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!
A.P. says
I suffer from reoccurring bladder infections. Antibiotics never cure it completely and it ruins my health. I will definitely try your solution! Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your experience with others.
Dina-Marie says
A.P., I hope it helps - let me know!
Jennifer says
I’m so glad I found this website and this particular article/blog/testimony. I have a pretty gnarly UTI. I’ve never had one this severe. I do see spots of blood after urinating. I took the first glass of ACV and water and within the first hour the burning sensation and pain was completely gone. I’m only on my third glass and won’t stop until all the symptoms are gone. Thank you so much!!
Dina-Marie says
Jennifer, I am so glad it worked and thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Belinda A Clem says
Can I mix ACV with the cranberry juice? I have tried ACV in water and the taste is awful. I was figuring since cranberry already has a super strong taste can it be used with the ACV to over power its taste? Either way I am trying this today
I have 4 girls and I watch 2 more kids for a friend, I don't have time to see a doctor nor do I want to drag 6 kids to a doctors office or leave them at home.
Dina-Marie says
I think that would be fine, Belinda! You can also add the ACV to warm water and put honey in it to help with the taste.
Belinda says
The ACV in Cranberry Juice was a horrible idea! It BURNED almost as bad as the time I drank pure ACV trying to cure strep throat (didn't work). Anyways I just saw that your remedy said to drink it every hour, I did it only three times yesterday (with each meal) and it was hard to stomach. So I have switched to day to a teaspoon every hour. I am feeling better today but I don't know if it is because of the ACV or the AZO I am taking for the pain. But yesterday the pain in my stomach went away but I still felt awful (almost in tears) every time I went to the bathroom. Today the pain in my stomach is still gone and the pain "down there" when I go it kinda hit and miss but I am no where near tears today. I am gonna stick with this for a few more days before giving up and going to see my DR for an RX, the last time I ran to her she told me I didn't have a bladder infection and told be to buy AZO so it makes me less likely to go back this time (that and the kids). Thanks for the help!
Dina-Marie says
Belinda, I would encourage you to find a doctor that you trust! I do hope this will help and please keep me posted.
Belinda A Clem says
Ok so I tried it. Do NOT mix with cranberry juice! LOL! OMG that drink burned my throat! I just mixed with water and honey the rest of the day BUT it is so hard to choke down. 24 hours later I think it is doing better. Thanks, it may be hard to choke down but at least it helped!
Dina-Marie says
Belinda, I am glad it helped but sorry it burned so badly - you were brave to try it because to me, cranberry juice by itself is very bitter!
Jan P says
Belinda,
Did the natural remedies clear everything up or did you have to seek a doctor’s help? I’m a busy mom too so natural remedies are where it’s at if possible!
Charlene says
Hello,
Hoping you can give me some advice as I have tried almost everything. In February I was diagnosed with a uti while on vacation. No culture done at urgent care but treated with two antibiotics one right after another. All symptoms subsided with the exception of an inflamed burning sensenation. Not while urinating but almost constant burning sensation especially while sitting and at end of day. At home saw my primary care physician, pa at gynecologist and a urologist-all did cultures which all come back clear. From February to beginning of July burning sensation continued. Then I went to a deep tissue massage therapist who did a treatment on my bladder meridians (?) and said I have an infection in the lower area of the bladder. I go back to my primary who poo pooed this but “for the heck if it lets do another culture which I am sure will come back clear.” Surprise it comes back positive for E. coli. I am now on Nitrofurantoin-10 days later I still have minor uti symptoms but the burning has ramped up. So I believe the infection is still there-since February. There is no itching, no smelly discharge, no pain just an irritated raw inflammatory burning sensation in the area of the urethra. I have tried creams, d mannose, garlic, turmeric, Cystex, Azo, parsley, aloe Vera, olive oil, oregano oil pills, acupressure etc etc etc. Nothing has helped and I am now beginning to think I will have this forever. Drinking baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon water- nothing has helped. Sorry so long but wanted to give every detail. Can you suggest anything? I will be calling my doctor tomorrow as perhaps I need something different and am considering a cleansing process I read on pharmacy pantry. Thank you for listening. Note- not prone to uti’s. This is only my second one in close to 10 years. I am 64 years old, not overweight, very active. Thanks again!
Dina-Marie says
Charlene, I am so sorry you are going through this. I know e coli infections can be very difficult to get rid of and if you have tried this cleanse and still have it, I would suggest going to a urologist and take another round of antibiotics and upon finishing it, have another culture to make sure it is gone. My urologist recommended to take a shot of lemon juice (2oz) in a glass of water twice a week spaced as evenly as possible to prevent an infection. The lemon juice changes the pH of the bladder so infections can't take hold. This can be fresh lemon juice, Real lemon juice (in the green bottle) or he even said many of his patients just go to Chick fil a on say, Mon and Thurs and get a lemonade. It should be consumed within an hour. He also recommended a probiotic which targets the bladder. I have used Garden of Life, Urinary Tract + which should be refrigerated when you buy it. I have found it at Sprouts and a local health food store.
