Drink plenty of water
Few complaints are as uncomfortable as a urinary tract infection, with its pain, cramping, and frequent need to visit the bathroom. Although women get more bladder infections, men are more prone to highly painful kidney stones.
The urinary tract consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. The kidneys’ job is to maintain fluid balance as well as filter waste from blood and process it into urine. Urine is then passed through the ureters to the bladder for storage, before flowing through the urethra and out of the body. A number of ailments affect this tract, some of them treatable at home. When a more serious issue is suspected, a urologist performs as cystoscopy, inserting a thin tube with a tiny camera into the urethra and up into the bladder. Many kidney problems can be diagnosed with blood tests or an ultrasound.
Drink plenty of water
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the body through the urethra and travel into the bladder, where they multiply. Female anatomy is often the reason women get more urinary tract infections—either E. coli from the anus touches the urethra or other contaminants are introduced during vaginal sex. Symptoms include burning pain during urination; frequency, or the sensation of needing to pee after urination; and urgency, or a fierce need to pee that sends you racing for the bathroom.
Water Method: The primary treatment is drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water a day to flush out bacteria.
Berry Remedy: Try drinking 3 cups of cranberry juice or eating half a cup of blueberries—they both reduce the number of bacteria clinging to the urethra. Juniper berries act as a diuretic and can also flush out urinary bacteria and toxins.
Baking Soda Solution: Lower the acidity of your urine by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drinking it each morning for a week.
KIDNEY STONES
These small, hard deposits occur when minerals and salts, such as calcium oxilate, crystallize in the kidneys and must pass out through the urinary tract. Chronic dehydration is one cause, weight gain is another. Symptoms include pain in the side and back, pain that radiates to the groin, and spasmodic cramping. One proven remedy is fluid therapy: drinking enough liquids to help flush the small stones. Larger stones may need medical intervention.
Kidney stones compared to the head of a matchstick
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice, which can break down mineral deposits, may actually reduce the size of the stones. Drink 5 ounces of fresh lemon juice in the morning and another 5 ounces just before dinner.
Basil Extract: Basil can prevent stones from forming by stabilizing uric acid levels. Take one teaspoon of basic extract or juice daily. The herb’s acetic acid can break down stones. Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which also dissolves calcium deposits. Try 2 tablespoons in a cup of water to ease the pain and prevent stones from occurring.
Wheatgrass Washout: This herb contains compounds that stimulate urine production, helping the stones to pass less painfully. Take 2 to 8 ounces of extract daily, or use supplements or pills. Celery juice and celery seed both have similar effects.
Bean Broth: A broth made from kidney beans will supply high amounts of magnesium, a mineral that both shrinks the stones and eases the symptoms. Remove the beans from their pods, simmer them for 5 to 6 hours, strain, and serve. The broth should be taken at least twice a day.
Quick tips: Other treatments for relieving kidney stones are dandelion extract, pomegranate or aloe juice, and chamomile or peppermint tea.
