URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an encroachment by the bacteria of the urinary tract which includes kidney, ureters, bladder or urethra. This bacterium enters the opening of the urethra and procreates in the urinary tract causing urinary tract infection. This can be very painful and a major cause of distress in your life. If it is not contained in the earlier stages it is likely to spread to your kidneys, which can become a serious health issue.

SYMPTOMS:
1) Need to go – all time: A very common symptom which UTI patients face through this condition- is the constant urge to urinate.
2) Burning sensation and traces of blood: Urination is painful as well as leaves a burning sensation. Sometimes the sign is so relevant in the form of blood which is seen in your urine.
3) Fever, vomiting along with other pains: You may suffer from fever if you have infection in you kidneys. Bouts of vomiting and nausea are also possible if you are affected by the kidney infection. Backache and pain below your ribs are some of the other symptoms.

CAUSES:
1) Bacteria in the urethra is mainly caused when the bacteria from the digestive tract holds on to the opening of the urethra, this poses a problem.
2) During a sexual intercourse the bacteria present in the vaginal tract is pushed inside the urethra by the movement of the penis.
3) Having different sexual partners can be another reason for urinary tract infection.
4) Waiting too long to urinate may cause this infection.
5) Holding urine for a long time stretches the bladder. This stretching weakens the bladder - disallowing it to completely empty itself. The urine which remains in the bladder increases your chances of the infection.


HOME REMEDIES
1) Baking Soda: A mixture of 1/2 tsp baking soda in eight ounce glass of water can be very helpful on the first signs of urinary tract infection. The presence of baking soda in your system raises the acid-base balance of the acidic urine.
2) Drinking water or fluids: It is very important for your system to have a good flow of urine. This can be done by consuming plenty of water. It cleanses your body by diluting and flushing out the unwanted substance.
3) Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice disallows bacteria to cling to the cell, which line the urinary tract. It is a great remedy to fight this infection. If you cannot have the cranberry juice directly you can mix it with apple juice to add some taste.
4) Aromatherapy: You can make an essential oil by using equal parts of sandalwood, bergamot, tea tree, frankincense and juniper. Mix all these ingredients to make an oil to be rubbed over your bladder area. Continue this massaging technique for three to four days once the symptoms subside.
5) Echinacea: You can consume at least two capsules three times a day of Echinacea and Oregon grape root or goldenseal to fight the infection.
6) Tincture: In acute cases try having 1/2 tsp of tincture every hour. Severe infection needs severe measures. Blend equal parts of pipsissewa, buchu, echinacea, and uva ursi tinctures. Have 20 drops of this blended mixture every two hours for first two days and later 1 tsp four times a day, till you have completely recovered. Have a soothing tea such as marshmallow root to counter the strong antiseptic effect of urva ursi.
DIET:
1) Increase the intake of vitamins C: Vitamin C prevents the bacterial growth due to the acidic environment created in the bladder and the urinary tract. It is very important to have a healthy diet which is rich in minerals and other supplements for your daily quota. You can maintain the alkaline content in urine by a rich diet of milk, fruits, and fresh vegetables.
2) Fresh berry juice: Consume fresh berry juice as part of the daily diet, turns out with great results in a long run.
3) Avoid irritant foods: A diet which consists of processed food like cheese, chocolate, dairy products should be avoided.
4) Avoid spicy food, caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes which otherwise is also harmful.
5) Avoid carbonated drinks like beer, soda or any other drink with fizz.
6) Stay away from artificial sweetener: Aspartame is one of a kind of artificial sweetener. You will find many artificial sweeteners in the market which should be avoided. It is mainly consumed by diabetic patients and is used in many beverages and other foods.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
1) Hot compression: You can place a heating pad on the lower abdominal area to provide some relief to your pain.
2) Reflexology: Working on the bladder or kidney points can provide you some relief from this infection.
3) Dressing comfortably: Wearing loose-fitting and cotton clothes helps a great deal. Wearing tight undergarments and tight fitting clothes creates more room for infection.