7 Steps To Stop A UTI Naturally; Even If You've Tried Everything
updated: March 2024
Did you know, you can stop a lower Urinary tract infection {or UTI} without antibiotics?
Using antibiotics for a UTI can lead to..
secondary symptoms, like yeast infections
recurring infections
Clostridioides difficile or C. diff
can even experience tendinopathy in the Achilles or gluteal tendons from the antibiotics they commonly use for UITs. {source and source}
Of course, if you're pregnant or are experiencing a fever and low back pain, you'll want to see your doctor right away.
Urinary Tract Infections (or UTI’s) are so common it's estimated that several hundred million women will suffer from it annually.¹
In this post, we'll discuss what causes a UTI and how you can heal from it by addressing your gut health.
Why gut health?
Because 90% of UTIs can be caused by E. Coli; which is found in your poop!
Read that again ˄˄
Keep in mind, that herbal remedies can be an effective treatment for non-pregnant women with conditions like cystitis (bladder), urethritis (urethra), and even pyelonephritis (kidney) and may even help stop recurrent infections.
But, some do need antibiotics while you work on your digestive and urinary tract health.
So, don't wait if you're in pain!
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
UTIs refer to the presence of microbes anywhere in the urinary tract, ranging from the distal urethra to the kidney.
The infection is usually caused by bacteria, particularly E. coli, but may be caused by other bacteria as well.
Botanical medicine can help reduce the duration of your symptoms, prevent progression to upper UTI, and prevent a recurrence.
Over 56% of women will experience a UTI in their lifetimes, and among those experiencing uncomplicated acute UTI, as many as 20% will have a recurrence within 6 months.
As the use of antibiotics may become less effective because of antibiotic resistance, herbal remedies can heal our gut and reduce re-infection.²
What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?
Use of oral contraceptives (doubles the risk of UTI compared with no birth control)
History of antibiotic use {disruption of the vaginal flora}
Pregnancy {the mechanical pressure of the growing uterus}
Age {declining estrogen levels}
Constipation
Incontinence
Inadequate nutrition
The occurrence of other diseases and excessive catheter use
What are the symptoms of Urethritis & Cystitis {lower UTI}?
Sudden onset is typical
Dysuria or painful urination
Urge to urinate
No fever, chills, or nausea
WBC is normal
Pregnancy women may present with contractions and pelvic pain
Achy, crampy, or just not feeling well
40% of the woman present with blood in their urine
Strange UTI symptoms include:
pain in the stomach
pain at the urethral opening - no pain with urination
cramping
What are the symptoms of pyelonephritis {upper UTI}?
**This requires antibiotics, please see your doctor.
Gradual onset is typical
Symptoms associated with urination may or may not be present
Fever, chills, nausea
Lower to middle back discomfort- Flank pain
WBC count elevated
Requires antibiotics; please see your doctor.
---Ready to reduce your medications? Book a complimentary session to get started:https://taragregorio.com/workwithtara/
What's the magic formula to stop a UTI?
Keep it clean. Keep it balanced.
“Your gut health contributes to your vaginal health. If you’re struggling with constipation or digestive issues, E. Coli travel from the back of your body to the front. At first signs of discomfort - you want to take action with these steps. Plus, removing dairy has been the #1 change I’ve made to heal my gut and reduce UTI symptoms. ”
Your vaginal health has it’s own microbiome.
Consider these tips when you first feel that UTI starting.
go to the bathroom at the first urge to urinate
urinate after sex (to reduce the introduction of bacteria)
insert a vaginal suppository after sex!!! IMPORTANT {see more below}
drink adequate fluids
Avoid contraceptives associated with high UTIs
Dehydration can increase bacterial growth and lead to a UTI
Use full underwear instead of thongs
Tampons show a decreased risk (compared to menstrual pads)
Wipe front to back after a bowel movement
avoid bubble baths {irritating soaps}
avoid non-absorbent underpants
consider organic menstrual products, lube, and condoms to keep your vaginal bacteria healthy {I like Sustain}
Increase vitamin C intake
Drink unsweetened cranberry juice
At first signs of any urinary discomfort, you can take a probiotic like Garden of LIfe Urinary Tract+ , drink low sugar cranberry juice and increase your Vitamin C intake. Lower UTI in non-pregnancy women is often easily treated with this simple protocol.
Keep in mind, you should feel relief within 2-24 hrs and feel better 24hrs-72hrs later with complete resolution of symptoms by day 5.
If you're in pain or concerned, please see your doctor for antibiotics.
You can integrate these suggestions with antibiotics.
Take the probiotics and supplements about 2 hours after your antibiotics.
How to Stop UTI Pain
5 Steps to Decrease a Urinary Tract Infection
Your vaginal microbiome
Did you know your vajayjay has it’s own microbiome?
