Have you ever wondered How to Get Rid of Bladder Infections Naturally? Well, I'm here to tell you there is are easy and effective natural remedies that do not involve antibiotics. My experience has been to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours and the pain of a UTI within 6 hours!
Talk about the pits! Yes, a bladder infection is the pits!
If you have ever had one, you know exactly what I mean - burning, pain and the feeling that your insides are gonna fall out when you "go", "potty", "tinkle" or whatever term you use!
I haven't had too many bladder infections but I did have one recently and my stand-by remedy, drinking cranberry juice, did not work!
Of course, it happened on a weekend which turned out to be a blessing because had I been able, I would have gone to the doctor!
Instead, I found out how to get rid of bladder infections naturally, a natural solution for bladder infections that worked like a charm!
Just to cover myself, I am sharing what has worked for me and am not giving medical advice. I am not a doctor but I do prefer to treat with natural remedies if possible and I love sharing what has worked for me.
Here is some trivia for you:
Did you know that bladder infections are more common in women than men?
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates 40 to 60 percent of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime.
This maybe due to the short urethra in women. The urethra is the tube that is about 1 ½ inches long and carries the urine out of the body.
The urethra's short length makes it easy for bacteria to travel from outside the body to the bladder.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms - What is a Bladder Infection?
Before I tell you how to get rid of bladder infections naturally, let's look at what a bladder infection is.
Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is an infection affecting the urinary tract. (NIH)
If the infection occurs in the lower part of the urinary tract it is called cystitis or a bladder infection.
Occurring in the upper part of the urinary tract, it is called pyelonephritis or a kidney infection.
If a bladder infection is left untreated, it can travel up the ureters and into the kidneys. This is a serious condition and medical help should be sought at once.
So, early detection is key to getting rid of a bladder infection naturally.
It is important to treat early and distinguish between an upper and lower urinary tract infection.
So, what is the difference?
Signs and Symptoms of a Bladder Infection
- Painful urination
- Burning upon urination
- Frequent urination
- The feeling of urgency and need to urinate but unable to
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Low grade fever
- Sources include Healthline, MayoClinic, WebMD
Signs and Symptoms of a Kidney Infection
- All of the above
- Fever above 101F
- Chills
- Pain in the side, back or groin
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or mental changes (especially in the elderly)
- Sources include NIH, WebMD, Health24
Causes of Bladder Infections
- Most bladder infections are caused by bacteria entering the urethra and travelling into the bladder.
- The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. Coli) is responsible for most bladder infections. Although harmless where it normally resides in the small intestine, E. Coli becomes a problem when it spreads to the urinary tract.
- After menopause, women have an increased risk of bladder infections. This may be due to a decrease in estrogen, which may result in a reduction of the number of beneficial bacteria in the vagina that help keep harmful bacteria in check.
- The bladder also becomes less elastic with age and may not completely empty - this allows for bacterial growth.
- Antibiotics eliminate the beneficial bacteria and allow an overgrowth of E. Coli in the vagina increasing the risk of bladder infections.
- Coffee and other caffeinated beverages in large quantities irritate the urinary tract and promote bladder infections.
- Pregnancy - up to 10% of pregnant women have bacteria in their urine which increases the chance of a bladder infection.
- Sources: Healthline, MayoClinic, Medical News Today
How to Get Rid of Bladder Infections Naturally
Cranberry Juice:
My go-to natural cure for bladder infections has always been to drink a bottle of cranberry juice throughout the day - at least one glass every hour and more if I could.
Until my last bladder infection, this had always worked.
Cranberry juice contains compounds that may prevent E. coli cells from attaching to cells in the urinary tract. (NCBI)
Cranberry juice also contains antioxidants, including polyphenols, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. (MedicalNewsToday)
Healthline in an overview of natural remedies for bladder infections references a study in JamaNetwork which concludes:
Conclusions Our findings indicate that cranberry-containing products are associated with protective effect against UTIs.
I tried the cranberry capsules but they did not work as well as just drinking the cranberry juice.
Apple Cider Vinegar for UTI
But, then I tried raw apple cider vinegar.
With my last bladder infection, however, cranberry juice did not work so, I tried apple cider vinegar.
I drank 2 tablespoon (more if I felt that I could stomach it) of raw apple cider vinegar in an 8 oz. glass of water every hour.
The results were amazing!
Getting Rid of UTI in 24 Hours!
After the first hour, I had no more pain when I urinated (pottyed, peed...) but I continued drinking throughout the afternoon.
The next day, I drank the same mixture (2 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar in water) three times - morning, noon, night.
The third day, I drank the mixture in the morning and at night. And that was it! How easy can it get?
It is important to use raw apple cider vinegar (affiliate link).
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI):
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans
How to Get Rid of Bladder Infections Naturally Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
- 8 oz water
- Optional - honey to taste
Directions
Mix the apple cider vinegar and water and drink it all following the notes below.
