The following natural remedies can help to encourage bladder health, reduce the risk of bladder infection, and if your infection is caught early enough, may also help to treat your bladder infection without the need for antibiotics.
13 Natural Ways to Increase Your Bladder Health
1. Prepare Your Chicken Properly
E. coli bacteria are estimated to be the cause of more than 80 percent of all bladder infections, and chickens are a carrier of a particularly nasty strain of E. coli bacteria that is resistant to antibiotic treatment. Consuming chickens that are infected with E. coli may result in the antibiotic-resistant bacteria being transferred to you. This can result in a very difficult-to-treat bladder infection, or an infection that seems to go away but then keeps on coming back. It is highly recommended that you properly and thoroughly cook chicken to ensure that all bacteria are completely killed before consuming your meal.
2. Drink Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice has been found to reduce the risk of developing a bladder infection by 35 percent. Studies show that certain compounds in cranberry juice prevent E. coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder. In fact, just hours after drinking cranberry juice, the ability of E. coli bacteria to adhere to your bladder will drop, and the effects will last throughout much of the day.
Unfortunately, once the E. coli has adhered and a full-on infection has developed, cranberry juice will not be able to detach and eliminate the bacteria. However, drinking it certainly won’t hurt and it may help prevent the infection from worsening. Just be sure to drink sugar-free cranberry juice, because sugar is a major immune suppressant and can reduce your body’s ability to fight infections.
3. Baking Soda
Add 1 tsp. of baking soda to one cup of cold water and drink up. Baking soda is high in alkaline and it can help to reduce the acidity of your urine. The acidity of your urine causes the painful burning sensation associated with bladder infections, so when you reduce the acidity, you can also reduce the pain and the frequent urges to urinate. Too much acidity also encourages infections to grow and proliferate, so drinking baking soda may also help to both prevent and treat bladder infections.
4. Uva Ursi
Uva ursi (also known as bearberry) is a herb that can be made into a tea, and drinking it can help to restore bladder health and may even help put an end to chronic bladder infections. Uva ursi is helpful for two reasons: First, it has diuretic properties that help to flush out the kidneys; second, it contains a compound called arbutin, which is converted in the body into the compound hydroquinone. Hydroquinone has antiseptic properties that may help kill off E. coli bacteria. The compound is thought to be most effective as an antiseptic when it is taken in an alkaline environment, so combining it with the baking soda drink may help increase your results.
5. Bananas
Bananas are a good source of both potassium and fiber, two nutrients that can help promote regularity and keep the digestive system healthy. Potassium is important for keeping muscles functioning properly, including those in the intestines and bladder. Fiber helps to add bulk to stool and keeps things moving through the digestive system at a healthy pace. When everything is working correctly, waste is flushed out of the body efficiently and regularly. However, things can back up and become constipated if you don’t have regular bowel movements. This can lead to pressure on the urinary tract and bladder, making it more difficult to empty the bladder fully. In addition, constipation can also contribute to incontinence and other urinary problems. Therefore, eating foods like bananas that are high in potassium and fiber can help keep your digestive system regular and promote bladder health.
6. Pears
Pears are a good source of dietary fiber essential for bladder health. They are also a good source of Vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system. A strong immune system helps to fight off infections, including bladder infections. Furthermore, pears are a good source of B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism. The high energy levels give the body the strength it needs to fight infections.
7. Berries
Berries are not only delicious, but they can also be good for bladder health. Cranberries, for example, contain compounds that help to prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. This helps to reduce the risk of bladder infections. Blueberries and strawberries are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve bladder function. In addition, these berries are a good source of fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system healthy and flowing smoothly. As a result, eating berries can be a simple and delicious way to support bladder health.
8. Eat More (Healthy) Carbs
While many people automatically associate carbs with weight gain, many healthy carbs can be beneficial for bladder health. One study found that women who ate a diet rich in healthy carbs were less likely to experience bladder problems. Foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are all excellent sources of healthy carbs. They contain fiber, which helps to keep the bladder clean and to function properly. In addition, fiber promotes regularity, which can help prevent bladder infections. So, if you want to keep your bladder healthy, don’t shy away from healthy carbs.
