Sometimes while urinating we experience excruciating pain, burn, and itching sensation. Added to that, the urine smells pungent and foul!
These are the symptoms of Urinary tract infection.
UTI is one of the most frequent and common bacterial infections today. However, it is completely curable. And, Ayurveda is the best remedy to cure UTI’s with natural herbs and therapies.
Ayurveda not only prevents but also helps to curb the symptoms of UTIs.
What are UTIs?
Urinary Tract Infections occur in the urinary system which includes the urethra, bladder and kidneys, and uterus. When the organs of the urinary system are infected by bacteria, then it is called Urinary tract infections. In the urinary system, usually, the bladder and the urethra are the ones constantly working. Hence, these are the ones that get infected easily.
In UTI there is a constant urge to pee very frequently. This condition not only irritates but also needs to be attended to medically. Hence, it needs to be cured at the earliest and curb its further spread. If not, then it will lead to more pain.
Ayurveda believes in curing the roots. Hence, to cure UTI completely – from the roots, the cause and characteristics have to be known first.
Causes of UTIs – The why and How of UTIs
When some bacteria enter the urinary tract through the anus or the genitals, it starts growing in the moist and warm environment and starts to spread. UTIs can be prevented through precautions.
Women are more prone to UTIs when compared to men, because of the difference in the anatomy of the bodies.
The urethra in women is shorter, which makes the distance between their anus and urethra shorter. This makes the infection reach faster to the urethra.
The other main channel of getting a UTI is through sexual intercourse. During sexual intercourse also, the infection from one person can get transmitted to another person through the genitals.
Usually, people are very relax and ignorant while using the washrooms, especially the public toilets. They do not flush after using them. Due to this, the bacteria set on the urine and the toilet seats and pots which makes it a breeding ground for UTIs. When people use these washrooms, they have got UTIs. Once again, women are at a greater risk of getting infected from such washrooms as compared to men. When the Washrooms used by infected people, are used by normal people, then it might get the normal people also infected with UTI.
In Women after menopause, there is a fall in the estrogen level, which causes a shift in their urinary tract and leads to a higher possibility of getting a UTI
These were the causes.
Now, let’s take a look at the signs and symptoms of UTI:
- Burning pain while urinating
- Frequent urge to urination
- Urine smells foul and pungent
- Color of urine is not clear
- Presence of blood or pus in the urine
- Soreness, pain, pressure, or cramps in the lower abdomen.
- Pain in lower or mid-back and sides
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue or tiredness
Now that we know the causes, signs, and symptoms of UTIs, let us what all can be done to prevent UTI or cure it or curb its spread:
Ayurveda tips to deal with UTIs:
1. Certain Foods should be avoided.
These foods make UTIs more severe and have a deteriorating effect on health. Hence one should avoid the following:
- Acidic fruits
- Alcohol
- Highly spicy food
- Artificial colors and sweeteners
- Caffeinated coffee or sodas
2. Do not delay urination
Delaying the urge to urinate even when feeling the pressure, increases the chances of infection manifold. In case the urine is not let out at the right time, then the bacteria will settle down in the urine, letting the urine out from the body at the right time helps to get rid off of the poisons from the body.
3. Proper Clothing
Wearing extra-tight clothes or underwear also increases the temperature of the body and the level of moisture which again facilitates the growth of microbes and bacteria.
4. Maintaining Sexual Hygiene
During sexual intercourse, taking care of hygiene is very important. Some very simple measures like urinating and washing the genitals, before and after the intercourse immediately, maintain sexual hygiene. Refraining from sex, if either of two individuals has the infection, till treated.
5. Deodorants
Deodorants are filled with artificial chemicals. Hence, they should be avoided at all costs especially around the genital areas.
6. Cleaning front to back
After pooping or peeing, one should clean moving front to backward, with the toilet paper instead of the other way. The chances of bacteria infecting the anal region and genital area are higher as compared to the urinary tract.
7. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry Juice contains antioxidants, anti-bacterial and inflammatory properties. This not only reduces the swelling but also cures the infection in the urinary tract.
8. Keeping the body hydrated
Drinking sufficient water to keep the body hydrated. Water dissolves the harmful toxins and helps to get eliminated from the body through urine. It thus helps to keep the infection in control.
Ayurveda herbs that work wonders in UTI:
1. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
Gokshura is an effective antimicrobial diuretic, which curbs the spread of bacterial UTI. Widely known for its diuretic activity which does not allow the bacteria to stay and spread in the urinary tract.
2. Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera)
This Ayurvedic herb helps to promote a good metabolism with the proper functioning of the kidney and protect it against bacterial infections. This herb can help in dealing with UTI by preventing bacterial infection in the urinary tract.
3. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Tulsi has antibacterial properties and is known as a herbal cure for UTI since ancient times. It helps to fight against the bacteria in the urinary tract and helps to neutralizes the acid content in the body.
Summary
To heal any infection, it is very important to first know the causes and recognize its signs and symptoms. After that, we need to take the proper precautionary steps and follow the tips to prevent its further spread and heal. Ayurveda gives useful tips to stop, prevent and curb the spread of the UTI – from the roots. It helps to relieve the pain and helps to replenish the body.