- Day 1: Mix 2 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in 8oz of water and drink - each hour, repeat with another 2 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar and water.
- Day 2: If symptoms have subsided - drink the above mixture three times during the day. If symptoms have not subsided - drink the above mixture each hour.
- Day 3: If no symptoms - drink the apple cider vinegar and water in the morning and again in the evening.
- If symptoms continue - seek medical attention.
- **Raw apple cider vinegar has many health benefits so if you can stomach swallowing more than 2 tablespoon the first day, by all means increase the dose but, 2 tablespoon worked for me.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
It's basically fermented apple juice, but not the sugary kind you see in cardboard boxes. This is the real stuff, fermented with all kind of healthy bacteria.
The raw apple cider vinegar has the "mother" in it and you will see the sediment in the bottom of the jar. This is the healthy bacteria that can help your body, which is responsible for its health benefits. Don't get any apple cider vinegar that doesn't contain it!
Again, it is Important to Catch a Bladder Infection Early.
According to Medical News Today,
By some estimates, 25–42 percent of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own. In these cases, people can try a range of home remedies to speed up recovery.
Although the incidence is low, if left untreated a bladder infection can travel up into the kidneys.
So, if I were still having symptoms after a couple of days of treatment with raw apple cider vinegar, I would go to the doctor for medical help.
Up this point, the apple cider vinegar treatment has worked and I have not needed to visit the doctor! I'm so glad to have found a natural solution to a natural problem!
What About Re-curring Bladder Infections?
This is a question I asked my urologist because while the apple cider vinegar works like a charm, I would rather not go through the pain of having an infection at all!
My urologist told me that to help keep UTI’s away (especially in people that have them frequently) is to have a glass of lemonade made with fresh lemon juice - twice a week each week at the same time. They should be space out as evenly during the week as possible.
The juice for the lemonade can be from a fresh lemon or even the green bottle of real lemon juice. He said that many of his patients just go to Chick-fil-A twice a week and get their lemonade since it is made with real lemon juice.
And, it should be completely consumed within an hour.
It is important to get rid of the infection which is what the apple cider vinegar can do and the lemonade changes the pH of the bladder enough so the bacteria is unable to live.
What's your favorite natural solution? Did this one work for you? Tell me all about it in the comments!
Monique says
Thank you so much for this natural remedy! I always get uti's after intimacy and I really wanted to stop the cycle of antibiotics after every moment I had with my husband....I have had this issue my whole life and thought I was cursed! I found this forum one night and just as a precaution drink 1 tablespoon of acv in a 8oz glass after and so far I have had no issues!! I cant thank you enough!!!
Dina-Marie says
Monique, I am so glad it helped!
Samantha Whitson says
Dina Marie~ I am so grateful to you dear! It's been so long since I've had to deal with any UTI symptoms that I had completely forgotten about using ACV, which is incredible for so many reasons, as you well know=) I happened to have a bottle of Bragg's in the pantry, having purchased it a few years ago, when I decided I needed to reclaim it's many health benefits~how ironic, right?! Anyhow, thanks again for not only the reminder, but THE reminder of the overall responsibility I have towards my own health and wellness. I'm so diligent in making sure my husband is doing everything he should be, naturally, and same with our grown children~errgghh, a bit annoyed with myself about now actually! Never too late to get back to it, that's for sure~ God bless you and keep you Dina Marie, Samantha
Dina-Marie says
Samantha, I am so glad I have helped! It is so easy as a mom to remember everyone else but forget about our own health, isn't it?
Funmi says
What is AVC?
Dina-Marie says
Funmi, AVC is apple cider vinegar.
staci dejesus says
I have had bladder pain and burning for years and the dr only wants to give antibiotics which I have not taken. I have been using Azo for bladder pain for over a year and it keeps the most symptoms in check as long as I dont miss a dose. I still pee every 30 minutes or so, day and night and Im so very tired. Im trying combinations of the vinegar tablets and liquid but could use some guidance. I just cant stomach drinking vinegar several times a day if I dont have to, but if thats the only answer i will try. How much good do tablets do to replace some of the doses of liquid???
Dina-Marie says
Staci, I do not have any experience with tablets - sorry! I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis a few years ago and was also peeing frequently. at first I thought it was a bladder infection that was just not clearing up but after a visit to the urologist, I go my diagnosis. He recommended Desert Harvest aloe vera capsules that made a huge difference! I started taking a couple each day (you could take more if necessary) and it really allowed me to sleep once again. I know what you mean by being tired so you might give it a try.
Fran says
I will try this today, however not all UTI's are alike. They are not always caused by the same bacteria and sometimes the symptoms really differ ! Cranberry used to work for me until I had this one Boyfriend. He was the cleanest ,most OCD guy but I always had TERRIBLE UTI's after being with him. NOTHING worked-even D-Mannose, which is some super cure and I ate a whole tub of it ! I had to get antibiotics. After the BF was gone I sometimes had UTI's but they could always be cured naturally. Very strange !
