The best way to combat a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is to attack the root cause of the problem and what better way than with clinically proven treatment methods. Three factors which cause an infection are:
- An Unhealthy Urinary Tract
- Bad Bacteria Breeding
- A Low Immune System
And these are the three areas where the proven cures will focus their attention to create a hostile living environment, to stop the bad bacteria breeding, and to naturally build your immune system.
Build Hostile Living Conditions
The bacteria that causes 95% of UTIs is everywhere and no matter how careful you are, you can’t avoid it because bacteria is a normal part of our genetic make up. A hostile living condition for bacteria in the urinary tract is urine that is acidic or alkaline, allowing bacteria to flow easily out of the body and past the bladder walls.
Stop the Bacteria Breeding
Learning more about how a UTI forms, to how the infection reacts when new herbs or supplements are introduced into the system, leads to excellent prevention methods of stopping the bad bacteria breeding.
Additionally, choosing not to take antibiotics when they aren’t necessary also helps to keep the good bacteria around. Less bad bacteria and more good bacteria will see you UTI free in no time!
Boost Your Immune System
Internally, the food you eat has a lot to do with the balance of your body. What you eat does impact your ability to fight off a UTI and some foods can be toxic. Caffeine, soft drinks, high acidic fruits, spicy foods and sugars including artificial sweeteners are all things which can irritate your urinary tract. If you have a UTI they should be avoided until the infection clears, however with the use of miraculous UTI fighting foods there should be no need to give up these personal favorites forever.
Our list of remedies below have been labeled by 3 categories:
- Flushes Bacteria
- Stops Bacteria Breeding
- Boosts Immune System
In order to attack the UTI at the root cause, we suggest your chosen treatment should incorporate each of these categories. Some of the home treatments will assist in more than one of the categories, and some have been noted as not to use with others.
If you find that a particular UTI cure doesn’t agree with you, meaning that maybe the juice gives you an upset stomach, don’t get disheartened.
Simply try another one.
Remember not all UTIs are the same, as different types of bacteria can be the culprit of the problem. UTIs can get serious if they make their way up into your kidneys, so seek medical advice if necessary.
Now, let’s see what researchers have found to be effective in fighting off those pesky UTIs. The supporting research can be found at the end of the article.
HINT
⇒ No. 5 sees Smaller Waistlines & a Lower BMI!
⇒ No. 21 has been used since the 2nd century.
⇒ Tea drinkers be sure to see No. 4, 11 and 20.
1. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Bilberries, which are closely related to blueberries, have powerful anti-inflammatory with antioxidant properties that contain flavonoids, found largely in dark-skinned fruits. As a close cousin to popular UTI treatment cranberry, it has a very similar effect for fighting UTIs. The berry makes the urine acidic which the bacteria hates as it can’t stick the bladder walls. This fruit also contains vitamin C which helps to boost immunity.
2. Bromelain (from pineapples)
Bromelain which can be found in the stem of pineapples has been used for centuries in Central and South America to treat indigestion and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that it can kill virus and bacteria, although further research is need to better understand how this works. Killing bacteria will stop the inflection and reducing inflammation will help ease the painful urination. Unfortunately eating pineapple cannot produce enough of a medical effect on the body, therefore a supplement extract that is a much higher concentrate of bromelain is necessary.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding
Suggested Use: 400 mg per day for two days.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an all-around spice known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic and anti-tumor properties. It will stop the bacteria breeding at the same time as reducing the inflammation causing pain during urination. It has been shown to work against two of the biggest UTI culprits, Staphylococcus aureus and E.coli.
4. Coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum)
Coriander (also known as cilantro) is a traditional Indian Ayurvedic remedy to treat the UTI, but it is also clinically proven to stop the breeding of many different types of bacteria. Ayurveda says its a cooling herb, because the anti-inflammatory properties help to ease painful urination.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding
Suggested Use: 3 tablespoons boiled in water, drink as tea, once per day, as necessary.
5. Cranberry
Taking cranberry changes the pH level in the urinary tract (making it more acidic) stopping E. coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. Cranberries are also a natural anti-inflammatory which means painful urination will quickly subside. They are also one of the fruits which has the highest levels of vitamin C, making them great for boosting the immune system.
Additionally, to the shock and delight of those who use this berry have Smaller Waistlines and Lower BMIs!
6. Curcumin from Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Curcumin was found have antibacterial effects on the body, especially effective in killing strains of E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the big two for causing UTIs. The antioxidant effect of this herb also give you the added benefit of boosting your immune system, strengthening the body again a further attack.
