Naturopathic Treatments For Urinary Tract Infections
If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection, you know how much of a pain they can be.
Going about your day to day life can get difficult when you need a bathroom frequently, and it doesn’t help that using the bathroom is also likely to be uncomfortable.
Thankfully this kind of infection is readily treatable with antibiotics, and if you’re looking for other options, we can help at Dawdy Naturopathic with naturopathic treatments for women.
Urinary tract infections are relatively common, with about half of women experiencing one at some point in their lives, so in this article we’re going to talk about what they are, what causes them, and what naturopathic treatments are available for them.
What Is A Urinary Tract Infection?
The urinary tract consists of your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Any part of the urinary tract can become infected as part of a urinary tract infection (UTI), though it’s most commonly just the bladder and urethra.
When this is the case, it’s referred to as a lower tract UTI, while if the ureters or kidneys become infected it’s referred to as an upper tract UTI.
Upper tract UTIs are far less common than the lower tract variety, but they have the potential to become more serious, since the microbes causing the infection can enter the blood through the kidneys.
This makes it important to seek help if you think you may have a UTI.
UTIs are the second most common type of infection and are responsible for about five million visits to the doctor each year.
They are more common in people with vaginas, as they tend to have shorter urethras which can make it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection?
The symptoms of a UTI can vary depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected, as well as the severity of the infection.
For lower tract UTIs the symptoms often include increased frequency of urination, discomfort or pain with urination, bloody or cloudy urine, and pelvic or rectal pain.
Upper tract UTIs tend to be more serious, and have symptoms including pain in the upper back and sides, chills, nausea, and vomiting, as well as a fever.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an upper tract UTI it’s important to seek care as soon as possible to make sure the infection doesn’t worsen or develop complications.
What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?
UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, with almost 90 percent of cases being caused by a specific strain of bacteria, Escherichia coli, or E. coli.
In some cases, UTIs can be caused by fungi or bacteria, but this is much less common than bacterial infections.
Any activity that moves bacteria from one area to another or puts pressure on the urinary tract can also cause UTIs.
Sex can put pressure on the urethra, as well as potentially moving bacteria from the anus to the urethra, and using a diaphragm can put pressure on the urethra as well which can decrease bladder emptying and increase UTI risk.
Spermicides and unlubricated condoms can also irritate the skin around the urethra and increase the risk of a UTI, so making sure to use enough water based lubricant can be a helpful step to reduce UTI risk.
Why Do I Keep Getting Urinary Tract Infections?
Recurring UTIs can be a sign of a long term health issue, or a weakened immune system.
If a UTI recurs almost immediately after symptoms ease up, it may be an issue of antibiotics not fully eliminating the infection in the first place.
Recurring UTIs spaced farther apart may be a symptom of an abnormality with your urinary tract.
For example, an enlarged prostate can increase the risk of UTIs long term by putting pressure on the urethra.
If you’re suffering from recurring UTIs it’s a good idea to talk to a medical professional to see if there’s a root cause of the issue that can be dealt with directly.
Naturopathic Solutions For Urinary Tract Infections
If you’re experiencing a UTI it’s important to get the advice of a professional so that the issue can be dealt with as needed.
Read on below to find out more about how Ottawa naturopathic treatments for UTIs can help.
1. Stay Hydrated
In addition to being beneficial for your health overall, staying hydrated can help your body fight a UTI.
By drinking lots of water and urinating when you feel the urge to, you can help your body flush the bacteria from your urinary tract.
2. Probiotics
UTIs can be caused by bacteria, but vaginas are home to different types bacteria that promote good health in the absence of an infection.
Taking a probiotic can help make sure that those healthy bacteria are present and can help reduce the risk of UTIs.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system, which can make it a good option for helping your body fight off any kind of infection.
Vitamin C may also make urine slightly more acidic, which can help remove bacteria from the urinary tract, which makes it an especially good option if you have a UTI.
4. Cranberries
There is some evidence that suggests that cranberries may contain substances that help prevent the bacteria that cause UTIs from clinging to the urinary tract.
A study by Dr. Timothy Boone, PhD, found that taking cranberry capsules lowered the risk of UTIs by 50%.
Research is, at this point, inconclusive, but it may be a good option for you to try.
They’re also packed with nutrients and antioxidants, so it’s not a bad idea to include cranberries in your diet in general.
It’s important to note, though, that cranberries themselves seem to work, as well as concentrated cranberry capsules, but cranberry juice isn’t strong enough to do the trick.
Book An Appointment With Dawdy Naturopathic
UTIs can be uncomfortable, painful, and inconvenient, but you don’t have to deal with them alone.
We want to work with you to find treatment options that fit your needs and get you back to feeling your best.
Book an appointment
with Dawdy Naturopathic today and take charge of your health.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic
6899 Sunset Blvd,
Greely, ON K4P 1C5
-https://g.page/dawdynaturopathicclinic
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic offers a variety of naturopathic health solutions for individuals and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