Dina-Marie says
Fran, you are right, not all are caused by the same infections and sometimes antibiotics are needed. I have also had to have antibiotics but it is wonderful to have a natural remedy that works.
LaVonne says
Thank you for sharing this, I feel mine is no severe but I'm drinking a ton of water and taking vitamin C so this will help too. Thanks again.
Have a great week and good health to you.
Heidi says
You cannot believe how your blog and ACV helped me. I have suffered for years with UTI'S and had not had one for a year when I experienced that unbelievable excruciating pain once again this week. I was unable to get a doctor's appointment, and even urispas didn't help the pain. In desperation I googled and googled and came across your site. I took my ACV per hour from 2.30 pm yesterday until my last dose at 8.30pm last night, fully expecting to wake with pain during the night. The pain is gone! I woke up this morning and actually managed to 'go' with ease. I am a seasoned UTI sufferer and I could feel that I was not entirely out of the woods so took my ACV mixture 4 times today. I cannot thank you enough and I shall be keeping a bottle of 'mother' in my cupboard always. Bless you! Heidi/South Africa
Dina-Marie says
Heidi, I am so glad it helped! Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
MaryM says
I am suffering from interstitial cystitis and now sufferring from stress incontinence when I stand up. Does anyone else suffer this way? I am going to try Apple cider vinegar and hope it helps cystitis symptoms. Does anyone talk about stress incontence ?
Dina-Marie says
Mary, I have also had interstitial cystitis and what my urologist recommended was Desert Harvest Aloe Vera Caps. I started with 2 caps twice a day (morning and evening) and then tapered off - it was truly amazing the difference. You can take more but that is a starting point. They are expensive but oh what a difference it made! It is nice to be able to taper and now I only take them a couple of times a week - if I remember or if my symptoms return. Also, be aware of any foods that trigger the symptoms. When you feel the urgency, think back to what you ate last. Coffee, sodas and citrus juices are a common trigger according to the doctor I saw. I hope this helps!
Tracy says
My question is a desperate one. I have a UTI ..D-Mannose hasn't helped this time so I have stumbled across your page.
I'm stuck in the house right now so I have no idea if my ACV is the raw type. Will this eventually work if it isn't? My plan is to go and buy the raw stuff when I can leave the toilet for more than 5 mins.
This is my 3rd UTI in 10 months sick of Antibiotics
Dina-Marie says
Tracy, I would definitely try it but I have always used raw apple cider vinegar.
Fariha says
Hi
I have got Uti since over 2 months, and have taken lots of antibiotics. Last one i finished 1 week ago and Im having symptoms again.
Not sure if I still have Uti but seems like it. Will AVG l still help to relieve symptoms
Dina-Marie says
Fariha, make sure your doctor is doing a culture on your urine to be sure that it is an infection and what type of bacteria is growing. I had gone through a period of having them back to back and realized that the doctor had not done a culture. When done, it turned out that I did not have a infection but had interstitial cystitis.
Fariha says
Thanks for replying me back. I really appreciate☺. I am going through the toughest time of my life cuz of this Uti.
Actually They did culture twice and it showed e coli. Fiirst time the culture was done on sept 4 which showd E coli . So I wasput on the antibiotics for like 10 days.
but aftet finishing antibiotics in Sept I was having ongoing symptoms but test were coming negative then and eventually it came positive again for E coli. So I was back on antibiotics. This time for 2 weeks. Now after completing the course I am still having symptoms. I start having burning in the morning so I keep drinking water and by the eveing i start feeling pain in bladder.
I have taken oregano oil and garlic which did help some. But Im not sure why there is burning followed by bladder pain and sometimes pressure later
I will get one report today for the culture they I sent last Friday.
If you can advice me on what I should do I would really appreciate.
Dina-Marie says
Fariha, I am sorry you are having to go through this! My urologist also told me for those with chronic UTI, that drinking 2 glasses of FRESH lemon aid twice a week (evenly space throughout the week) was enough to change the ph of the bladder and not allow bacteria to live. Maybe this would help you. If you are becoming chronically infected with E coli, think about the bacteria in your environment for infection sources - take extra care in hand-washing, personal hygiene, kitchen cleanliness, tub/soaking baths vs showers...
Fariha says
Thank you so much for all the advice you have given? really appreciate ☺. I got the culture report yesterday and it doesnt show infection now but my symptoms of feelong the pressure and pain is sttill there which h is maing me so uncomfortable all the time.☹
Dina-Marie says
Fariha, I am so sorry. Maybe you should give the aloe a try?
Fariha says
Thanks☺ Really appreciate for replying me back and for the suggestion. So kind hearted person you are.
I will try aleo now.