How To Beat A Bladder Infection Naturally

If you haven't experienced a bladder infection, consider yourself lucky. This painful infection can come on suddenly and can bring on an uncomfortable sensation of needing to urinate frequently. Women are more prone to bladder infections in comparison to men because their urethra is much shorter, so bacteria has an easier time travelling up the urinary tract.

We have come up with a list of natural remedies that can help you combat future infections. We hope these can soothe that aching/burning sensation and get you back to your happiest and healthiest self!

Water - Keep your fluids up! By increasing the amount of water that you consume this will help to flush out the bacteria that is causing the infection. Furthermore, when the urge to urinate happens don't hold it in. When you hold it in bacteria can multiply rapidly in the urinary tract, so make sure that when the feeling arises you flush it out.

Unsweetened Cranberry Juice - Unsweetened cranberry juice is tart and is filled with a natural sugar called D-mannose. The cranberry is able to inhibit the growth and colonization of bacteria that causes the infection, including E-coli which is the most common bacteria strain that causes UTI's.

Vitamin C - Not only does it enhance the immune function but this vitamin naturally acidifies the urine and makes it difficult for the bacteria to live in an acidic environment. Vitamin C can also lower the pH of urine, making it less likely that bacteria will survive.

Probiotic - The use of antibiotics reduces the beneficial bacteria that we have in our bodies. In order to combat the infection and antibiotic use, a high dose probiotic can be supportive in replenishing beneficial bacteria. Taking a probiotic and consuming probiotic rich foods can also help to recolonize the bladder with helpful bacteria.

D-Mannose - This natural sugar is related to glucose and can be found in cranberry. It is able to prevent certain bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. This allows the bacteria to be flushed out. 

Garlic - Allicin is the active ingredient in garlic and it has been found to exhibit antibacterial activity against a range of bacterial strains. Garlic has also been known for having anti-fungal properties particularly against Candida, which can cause yeast infections. 

All of these items can be taken daily as a preventative, especially if you are prone to these infections. Or they can be taken if you feel that you are beginning to suffer from the symptoms of a bladder infection. It is always a good idea to double check with your doctor and have your urine tested to make sure that there is an infection and that there isn't any other health issues.