9. Increase Your Fiber Intake
Fiber helps to bulk up stool, making it less likely to leak through the anal sphincter and into the bladder. This can reduce the risk of bladder infections and the unpleasant symptoms that come with them. Fiber can also help to make stools softer, making them easier to pass and less likely to irritate the bladder. For people who suffer from bladder problems, increasing their fibre intake may help improve their symptoms.
10. Cut Back on Caffeine
One of the most common problems associated with caffeine consumption is bladder irritation. This can cause urinary frequency and urgency, as well as pain or tenderness in the bladder area. For people who already have bladder problems, such as interstitial cystitis or urinary incontinence, cutting back on caffeine can help to reduce symptoms and improve bladder health.
11. Avoid Alcohol
When you drink alcohol, it passes through your bladder and can irritate the lining of the bladder. This can lead to inflammation and increased urinary frequency. In severe cases, it can also cause urinary incontinence. Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate your body, making bladder symptoms worse. For these reasons, it is best to avoid alcohol if you are concerned about bladder health. If you do drink, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You should also limit your intake to no more than one or two drinks per day.
12. Avoid Spicy Foods
One way to keep the bladder healthy is to avoid spicy foods. Spicy foods can irritate the bladder and cause inflammation. This can lead to difficulty urinating and even pain during urination. In addition, spicy foods can also cause stomach upset, which can exacerbate bladder problems. For these reasons, it is best to avoid spicy foods if you are concerned about your bladder health.
13. Alter Your Diet
A healthy bladder will not be a good host for E. coli bacteria and removing added sugars, alcohol, and refined foods from your diet will greatly increase your bladder health. You should also consume plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. This will help prevent your body from becoming overly acidic and encourage a healthy immune system, which will encourage your body to fight off the bladder infection. Be sure to drink plenty of water, as doing so will ensure that your bladder is constantly being flushed out so that bacteria won’t have a chance to adhere and proliferate on your bladder walls.
The above recommendations will enhance your bladder health; however, the infection may be too strong and resistant to natural remedies, and it is vital that you consult with a healthcare practitioner if your symptoms don’t resolve within three days.
Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Bladder Infection
Let it out: You can reduce the risk of UTIs by making sure you completely empty your bladder when you urinate. Contracting your muscles to stop the flow of urine before your bladder is empty will draw urine back into the bladder, which bacteria may accompany.
Drink the right amount of fluids: Six to eight glasses of water a day can help flush your system of bacteria that can cause bladder infections, although drinking too much water can cause you to need to go more often, which is more likely to lead to holding urine in the bladder, causing complications.
Walk it off: If you are stuck in a sedentary job that has you spending most of the day sitting, fluid may build up in your legs throughout the day. At night, the fluid build-up may cause you to feel the urge to urinate more frequently. You can prevent this sensation by going for a walk during the day to stop the build-up from forming.
Quit smoking: Tobacco use can double or triple your risk of bladder cancer, so those who smoke or use other tobacco products should do their best to cut back and quit these habits.
Take care when having sex: Urinating before and after intercourse can help flush out any bacteria in your urethra that can cause a bladder infection. Cleaning the genital area before and after sex can also help prevent the spreading of bacteria and any resulting infections.
Watch what you eat: Acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes can cause flare-ups of interstitial cystitis—a condition that causes bladder pain, urgent urination, and even urinary incontinence.
Plan your beverages: If you find you often have to urinate at inopportune times and are left holding it, you may need to better time when you drink fluids. For example, stop drinking two hours before bedtime and ensure you empty your bladder before bed to prevent holding your urine overnight or getting up frequently.
Track your habits: If you think you are urinating too often, keep a diary detailing what you drink and when and how often you feel the need to urinate. This information may help your doctor diagnose if you have a bladder infection or another underlying issue.