Myth-busting home remedies for UTIs
There’s no shame in trying everything you can to tackle your UTI. But it’s important to recognize that using home remedies can sometimes mask symptoms instead of addressing the cause of your infection. This blog explores the truth behind some of the most popular home remedies for UTIs.
Myth: Any cranberry juice will solve a UTI
Truth: Unsweetened cranberry juice is best for your microbiome
Cranberry juice is possibly the most well-known UTI hack. If a friend asked you for some cranberry juice, you’d likely know exactly what they’re dealing with. But how does it actually work?
Cranberry juice has long been thought to flush out the urinary tract. It contains A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs). PACs are components that stop e-coli bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract walls and reproducing, lowering your chances of repeat infection.
Cranberry juice is an accessible and affordable remedy for most people. However, it’s important to remember that most cranberry juices are full of added sugar. These sugars can actually damage your microbiome by providing extra food for the bad bacteria and causing an imbalance. Always opt for unsweetened cranberry juice where possible when trying to combat a UTI.
Myth: Juice is the best way to access the benefits of cranberries
Truth: Cranberry supplements offer a more effective alternative
If you’re wanting to get the benefits of cranberries without the added sugar, plus some extra goodness - you may want to try cranberry supplements.
These Semaine Urinary Tract Cleanse & Protect supplements support urinary health, boost immunity and provide daily protection from UTIs. They can be taken as a preventative measure or in response to infection. The supplements use Anthocran Phyosome cranberry because it absorbs into the body more easily than regular cranberries - along with hibiscus for extra immune support.
Healthy Microbiome, Healthy You:
New Insights In Preventing Painful UTIs
The microbiome in your digestive system not only helps you gain nutrients from what you eat and drink, but medical experts believe it plays a role in boosting immunity, maintaining mental health and more.
Myth: Baking soda is safe to treat UTIs
Truth: Baking soda is only safe in very small amounts
Baking soda is another common UTI home remedy but very little scientific evidence exists to back this up. It’s thought to neutralise the acidity of urine, reducing pain and easing the healing process.
Online sources suggest you should drink baking soda with water on an empty stomach. However, there have been cases of baking soda causing internal bleeding and should be taken with caution. The recommended safe amount to ingest is ½ teaspoon in 4-8 ounces of water.
Myth: Apple cider vinegar can help a UTI
Truth: Apple cider vinegar cannot cure a UTI
Apple cider vinegar is another common home remedy for UTIs. It’s often used as either a drink or a bath soak. Apple cider vinegar is thought to soothe inflammation and irritation in the urinary tract due to some antibacterial properties, in theory allowing for a less painful healing process. Again, this remedy lacks scientific evidence and should be used with caution as it could also interfere with other medications.
Myth: Any general antibiotic can be used to treat a UTI
Truth: Proper UTI testing allows for targetted antibiotic treatment
To get rid of recurrent UTIs, proper testing is key. The MyUTI test looks for the top 12 causes of UTI symptoms and provides you with personalized antibiotic recommendations based on the cause of your infection. This allows your doctor to make informed decisions when it comes to your treatment and prevent antibiotic resistance.
While home remedies will always have a place in UTI management, we believe every person deserves the right to proper testing and targeted treatment to ensure lasting relief from recurrent UTIs.