A handy tip is that turmeric with black pepper or pineapple improve its absorbability by the body.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 400-600 mg three times per day.
7. D-mannose
D-mannose is a simple sugar found in many fruits, including cranberry and it benefits the urinary tract by sticking to bacteria, literally coating the E. coli, which means it has no choice but to flow easily from the body. Clinical studies show that D-mannose is just as effective as leading brands of antibiotics at reducing the recurrence of UTI and it is also a prebiotic, helping your body build its immune system by stimulating the growth of good bacteria in your digestive system.
How it works: Flushes Bacteria, Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 500 mg, in capsule or powder form (¼ tsp), taken in/or with a glass of water every two to three hours for five days, or two days after the UTI clears.
8. Echinacea
Echinacea is an All-Star immune system strengthener. We take it when we get sick with the flu and a urinary tract infection is no different when the body needs help fighting an infection.
How it works: Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 300 mg three time a day for a total of 900 mg a day as a recommended regimen.
9. Ginger
Ginger shows strong antibacterial activity against E. Coli., stopping it from multiplying as well as keeping the urine alkaline. This is the opposite to cranberry which makes it more acidic, hence the two should not be used together. Changes to the pH levels of the urine be it alkaline or acidity both effect the bacterias ability to adhere to the bladder walls.
10. Goldenseal (Berberine) & Oregon grape root
Goldenseal likes to stick to the bacteria, which in turn stops it sticking to the urinary tract and breeding any further. Additionally it is a biofilm disruptor which helps to get the good bacteria in your system multiplying faster.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 500-1000 mg daily of both goldenseal and Oregon grape root for five days.
11. Hibiscus
Hibiscus posses a bactericidal effect, which means that it kills off the bad bacteria which is causing you all that pain during urination. The antimicrobial effect of this herb have been described as immediate with a complete cycle through the body within 1 day. Early research shows that hibiscus is not only effective on E. coli, but also Staphylococcus, meaning you’ve got a fighter that can combat 90-95% of the bacteria causing UTI’s. It is known to be a mild diuretic, great for flushing the system, as well as vitamin C for building immunity.
How it works: Flushes Bacteria, Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 15-30 grams (½-1 oz), boil to decoction and drink as tea.
12. Horseradish
Studies have shown a combination horseradish and nasturtium, two plants from the mustard family, demonstrated antimicrobial properties, meaning they kill or inhibit the growth bacteria.
If you have a hard time with the spice, a glass of water or milk nearby can help. Stop if stomach upset occurs.
13. Horsetail (Equisetum)
Horsetail is a nutrient which has antiseptic qualities, which will smooth inflammation and increase urination, flushing out the UTI from your system.
How it works: Flushes Bacteria, Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: Take 300 mg three times a day for seven days.
13. Juniper Berries
Juniper berries work in three ways by decreasing inflammation, fighting bacteria and viruses, while also increasing the need to urinate as its a diuretic. These factors combined make it a great home remedy for UTIs.
An interesting fact about Juniper is that it is not a true berry but fruit with a berry-like appearance!
How it works: Flushes Bacteria, Stops Bacteria Breeding
Suggested Use: 10 grams (⅓ oz) daily.
15. Lactobacillus (Probiotics)
L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri are two probiotics which have the best chance of survival through the stomach, so that they may get to the urinary tract system where their good work can be done, repopulating the body with good bacteria. Unlike some of the herbal supplements which can take effect immediately on the body once absorbed, probiotics are a little slower. It can take up to 1 week for the full effects of taking probiotic to occur.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: Probiotic supplements with L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri are best for UTIs. Intake of 5-50 billion units a day is enough.
16. Lingonberry
Due to their bright color Lingonberry has tannins which produce chemicals that help to kill bacteria in the urine. These tannins also make the berries plentiful with vitamin C to support the immune system.
The juice has been tested longer term (6 months) and is safe to take as a preventative for UTIs as well.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 50 ml (¼ cup) of cranberry-lingonberry juice concentrate (7.5 g (⅓ oz) cranberry concentrate and 1.7 g (0.06 oz) lingonberry concentrate in 50 ml (¼ cup) of water with no added sugars) once a day.
17. Nasturtium (Watercress)
Nasturtium contains vitamin C and helps fight bacteria, fungi, viruses, and tumors. All parts of the plant seem to have strong antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. As mentioned above nasturtium is best used with horseradish.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: Great in salads, on a sandwich or cooked as a pot herb. Additionally the seeds are ground into a powder and used to make mustard. Use daily.
