Natural Treatments for UTI in NYC
When harmful bacteria enter the urinary tract, it can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs cause uncomfortable and painful symptoms, like burning and an urgent need to urinate. UTIs are common and occur more frequently in women than men. If left untreated, UTIs can cause serious complications for the kidneys, so immediate treatment is of the utmost importance.
Antibiotics are a common treatment for UTIs, which come with their own set of consequences. The doctors at Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC are experts in treating urinary tract infections naturally. Natural treatments for UTI that we use may include supplementation, herbal therapy, homeopathy, lifestyle changes, and hygienic practices. Natural remedies are very effective at eliminating infection and the symptoms that go along with it, and restoring urinary tract health.
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are most often caused by bacteria that come from fecal matter or surrounding skin getting into the urethra. The most common ways infections can occur include:
- Wiping back to front after a bowel movement
- Sexual activity
- Poor hydration
- Holding in urine too long
- Anatomy
- Certain contraceptives
Symptoms of UTIs are extremely painful and uncomfortable. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you may be dealing with a urinary tract infection:
- A strong, constant urge to urinate
- The urge to urinate without producing urine
- A burning sensation when you do urinate
- Pain with urination
- Urine that appears cloudy, pink or red (a sign of blood in the urine)
- A strong odor to urine
- Pelvic pressure or pain
UTIs can lead to bladder and kidney infections if they are not treated, which can then lead to more serious health consequences. Initiating treatment early can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further infection in the kidneys.
Naturopathic Approach to UTIs
As naturopaths, identifying the root cause of a urinary tract infection allows us to personalize treatment plans to ensure effective eradication of the infection and prevent future ones from recurring.
A naturopathic approach to treating UTIs is a holistic, patient-centered one, and is designed to restore balance and enhance the body’s innate ability to heal. We aim to get the greatest results in the most natural way possible, with the least harm to the patient.
Natural treatment of UTI can be just as effective as conventional treatments. It is less invasive, affordable, and prevents future infection.
Diagnostic Process
When diagnosing UTI, the doctors at Naturally Sue will thoroughly review symptoms and discuss diet, lifestyle, hygiene, and immune health. We look into the many areas of your health that could contribute to infection.
We will do lab testing to support the health history as part of our evaluation and diagnostic approach. Diagnostic tests that your doctor may include:
- Urinalysis
- Microbiome analysis (intestinal and/or vaginal)
- Hormone testing
- Ultrasound or other imaging, in more severe or recurrent cases
Based on the results, we will create a personalized, step-by-step, natural UTI treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Naturopathic remedies for urinary tract infections are integrative and will include dietary guidance, herbal medicine, supplements, and other natural therapies:
Herbal Therapies: Specific herbs used to support urinary tract health and reduce infection include herbs with antibiotic properties, like:
Other herbs that may be used to enhance urine flow and urinary tract restoration include:
- Dandelion
- Horsetail
- Marshmallow root
- Cornsilk
Nutritional Therapies: A natural treatment protocol for UTI treatment and prevention includes making dietary adjustments to get key nutrients that help combat infection, such as:
- D-Mannose
- Vitamin C
- Probiotics
- Unsweetened cranberry juice
- Garlic
- Parsley
Eliminating foods that can irritate the bladder, like caffeine, alcohol, citrus, and acidic foods will also help manage urinary tract infection symptoms.
Lifestyle Recommendations: In addition to diet, there are several, simple lifestyle changes you can make to keep harmful bacteria at bay and maintain a healthy urinary tract:
- Hydration
- Practice good hygiene
- Getting good quality sleep
- Use the right birth control
- Wear cotton underwear and steer clear of thongs
Mental Health Support: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can have a negative impact on mental health, and vice versa. Lowering stress can strengthen immunity to recover from UTIs and prevent recurrence.
Personalized Treatment Plans: As your UTI specialists, the doctors at Naturally Sue Wellness apply a comprehensive natural treatment protocol to support urinary tract health and prevent new infections from recurring by tailoring treatment based on your needs.
Case Studies/Testimonials
- While naturopathic medicine is great for chronic illness and preventative medicine, it also shines when it comes to acute health concerns like UTI or upper respiratory infections. We have had many women come to us for UTIs. We formulate a plan based on their specific symptoms. If we give a homeopathic remedy we need to look at symptoms that may be outside of the urinary tract as well.
- Dr. Sparks had one patient who had recurrent UTIs after sex and sought care at her urgent care a few times. Each time she received antibiotics. It happened again and she decided to try a natural alternative. She had already tried D-Mannose and Vitamin C to no avail. Dr. Sparks educated her about hygiene practices to help prevent another occurrence and also gave a homeopathic remedy, specific to her symptom picture, and a few other herbs and supplements. She recovered and hasn’t had another since. But at this time Dr. Sparks also had to give her probiotics and do a follow up to work on her gut health because of the repeated use of antibiotics and the damage they did to her microbiome.
Why Choose Naturally Sue?
We have good success addressing patients’ urinary tract infections with natural therapies.
Book a 30-minute acute appointment to address your UTI today!
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI, prompt treatment is of the utmost importance. Contact us at Naturally Sue Wellness right away to determine the best course of action for you.
FAQs: Common questions about natural treatment for UTIs:
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Urinary tract infections can cause various symptoms, depending on the person, cause, and severity of the infection. Signs to look out for include:
- A painful, stinging, or burning sensation when you urinate
- Cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
- A strong urge to urinate that won’t go away
Serious signs to watch out for include:
- Sore lower back or abdomen
- Fever
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s imperative to begin treatment as soon as possible.
How can naturopathic medicine help with UTIs?
Uncomplicated UTIs are relatively simple to treat naturally with nutrition, supplements, and herbs. Naturopathic treatments treat the underlying cause of infection, not just symptoms, which makes re-infection less common.
Are natural treatments for UTIs safe?
Natural treatments for UTIs are as safe and effective as conventional antibiotic treatments and have also been shown to be better at preventing recurring infection than conventional treatments. Natural UTI treatment methods have been medically reviewed, and are recommended as a way to prevent the overuse of antibiotics, which can cause antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that may make conventional treatments ineffective.
How long does it take to see results from natural treatments?
Naturopathic treatment for UTIs, like vitamin C, can rapidly alleviate symptoms, usually within a day or two. Full recovery from infection will take longer, 7-14 days, as is with conventional treatments.
What should I expect during the first visit for UTI treatment?
During your first visit to Naturally Sue Wellness for a UTI we will take a thorough review of your symptoms, a physical exam, and likely do lab testing, such as a urinalysis. Based on those results, we will design a treatment plan that optimizes the body’s innate ability to heal using the healing power of nature.
We will discuss diet, lifestyle, hygiene, and immune health and give you more specific guidance. At Naturally Sue Wellness, we approach care for each patient with an individualized, holistic plan and tackle the root cause of your infection to prevent a recurrence.
How can I prevent future UTIs naturally?
Some general recommendations for natural prevention of UTI include:
- Drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and other fluids.
- Practice good hygiene in your bathroom habits, after sex, and during your menstrual cycle.
- Wearing loose, breathable undergarments.
- Evaluate birth control methods that may be contributing to infections.
- Don’t hold your pee
Start your healing journey with us…