Yup, and you want to nurture it.
After every round of antibiotics - you want to take probiotics for 3 months! 3 months!
Look for strains with L. Rhamnus and L. fermentum strains have been known to reduce urinary tract discomfort.
Garden of Life Urinary Tract works wonders!
“Additionally, you want to insert a vaginal probiotic after sex or foreplay and possibly before or after your period when it feels acidic. ”
Honey Pot now makes a vaginal probiotic {that you insert at night}, sprays, and washes that are safe for your vaginal microbiome.
Give up dairy! If dairy is causing you constipation and inflammation- giving up cow’s milk may help you.
If E.coli is causing your urinary tract infections… you need to address your digestion. By healing your gut, removing top allergens and improving digestion - you can reduce the amount of E. coli entering your vaginal area.
2. Use herbs to reduce inflammation and cramping
Take 3 ml of Echinacea tincture every 2-4 hrs for an acute UTI and for immune support.
Take a cramp bark tincture for any cramping associated with urinary tract infections.
Use a peri-rinse of 1 drop of tea tree oil, 1 drop of lavender essential oil, and 1 tbs. of olive oil and water. Shake and spray on the urethral opening after you go to the bathroom.
Add a marshmallow root decoction to your drink and sip on it to soothe your urinary tract. {see below}
Urinary Tract Relief Recipe:
Stir 1tbs. of marshmallow root powder into 4-8oz. of boiling water, let it sit for 1/2 hour.
Strain and drink throughout the day.
An easy way to do this would be to sip on Traditional MedicinalsThroat Coat Tea.
Place the tea bag in a mason jar of cold water and let sit for four hrs. Sip on all day.
Add Echinacea or Crampbark to your tea
3. Reduce Sugar & Alcohol
Have you ever noticed you get a UTI after consuming more alcohol or sweets?
Skip the alcohol and drink herbal teas and water while you heal.
Plus, reduce any sweets you're consuming.
4. Boost Vitamin C levels
LIPOSOMAL Vitamin C can boost your immune system and reduce viral infections.
Take 500mg of Liposomal Vitamin C. every four hours. I like this ONE.
Drink 6-8 oz. of water or diluted, unsweetened cranberry juice alternating every hour throughout the day.
5. D-mannose
D-mannose is a monosaccharide that can inhibit bacterial adhesion to the urethral lining. Several clinical studies have shown the efficacy of d-mannose in the prevention of recurrent UTIs
Take D-mannose daily to PREVENT reinfection. I like this blend: https://amzn.to/2Yi3OBA
6. Remove mold toxicity!!
Women with UTI pain and a negative culture may be struggling with mycotoxins in their bodies.
Read that again 👆
Testing for mold toxicity INSIDE your body and removing it with a glutathione inhalation can help reduce nagging urinary pain.
“Testing for mold toxicity inside your body could be a game-changer for your urinary discomfort. ”
7. Use Homeopathy
Cantharis 30c is usually my go to for UTI pain. From www.peacehealth.org
Your symptoms would include:
Strong urging to urinate—with cutting pains that are felt before the urine passes, as well as during and after—may indicate a need for this remedy. Only several drops pass at a time, with a scalding sensation. The person may feel as if the bladder has not been emptied, still feeling a constant urge to urinate.
Check out these additional remedies from peace health: https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2262002
Urinary Tract Infections After Sex
If you struggle with pain after sex, your microbiome may have changed. Here are 7 steps to reduce antibiotics.
Increase your vitamin C right away and avoid any sugar
Use organic lube like Sustain and organic Sustain condoms from them as well.
Spray your vulva with Honey Pot Anti-itch spray
>>>Last, gut health is important. If there is any E.coli that travels to your clitoris, you’ll have pain and discomfort. Reducing constipation, by removing dairy is key to healing and reducing recurring UTIs.
Conclusion
Addressing your gut health is key to healing recurring urinary tract infections. When your digestion is easy, you'll have fewer strains of E. coli in the vaginal area.
Adding in botanicals can help soothe the pain of UTIs, and reduce secondary infections like the risk of experiencing a yeast infection.
Additionally, there are things your doctor may miss. If you have recurring urinary tract infections this could be due to parasites, mold toxicity, or even food sensitivities like wheat or dairy.
===Clearing up the toxic load on your body is key to your healing.
Always see your doctor if you're pregnant with urinary discomfort and fever.
xo
Tara
P.S. Ready to learn how you can stop UTI pain naturally? Book a clarity call to see how I can help you today: https://taragregorio.com/workwithtara/
References:
¹Romm, A. Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health Churchill Livingstone, 2010; 290-298.
² Bone, K. & Mills, S. Principles, and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone, 2013;264-266.
