Natural Remedies for a Bladder Infection That Reduce Burning Pain and Urgency
Plus learn the symptoms that could signal a more serious kidney infection
Bladder infections can be disruptive at the least and dreadful at the worst, but they’re an unfortunate part of life for many women. You should always visit your doctor if you notice symptoms such as a burning sensation when urinating, a frequent urge to urinate or cloudy urine. But in the meantime, natural remedies for a bladder infection can help alleviate some of your most aggravating symptoms. We asked a doctor to explain what home remedies actually work, plus signs that could indicate your bladder infection has spread.
What causes a bladder infection?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but a bladder infection is actually a specific (and the most common) type of urinary tract infection (UTI). The difference: UTIs can occur in other parts of the urinary tract, including the urethra and kidneys, while a bladder infection is specifically within the bladder (though the bacteria can travel elsewhere in serious cases).
“Bladder infections are usually caused by E. coli bacteria,” explains Gowri Rocco, MD, founder and president of Optimum Wellness & Longevity specializing in women’s health. “Because the urethra is so close to the anus, bacteria can easily travel into the urinary tract, especially [if you have]e diarrhea or when hygiene practices slip. Dehydration is another factor, since it reduces the body’s ability to flush out bacteria.”
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Activities like sexual intercourse can also increase the risk of a bladder infection if bacteria are introduced into the area, and products that irritate the genital area can play a role, too, adds Dr. Rocco.
3 natural remedies for a bladder infection
It’s best to implement the following natural remedies when symptoms of a bladder infection first arise, suggests Dr. Rocco. Doing so may be able to keep the infection from worsening and alleviate discomfort until you can get in to see your doctor and start a round of antibiotics.
Drink cranberry juice
Drinking 8-16 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice daily is one of the best natural remedies for a bladder infection. You can also take a D-mannose supplement, derived from a natural fruit sugar, once or twice daily, ideally after meals or sexual activity if you’re at higher risk for UTIs, says Dr. Rocco. Aim for 500-2,000 mg D-mannose based on the product’s dosage recommendations.
“Cranberry juice and D-mannose work by preventing E. coli from adhering to the bladder walls, reducing the chance of the bacteria multiplying and causing infection,” she explains. “D-mannose is especially useful for recurring bladder infections, as it has been shown to significantly lower the risk of reinfection.”
Try probiotics
Another easy way to reduce bladder infection symptoms naturally? Eat one serving (about ¾ cup) of plain, unsweetened yogurt with live active cultures daily, Dr. Rocco suggests. Alternatively, take a high-quality probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus species once a day, as directed on the product label.
Dr. Rocco recommends probiotic products like Bio-K Plus Probiotic Supplement, which can be found in stores like Whole Foods in the refrigerated supplement section or online. She stresses that it’s very important that probiotic products have live and active cultures and very low sugar content. Additionally, she suggests looking for certifications or endorsements from third-party organizations that verify the presence of probiotics.
Probiotics replenish the “good” bacteria in your gut and urinary tract, helping to maintain a balanced microbiome. This makes it harder for harmful bacteria like E. coli to thrive and cause bladder infections, she explains.
“Probiotic-rich foods and supplements also support overall immune system health, aiding the body in fighting infections,” she notes.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking at least eight or more cups of water throughout the day is important for overall bladder health. And if you’ve been especially active or it’s a hot day, consider drinking one electrolyte beverage (about 12-16 ounces) once a day to replace key minerals, which is especially helpful if you are dehydrated, Dr. Rocco recommends.
“Staying well-hydrated helps to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract, preventing it from settling in the bladder,” she explains. “Adding electrolytes ensures your body remains balanced, as dehydration can exacerbate bladder irritation and increase the risk of kidney stones, which may further complicate infections.”
Signs a bladder infection has spread
If you notice back pain along with burning when you urinate, or if you’re running a fever and feeling nauseous, it’s time to call your doctor again, says Dr. Rocco. These signs suggest the infection may have moved to your kidneys. Left untreated, a kidney infection can be serious and even life-threatening.
You should also talk to your doctor if you’re postmenopausal or have had a hysterectomy, as you’re more likely to develop complications or experience infections without obvious symptoms, Dr. Rocco adds.
“Catching and treating a bladder infection early is important to prevent it from becoming something much more dangerous,” she explains.
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