Overview
A number of different circumstances put together are considered urinary tract infections. When bacteria overgrows in the bladder or kidneys or in the tube connecting kidney and the bladder, it causes UTI. Older men are more prone to UTI than the younger men. The condition is more preventable in females but men do get it. Most cases if UTI require antibiotics, but initial stages can be treated at home. These home remedies can also help in prevention of UTI
Symptoms of UTI
These symptoms of urinary tract infection appear suddenly
- Burning sensation during urination
- Painful urination
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain in your back which doesn't go away with changing position. This means kidney is also involved in infection.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Blood in urine in some cases
- Fatigue
In addition to above, you as men can get your enlarged prostate causing urinary disruptions.
If you are getting one or more of the above symptoms then must check for UTI and rule out prostate problems.
What Causes UTI in Men?
Urinary tract infection is largely a lifestyle disorder. A natural bacteria named Escherichia coli ( E. coli) gets into the urinary tract causing infection. The rokte is through urethra which is shorter in women than in men. That is why men are less prone to UTI than women.
Men are unlikely to get UTI through sex but lifestyle can impact development of UTI from the bacteria residing inside.
Older men can get more frequent UTI as compared to young men. The prostate gets enlarged as you grow old. This enlargement can put pressure on the bladder causing restricted urination. This can become a catalyst for UTI as the bladder doesn't become completely empty.
So, if are a men then following circumstances increase risks of UTI
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Diabetes
- Prostate enlargement
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Fecal incontinence
- Anal sex
- Recent urinary tract surgery
- Old age
Home Remedies for UTI in Men
If you suspect urinary tract infection then treat it early. Home remedies generally work well in the early stages of UTI. Following are some of the simple and most common options for men to treat it at Home.
1. Drink More Water
Dehydration is one of the main reasons for the bacteria to grow in the urinary tract and cause infection. So, if you are fully hydrated then you significantly reduce your risks of contacting UTI.
Even if you have UTI and increase your fluid intake then it will help in curing it fast.
So drink more fluids. 8-10 glasses of water daily. Go frequently for urination whenever you feel the urge. Lot of water will make you urinate more often. This is good as the bacteria, if any, gets flushed out. Many studies have proved reduced incidences of UTI by proper hydration.
2. Take Yogurt and Other Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that are used to balance bad bacteria in the guts. You can buy them as supplements or get them naturally in kefir and yogurt.
Though probiotics are mainly for your gut health, some studies have shown positive impact on urinary tract infection in adults.
Eat 250 grams of unsweetened raw organic probiotic yogurt daily to keep your gut health and keep UTI at Bay.
3. Drink Cranberry Juice
Drinking Cranberry juice to get rid of the bacteria in the urinary tract is one of the most popular home remedies for a long time.
Studies have found that cranberry juice doesn't allow bacteria to adhere to the walls of the urinary tract.
More studies have found clear evidence of reducing incidences of UTI in those who consumed cranberry juice regularly as compared to those who didn't.
Although some studies have revealed almost negligible impact.
Drink unsweetened cranberry juice daily to prevent and cure your urinary tract Infection.
4. Eat Vitamin C Rich Foods
Vitamin C increases acidity of urine which helps in killing bacteria.
Various studies have proved time and again that Vitamin C significantly reduces the risks of developing UTI.
Include Vitamin C Rich Foods in your diet. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of Vitamin C.
Grapefruit, oranges, bell peppers are great sources of vitamin C. Eat them, drink their juices.
You can also take vitamin C supplements.
5. Eat Garlic
Freshly crushed raw garlic has high antibacterial and antifungal capabilities. Alicin is one of the active compounds in garlic that has been found to be specifically beneficial against candida which is the main cause of yeast infections.
You can add garlic to your daily food, take garlic capsules or just eat raw garlic cloves.
Precaution and Prevention
- Always stay fully hydrated. Drink 8-10 glasses of water and other healthy drinks like fruits and vegetable juices
- Do not hold urine. Urinate more frequently. Since you will drink more water you will get a frequent urge to urinate. Follow the urge.
- You can reduce recurring incidences of UTI by keeping better hygiene and avoiding dehydration.
- Ensure your diet is healthy and your immunity is normal all the time. This will not only prevent UTI but also many other infections.
- Untreated UTI can lead to complex kidney diseases or sepsis.
If home remedies do not resolve your UTI then visit your doctor. You may require antibiotics.