Urinary tract infections (UTIs) plague men and women, though over 90% of UTI diagnoses occur in females. The prevention and treatment of UTIs are imperative to spare the kidneys damage, balance the microbiome of the urinary tract, and lead normal lives free of pain.

The symptoms of a UTI can include:

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS:

1) Ayurveda recommends choosing a diet that will pacify pitta dosha to help cleanse and eliminate the toxins that are bringing too much heat to the body.

2) Being sure to drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Pure cranberry or pomegranate juice are excellent purifying drinks that reduce excess pitta and also reduce proliferation of bacteria.

3) Taking Vitamin C in the form of fruit juices regularly may make urine more acidic and less hospitable to bacteria. Take six grams of equal parts of amla and jaggery everyday.

4) Eat a cup of curd made with active, live cultures daily. Curd contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, which may create an acidic environment and prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria.

5) The following foods have an adverse effect on the bladder and should be limited or avoided: alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, coffee, chocolate, refined and processed foods, refined sugars.

LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

1) Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Empty your bladder completely when you pass urine. Do not give bacteria a chance to grow.

2) Get plenty of rest.

3) Wipe properly after urinating or having a bowel movement to prevent the bacteria from anus entering the urethra.

4) Wear cotton undergarments. Bacteria thrive in warm and wet conditions. Cotton helps keep you cool and dry because it lets through airflow. Do not wear tight jeans, pants, or undergarments.

5) Avoid bath tubs. Take a shower instead of a bath.

6) Avoid using strong soaps, feminine hygiene products, and antiseptic creams that may irritate the urethra.On the other hand, a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) alkalises the urine, which makes it less hospitable to bacteria.

7) Apply hot compresses over the bladder.

8) Women should consider sanitary pads for their menstrual cycle, avoiding tampons.

MANAGEMENT

1) Internally, take half a cup of decoction of equal parts of fruits of Gokshura (gokhru) and coriander thrice a day.

2) Most of the ayurvedic practitioners prescribe shilajit for this condition. Pashanabheda (Bergenia ligulata) root powder will also help. Take a teaspoonful of the same.

3) You can prepare an effective remedy by mixing the powders of cardamom—one part, root of pashanabheda—half part, purified shilajit—half part, and long pepper—half part. Take this preparation in doses of three to four grams with half a glass of water in which rice has been washed, twice a day.

4) Elaadi-choorna, Chandraprabhavati, Pravaala-bhasma, Chandanaasava etc., are some of the important ayurvedic medicines which can effectively treat this condition. Note:Consult your ayurvedic physician before using these medicines.

5) Oral administration of medicated oils and ghees:This procedure has the ability to transport therapeutically effective components to different tissues of the Urinary Tract. This is also helpful in achieving tone and neurological control of bladder musculature.

6) Vamana or Medicated vomiting and Virechana or Medicated purgation:It is a cleansing method, a very important step of urine infection treatment. Cleansing is performed by giving some herbal purgatives.

7) Vasthi or Medicated enema:This procedure is useful in cleaning the urinary tract. These procedures help in maintaining normal PH,muscle tone and neurological control of urinary bladder thus useful in chronic and recurring UTIs.

Please don’t throw pharmaceuticals at these problems to reduce symptoms, rather fully unroot UTI via nothing short of a re-evaluation of one’s way of being according to ayurvedic principles and ayurvedic treatments.