18. Propolis
Propolis’s antimicrobial activities are well documented against different bacteria, known to stimulate the immune system, activating the killing of unwanted bad bacteria. Studies show that it works well when partnered with cranberry extract.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 3-4 capsules twice daily.
19. Shatavari
Shatavari is another Ayurvedic herb which has been used for centuries to treat women’s health issues. It has been clinically proven to have antibacterial effects against E. coli and Staph, killing them before they can breed and helping to boost the immune system.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 3 – 6 grams (½-1.2 tsp) one or two times a day.
20. Urtica (Stinging nettle)
The stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is used as a diuretic to flush out the bacteria from the system. Its anti-inflammatory effect helps to smooth pain in the urinary tract during this process. It has been used in many traditional medicine systems has been proven to show efficacy in medical studies.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: Boil 4 cups of filtered water. Mince (cut up finely) 4 heaping teaspoons of fresh stinging nettle (including stems, & roots if you can get them). Steep 20 minutes and strain it. Drink hot or cold, and it may be reheated without harming it. It will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days. Drink 4 cups throughout the course of one day for 7 days.
21. Uva Ursi (Bearberry)
Uva ursi has been scientifically proven to fight infection while reducing inflammation. It has the nickname bearberry as the bears like to eat it. It has been used medicinally since the 2nd century by Native Americans and until the discovery of modern pharmaceutical antibiotics, uva ursi was a common treatment for such bladder and related infections.
It works best when the urine is alkaline, so don’t take it with acidic remedies (cranberry, vitamin C etc).
How it works: Flushes Bacteria, Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: A dose of 300 mg every three hours for two days, followed by 300 mg daily for seven days. Note: It should not be used long term.
22. Vitamin C
Vitamin C increases the acidity of urine, creating a hostile environment that the bacteria doesn’t like. In addition to this it also has a bacteriostatic effect on urine which means it stops bacteria reproducing. And there’s nothing better than a good dose of vitamin C to boost the immune system.
How it works: Flushes Bacteria, Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 5000 mg a day for 2 days after UTI clears.
23. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is stored in the fatty fat cells of your body and jumps to the defense of the body when it’s faced with a threatening infection. This smart vitamin knows which bacteria to attack, leaving the friendly bacteria totally unharmed, to boost your immune system.
How it works: Stops Bacteria Breeding, Boosts Immune System
Suggested Use: 600IU daily.
Secret “BioVital Remedy”
We, at BioVital Labs, have been working on what we believe is the best UTI fighting formula. As medical research catches up with ancient traditional medicines from India, China and the Americas, the list of clinically proven treatments grows. There is no need for you to spend hours upon hours of your precious time reading and reviewing all of the research papers below, because we’ve already done that.
And what did we find?
The best, most proven, combination of botanicals and supplements to fight off and prevent another dreaded UTI.
Want to know what it is?
Click the “Find Out Now” button below to see The 7 Clinically Proven Natural Ingredients To Prevent UTIs.
Research Links
- Bilberry www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/202.html
- Bromelain www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4587187,
- Bromelain www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/bromelain
- Cinnamon www.benefitsfromcinnamon.com/benefits/benefits-of-cinnamon-for-uti
- Cinnamon www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3438083/
- Coriander Seeds www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21862758
- Cranberry www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.12593/full
- Curcumin www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10552805
- Curcumin www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814608014611
- D-mannose www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.12492/full
- Echinacea www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/how-to-use-best-natural-antibiotics/
- Echinacea www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15035888/
- Ginger www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2839399/
- Goldenseal www.altmedrev.com/publications/13/3/227.pdf
- Goldenseal www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18275156
- Hibiscus www.lef.org/Magazine/2010/4/Halt-the-Vicious-Cycle-of-Urinary-Tract-Infections/Page-02
- Hibiscus www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609315/
- Horseradish www.informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1185/030079907X233089
- Horsetail www.alternativemedicine.com/health/ask-doctor/ask-doctor-urinary-tract-infections
- Horsetail www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3495101/
- Juniper Berry www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12672151
- Lactobacillus www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11172991
- Lactobacillus www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC119863/
- Lingonberry www.ebn.bmj.com/content/5/2/43.full
- Lingonberry www.altmedrev.com/publications/13/3/227.pdf
- Naturtium www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16618018
- Propolis www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3638578/
- Propolis www.biomedcentral.com/1756-0500/4/522
- Shatavari www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4027291/
- Urtica www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3888705/#B383
- Urtica www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/stinging-nettle
- Uva Ursi www.informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1076/phbi.37.2.127.6086
- Uva Ursi www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/uva-ursi
- Vitamin C www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3784967/
- Vitamin D www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23911156