning sensation when urinating.
When using a heating pad to treat a bladder infection, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid injury.
Wear Certain Clothing
Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester can increase the amount of moisture in your genital area and promote bacteria growth and worsen your bladder infection. The same can happen if you also wear tight clothing, regardless of the type of fabric.
Until your bladder infection resolves, stick to wearing natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid wearing tight pants or jeans that reduce air circulation around your genitals.
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have a bladder infection. Your doctor can perform an examination and discuss all your available treatment options, including at-home remedies. If your UTI is severe, you may need medical treatment to effectively improve your condition.
Resource Links
- “Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Answer” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections” via National Library of Medicine
- “Urinary Tract Infections” via U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- “Vitamin C” via National Institutes of Health