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Many individuals would not probably know that the best way to treat uterine, bladder and kidney related infections is to flush out the infection from the area as soon as possible.This would mean flushing the bladder multiple times every day in order to get rid of the infection quickly and effectively.Often caused by the E. Coli bacteria, bladder infections are results of improper diets, lifestyle choices, improper hygiene and in some cases, infections that spread to the organ from other areas of the body. In most cases, the body tends to cleanse the bladder periodically via urination.
However, the onset of an infection would make it hard for the body to cleanse the organ properly. This would in turn create a favorable environment for the E.Coli bacteria to grow and thrive. And this would usually be the time when we start looking for alternate ways to cleanse the bladder and get rid of the infection troubling it.
Effective Home Remedies for Bladder Infections
So if you are suffering from recurrent bladder infections, here are some excellent home remedies that you can try out. These remedies would help you get rid of that pesky E. Coli bacteria in addition to preventing recurrent infections. You would probably need to try one or more of these remedies to zero in on the one that works for you. Nevertheless, some of the most common home remedies for bladder infections include:
Drinking Fluids
If you have an infection inside your body, the best way to flush it out is with water and other fluids. Make it a point to drink plenty of water and fluids when you have a bladder infection. Increased water content in the body would lead to increased urination which in turn would effectively rinse out your bladder and eradicate the bacteria causing the infection. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every few hours to get rid of the infection and its symptoms. Continue drinking water and fluids until the symptoms vanish completely.
Drinking Cranberry Juice
If you are suffering from recurrent bladder infections, try drinking some cranberry juice to ease the symptoms of the condition and flush out the bacteria causing it. The potent anti-bacterial properties of cranberry can help get rid of the excess E. Coli bacteria from the system, and effectively prevent recurrences as well.
Eating Blueberries
Blueberries belong to the same family as cranberries and can be used to treat bladder infections at home. Blueberries contain anti bacterial properties as well which enable them to get rid of the infection causing bacteria from the bladder, and the body. If you can’t get your hands on blue berry juice, try adding a few raw blueberries to your breakfast meals every day for desirable results.
Increasing the Intake of Vitamin C
Vitamin C can effectively fight off all kinds of infections, including bladder infections. So increase your daily intake of vitamin C. Some of the best sources include citrus fruits like oranges and leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, broccoli etc. Tomatoes would also help to an extent.
Adding Baking Soda
Baking soda is known to contain potent antibacterial properties that make it an effective home remedy for all kinds of bacterial infections. Try adding some baking soda to your meals or juices daily. You can also mix some baking soda in water and drink the concoction at least a few times every day to get rid of the infection and its symptoms (including painful urination) quickly.
Eating Pineapples
Try munching on a few slices of pineapple to get rid of a bladder infection. Pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain which is very effective in reducing the symptoms of bladder infections and preventing recurrences. A few slices of pineapple every day should probably do the trick.
Eating Garlic
Eat a few cloves of raw garlic every day to get rid of bladder infections effectively. They may not taste good and may leave a lingering odor in your mouth. But they contain potent antibacterial properties that can get to the root of the infection and eradicate it, thereby offering relief from the infection and its symptoms in no time at all.
Avoiding Triggers
A bladder infection can be triggered (or) aggravated by certain triggers in the form of certain foods that you consume and certain products that you use on a daily basis. Keeping away from these so called triggers would be considered wise if you want to get rid of the infection quickly and effectively.
Foods you need to avoid
Accordingly, some of the foods and beverages that can act as potential triggers of bladder infections include coffee, citrus juices, cheese, dairy products, chocolates, spices, sodas, carbonated drinks, sugary drinks, beer and alcohol etc. You would also need to stay away from all kinds of processed foods and artificial sweeteners that can irritate the bladder and aggravate an existing infection. So stay away from these foods and beverages until the symptoms of the infection disappear.
Products you need to avoid
If you have a bladder infection, refrain from using products that contain harsh chemicals in them. These include soaps, cleansers, creams, lotions, deodorants and even douches. In addition to irritating the bladder, these products can strip away the natural protective barrier and create a favorable environment for the E. Coli bacteria to multiply and spread. So opt for natural or organic soaps and cleansers until the symptoms of the infection recede to an extent.
Urinating Often
Drinking plenty of fluids would automatically fill up your bladder and increase the urge to urinate frequently. Rush to the bathroom as and when you feel like urinating. Don’t try to hold back as doing so can cause the infection to spread. And make it a point to empty your bladder completely every time you urinate. This way, your body would effectively flush out the bacteria causing the infection, thereby reducing the severity of the symptoms to a great extent.
Using Hot Compresses
The pain you experience due to a bladder infection can be effectively alleviated with the help of heating pads or bottles which you can place on the abdominal area. In addition to decreasing the pain and inflammation caused by the infection, the hot packs/bottles would hinder the growth and spread of the bacteria causing the infection. Alternatively, you can try taking a so called ‘sitz bath’ wherein you fill up a bath or bucket with warm water and sit in it for about 15 minutes until the pain recedes.
Maintaining Proper Hygiene
Infections related to the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys can spread easily from one area to another. Therefore, maintaining proper hygiene is considered a must if you want to get rid of the infection effectively.
Make it a point to always wipe from front to back after visiting the bathroom. The E. Coli bacteria would usually be present in small amounts near the anus. Wiping from back to front can cause the bacteria to move from the anus to the urethra from where they can spread to the bladder. This in turn would cause bladder infections or aggravate the symptoms of an existing infection.
Make it a point to wash the genital areas gently while bathing or showering. Washing these areas rigorously can cause skin irritation which in turn can aggravate the symptoms of a bladder infection (like itchiness, irritation, pain, burning sensation etc.). Pat these areas dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing them after a bath as this would also prevent the symptoms of a bladder infection from flaring up.
Wearing Comfortable Clothes
If you are suffering from a bladder infection, make it a point to wear loose clothes that do not touch the infected areas of the body. Nylon and other synthetic materials can cause excessive sweating in these areas, thereby creating a moist environment for the bacteria to grow and spread. Wear cotton clothes that are airy and keep the infected areas free of moisture. Cotton would not irritate the infected area as well unlike synthetic materials that could cause itching and irritation if they come in contact with the infected area.
