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!
Anya says
Hi, so I’ve been doing the acv as your directions say except for the first day I only had like 3-4 servings and it seemed to be working like a charm but I’m on day 4 and all of a sudden it seems to be back somewhat... should I try it for another day or go to the doctor at this point?
Thanks!
Dina-Marie says
Anya, if you are still taking the same amount and after 4 days it is back, I would go to the doctor.
Susanne Silver says
dear Dina-Marie
I literally never leave feedbacks as I am too lazy (which is bad!) am from Switzerland and fought a cystitis for the last 10 days. Took two one time antibiotics and it just didn't work. Yesterday, I was so fed up, didn't want to take a third one and googled and fell on your website. I tried the ACV at 5:00pm and at 5:20pm I felt already better, the burning urge was gone and later in the evening I could pee as if nothing ever happened. I am someone who preferred classic medicine over natural as nothing ever really worked like the ACV. Thank you so so much for this incredible advice! You literally changed my life as I am having them from time to time :)
Dina-Marie says
Susanne, I am so glad! Where in Switzerland do you live? We lived between Basil and Zurich for 4 years and it was a wonderful experience!
kellie henderson says
So, I just want to clarify the amount on the first day. So in total you would consume 48 tablespoons in 24 hours?
Dina-Marie says
Kellie, I do not drink it through the night so no, you would not be drinking 48 TBSP. Just drink it when you are awake. If you symptoms subside quickly you can always back off a bit sooner but that is completely up to you and what works for you.
Diane Stephenson says
A couple of decades ago I had continual bladder infections and the doctor gave me repeats of antibiotics for four months. But long before that time was up, he decided to send me to a urologist who brought me in for day surgery where he stretched my urethra. I have never had another occurrence. Then suddenly, yesterday afternoon, I had symptoms of not being able to go when I felt the need. I had a weird sensation internally on both sides of my abdomen, not quite burning, but not good. After a couple of hours it seemed better, but it still doesn't feel right, so when I Googled and found your article, I will do the ACV. I take it in the mornings most days, but only 1 tblsp/day. I will try the larger amount more often and hope that it will work. I used to take the juice of half a lemon every morning, but the price of lemons went so high here a few weeks ago I stopped buying them until they hopefully come back down. I will let you know if the ACV works.
Dina-Marie says
Diane, I hope it helps and yes, let me know how it goes.
Eboni says
Hi Dina,
I have just emigrated to Italy and am experiencing symptoms. I want to avoid antibiotics (haven’t even redirected with a GP yet though I do have health insurance).
I’m going to start the acv treatment now and hopefully clear the infection.
Dina-Marie says
Eboni, I hope it helps - keep me posted!
Dianne says
I am having big issues. Tacking macrobid antibiotic. Can I do what you say at same time.
Had problems since swimming in pool that ended up being closed down. Have urinary retention and driving me crazy.
Any other suggestions.
Thanks
Dina-Marie says
Dianne, I really cannot give medical advice. But, I can share what I have done and there are a couple of things, the first is taking the apple cider vinegar. Then, have you looked into probiotics that specifically target the bladder? Our health food store and Sprouts both carry them and they can be found in the refrigerated section. They have helped also!
Margaret Siad says
WOW!! I can hardly believe that my UTI was under control so soon. I had 5 doses of the apple cider vinegar, which always make me shiver all the way to my toes, went to bed and I believe everything is gone. I had surgery 10 days ago for transvaginal apical suspension and I had chills, extreme fatigue and on the 3rd day the UTI showed up. I have bad reactions to antibiotics and was praying that I wouldn't have to go that way. I thank God for you, you are in my prayers, Margaret
Dina-Marie says
Margaret, I am so glad it helped!
Caroline says
Hi Dina-Marie, I would just like to say how grateful I am to have read about your experiences with ACV with 'The Mother'. I am in my early 50's, peri-menopausal and have been suffering from recurring UTI's for a few years now. I had been going backwards and forwards to the Doctors for them to prescribe me with the standard antibiotics to clear up the infection. The Doctors had thought that my change in hormones was probably to blame. After my last infection in early Dec 2018, I'd been given more antibiotics (just three days worth), but a different type as the previous were no longer available. Unfortunately these didn't seem to work. I began to investigate alternatives and found your web-page here. Thank goodness I did, because since then, I have been taking 1tsp of ACV in a tall glass of water, twice a day and I feel better than I have in years! So thank you very much for your help. Kind regards, Caroline from England.
Dina-Marie says
Caroline, I am so glad it helped! Thanks for the encouragement in taking time to comment and let me know.
Bono says
I too have issues with bladder and go to urologists and they run check on urine and say everything is clear then I find out that I have a spastic bladder and my Dr says it's caused by eating foods that are acidic like tomatoes,chocolate,coffee,I noticed my decaffeinated.even causes my bladder to spasm so I've cut out foods and beverages that causes it to do that and was wondering if acv would be to acidic for my bladder.i am 77 and with bladder spasms you never know when it can happen I've even had to cut out most all fruits..i am also a predieabetic
Dina-Marie says
Bono, I am sorry but I am unable to give medical advice and since I do not have experience with a spastic bladder, I cannot even share what has helped me. Sorry not to be more help!
Joe says
I'm a 27-year-old male who was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. My symptoms are urgency, frequency, urinary retention and painful inflammation of the bladder. I saw a new doctor recently who diagnosed me with bladder obstruction and gave me flomax to increase the urine stream. There hasn't been a lot written about natural cures that healed men from their urinary symptoms. I'm wondering if the AIP diet or GAPS diet would improve or fully cure me of my symptoms? I'm asking because men have the prostate, bladder, and testosterone getting converted to DHT to consider. Thanks in advance.
Dina-Marie says
Joe, I do not have any experience with a male patient and interstitial cystitis. I can tell you that post menopausal women develop it because of the lack of estrogen - the inside of the bladder becomes dry and cracks (think really chapped lips) and any urine that touches the nerve receptors in the cracks causes the need to urinate. I have had great success with using Desert Harvest Aloe Vera capsules which were recommended to me by my urologist. They are not cheap but I have continued to use the brand since he recommended it and I don't need them too often. Coffee, sodas, and other caffeinated drinks can aggravate it. I hope this helps!