Drinking fluids helps people recover from a UTI. The best things to drink when you have a UTI are water, electrolyte drinks that are low in sugar, and unsweetened cranberry juice.
UTIs usually require antibiotics to be treated, meaning you'll need to visit a healthcare provider. Telehealth services can make it easier to schedule an appointment. Getting started on your antibiotic right away and drinking plenty of water are some of the most important steps in helping to get rid of a UTI fast.
Drink plenty of water.
Water helps to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria.
“A bladder infection can get better on its own, but most of the time it doesn't. If your symptoms are minor, it's reasonable to try extra fluids and cranberry products to see if it resolves over the course of a day. If it doesn't, work with your doctor to get a urine test or visit urgent care.
The most reliable sign of a UTI is a stinging or burning sensation with urination, though other symptoms may also occur. A bladder infection is a type of UTI that occurs specifically in your bladder. Think of it this way: Your urinary tract includes your urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys.
If you've contracted a UTI, it is important to have fluids as frequently as possible so that you urinate more frequently and the harmful bacteria are flushed out of your urinary tract through natural means. This option means curing your symptoms without the use of medication.
Additionally, a number of common foods and drinks — artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, acidic fruits, citrus, or caffeinated drinks — can irritate your bladder, and may worsen UTI symptoms — so you should steer clear of them if you have signs of a bladder infection.
Honey is known to contain anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, making it effective for some people in fighting bacteria that cause bladder infections, but honey may not always be the answer.
Step Three: Peppermint Herbal Tea
You might be surprised to learn that peppermint has been proven in research studies to reduce smooth muscle bowel spasms. We think it has a calming and soothing effect on the bladder as well.
UTIs typically occur when bacteria outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. Most cases of cystitis are caused by a type of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. But other types of bacteria can cause infections, too. Bacterial bladder infections may happen in women after sex.
Burning or pain when urinating is the most common symptom. You may even feel a strong urge or need to urinate but only get a few drops. This is because the bladder is so irritated that it makes you feel like you have to urinate, even when you don't have much urine in your bladder.
Antibiotics for UTIs can quickly get rid of bacteria and make your symptoms go away. Most people with a UTI feel better just 1 to 2 days after starting antibiotics. Without antibiotics, UTIs can last for about 1 week.
A UTI can last several days up to a week without antibiotics. If symptoms are persisting longer than a week then antibiotics are typically necessary. However, this timeframe may vary based on factors including the severity of the infection and whether you have other medical conditions that can delay healing.
Drink water.
Staying hydrated is vital. Aim to drink at least two liters, about 64 ounces, of water daily. This rule holds true for most, unless they have a condition like a heart problem or are following their doctor's advice. Drinking water throughout the day helps to dilute urine and prevent kidney stones.
Yogurt. Eating yogurt and other cultured dairy products (fermented with “good” bacteria) regularly may decrease the risk for urinary tract infections by up to 80%.
Fizzy drinks full of sugars and sweeteners can often aggravate UTI symptoms, but some other more unassuming options like citrus fruit juices may also prove problematic in some instances.
"Drinking lemon water can be a healthy habit that encourages optimal bladder health by providing much-needed hydration to the body—and that's enough of a reason to drink it in the day," she says.