Charlene says
Dina-Marie thank you so very much. Contacted my doctor today and waiting to hear when another prescription will be filled. I actually purchased unsweetened lemonade yesterday after reading your info. And I tried acv last night after my antibiotic finished and felt a better -was hopeful! This morning burning was back. Going to do the lemonade, going to purchase your recommended probiotic and will stay positive! Such great info here-thank you so much!
Dina-Marie says
Charlene, I will be praying for you. Make sure that the unsweetened lemonade is truly "real" lemon juice otherwise, just squeeze lemons or get the green bottle of real lemon juice and use it.
Lyn says
Charlene - I've had UTIs off/on. I am 65 yrs. Some of your symptoms to me sound like you may have lichen sclerosus around the urethra area and vaginal lips area. I have this and it sort of feels like a UTI -- but no actual burning while peeing except when urine touches the vaginal outer skin areas and that burns. The reason I say this is because of all the rounds of antibiotics you've taken with little to no help. Just a thought that you may wish to google lichen sclerosus and talk with your doctor about. My LS was diagnosed by a biopsy. LS can affect your whole pelvic floor area and anus too...not necessarily all at once, but it spreads in time. Antibiotics do not treat LS.
Lyn says
Here is an interesting site that may help someone too. Most doctors do not know it all and their advice and treatment can actually harm you in the end.
https://www.stoputiforever.com/treatment/bacterial-biofilm-treatment-uti/
Dina-Marie says
Thanks, Lyn, I will read it!
Nikki says
First dose started to decrease frequency I'm going to keep on keeping on with it. Thank you for the article
Nikki says
Sorry frequency of urination **
Dina-Marie says
Nikki, I am so glad it helped!
Tracy Reed says
Just getting over a UTI myself. It seems since I've turned 41 I keep getting them off and on. They hit me quick too. I get the burning when I pee, urgent urination , bleeding through the urethra etc. But I have found drinking the Apple Cider vinegar to be so very helpful in clearing them up. I'm also looking into colloidal silver because I've heard good things about this too clearing up UTI's as well. But when I get these UTI's I hit it hard with organic cranberry juice, the Bragg's Apple cider vinegar , and drinking lemon water ( rotating what I drink) and taking at least 1,000 mg of Vitamin C, and hit with probiotic. I also bathe in the ACV at least twice a day as well (you can do this as much as you want too)and at least soak for 10 minute or more. 1 to 2 cups. This not only helps with any burning, but I feel it really just helps in general. I don't use the Bragg's for the tub though. It seems any regular ACV will do for the tub.
Thanks for sharing with others about this because it can help for most bacterial UTI infections. Of course there are rare ones that don't respond and I'm not a doctor either. But I really try to go naturally vs antibiotics any day of the week.
Dina-Marie says
Tracy, I am so glad it worked and thanks for sharing your findings. I have heard good things about the colloidal silver too but have not tried it.
Radia Hassan says
i am someone who reads blogs for usedul information but never takes the time to comment. Until mow..i started to feel a uti coming on which was feustrating as i just haf one two weeks ago and another a mo th before that..suddenly im having recurring bladder infections. Anyway it was late night Monday and didnt want to have to wait until morning to go to urgen t care for antibiotics..i staryed looking for nstural remedies and found your site .i always have acv in my house so ifollowed your instructins and drank a 2 tbs in a glass of water every hour...the pain was gone by morning and then i drank it every few hours all effects were ssentially gone by the end of Tuesday...im still drinking about twice a day along with crannerry juice but im gonna try the twice a week lemonade thing since i seem to have a recurring issue now. So i just want to say THANK YOU for sharing so much!! you may not be a doctor but this worked amazing without having to take more antibiotics!
Dina-Marie says
Radia, I am so glad it helped. Thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know - it is really encouraging.
Sydney Barnes says
Once when I let a UTI get out of control and got both a bladder and kidney infection. I was pregnant at the time and severely dehydrated. I spent a couple days in the hospital rehydrating and with IV antibiotics. Since that time, I've been a poster child for drinking water. I also take a supplement called cystex. It's got cranberry, vitamin C and D-mannose, plus some other good stuff. Basically it's packed with antioxidants and stuff that keeps bacteria from sticking, plus a little something to lessen the acid in your urine.
Dina-Marie says
Sydney, thanks for taking the time to let us know what works for you!