Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Its Natural Management in Ayurveda
ABSTRACT
The urinary tract includes kidneys, bladder, ureters and the urethra. The main purpose of the urinary system is to excrete out waste from the body and regulate blood pressure, electrolytes level, and blood volume and blood pH. Urinary system works as the body’s drainage system for the removal of urine. It is very important that our urinary system is to be in healthy condition to keep the whole-body condition healthy. But some unfavorable conditions occur and trap the urinary tract in diseased condition. This condition is termed as Urinary tract infection (UTI). In this article, we will discuss Urinary tract infection and how one can manage it naturally.
INTRODUCTION
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection which can affect any part of the urinary tract such as ureters, urethra, kidneys or bladder.
This disease can affect both males and females while females are at higher risk because the urethra (the tube which carries urine out of the bladder) is shorter in females than males. Due to which it is easy for bacteria to take entry and reach the bladder.
SYMPTOMS
Some major symptoms which can be observed in Urinary tract infection are:
- Burning sensation when passing urine
- Increased rate of urination
- Urine with a strong odor
- Dark colored or cloudy urine
- Pelvic pain
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
CAUSES
Main cause involved in occurrence of urinary tract infection is entry of bacteria in the urinary tract through the urethra and begins to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is made to inhibit the entry of microscopic invaders, but sometimes these defenses fail. This failure lead to accumulation of bacteria and grew into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract. Mostly UTIs mainly occur in women and affect the urethra and bladder.
- Infection of the urethra (urethritis): In this type of UTI, GI bacteria spread from anus to the urethra. As the female urethra is close to the vagina, STDs such as gonorrhea, herpes, mycoplasma and chlamydia may cause urethritis.
- Infection of the bladder (cystitis): Generally Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria is involved in this UTI. These bacteria are commonly found in the area of GIT (gastrointestinal tract). All women are at increased risk of cystitis because of their anatomy of short distance between urethra and anus.
RISK FACTORS
There are some risk factors which can trigger the Urinary tract infection. These factors are given follow:
1. Sexual Activity
An individual who is more sexually active has more chances to be prone to this disease. Having more than one sexual partner is also a trigger for urinary tract infection.
2. Female Anatomy
Females are at higher risk of developing this disease because a woman has short urethra than a man which decreases the distance of travelling by bacteria to reach the bladder.
3. Menopause
Decrease in circulation of estrogen causes the change in urinary tract after menopause which makes the woman more vulnerable to infection.
4. Certain Types of Birth Control Pills
Excess use of birth control pills also triggers the infection in the urinary tract.
NATURAL MANAGEMENT
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated will help you in preventing infections of the urinary tract because drinking more water leads to increased urination which helps in flushing bacteria from the urinary tract. That’s why it is advised to stay hydrated by consuming excess of fluids; consumption of water is more preferred.
2. Increase The Intake of Vitamin C
Including Vitamin C in daily diet will protect you from infections in the urinary tract as it increases the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off infection causing bacteria. Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapefruit, kiwifruit, and red peppers are rich sources of Vitamin C.
3. Take Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
It is a well-known natural remedy to treat infections of the urine tract. Cranberries show their effect by preventing adherence of bacteria in the urinary tract. Keep in mind to drink unsweetened cranberry juice only rather than sweetened commercial juice.
4. Do Exercise Daily
The more you sweat, the more you gain. Being physically active not only prevents urinary tract infections but also improves overall body health. Try to exercise for at least 40 minutes daily. You can include swimming, cycling, walking, running, jogging, dancing, or weight lifting to stay fit and disease free.
5. Proper Hygiene
Adopting good hygiene and bathroom habits will also help in decreasing the risk of urinary tract infection. It is important not to hold urine for too long because it can lead to buildup of infection causing bacteria. Passing urine after sexual intercourse also reduces the risk of infection. Make a habit of wiping the toilet seat front to back before using.
Take Herbal Remedies
The most effective and natural way to treat urinary tract infection is to take herbal remedies due to their synergistic manner of working. Herbal remedies work by following basic fundamentals of a 5000 old medicinal system that is Ayurveda.
To help with the patients of UTI, PLANET AYURVEDA brings some herbs in use and manufactures UTI CARE PACK. This care pack is well enough to make you far from urinary tract diseases. Take a look at Planet Ayurveda’s herbal remedies.
UTI CARE PACK BY PLANET AYURVEDA
- PUNARNAVA CAPSULES
- GOKSHURADI GUGGUL
- VARUNADI VATI
- CHANDANADI VATI
- RENO PLAN SYRUP
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. PUNARNAVA CAPSULES
Punarnava capsules by Planet Ayurveda are prepared from 100% standardized extracts of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) herb and these capsules help to maintain the urinary system’s healthy functioning by preventing or treating infections of the urinary tract. Not only urinary tract infections, they also ensure the proper functioning of kidneys and providing health to them.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meal.
2. GOKSHURADI GUGGUL
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after meal.
3. VARUNADI VATI
It is a herbal classical product Varunadi vati has immense results in urinary tract infections. This herbal product is the combination of Punarnava (Boerhavia difiusa) that acts as diuretic, anti inflammatory plus analgesic effects that subsides pitta dosh subsequently relief in Urinary tract infections. Varun (Crataeva nurvala) helps in improving the burning micturition and it tends to have antibacterial properties. This herb is potent to kill bacterias which cause inflammation of the urethra and bladder. Gokshur (Terbulus terrestris) balances all three doshas. Shuddha guggulu (Commiphora mukul) is also useful in urinary tract infections.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after meal.
4. CHANDANADI VATI
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after meal.
5. RENO PLAN SYRUP
Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily with warm water after meal.
CONCLUSION
One can keep his urinary tract healthy by following the above given tips and by taking herbal remedies. Above given herbal remedies are very effective in treatment of UTI and provide longevity to the whole urinary system.
