Urinary tract infection is a common infection that occurs more frequently in women. The kidneys eliminate waste products from the blood through the urine. The urine is usually free from contamination from bacteria, fungi or viruses. However, if bacteria enter the urethra and begin to spread, an infection occurs. The urine from the bladder is removed from the body through the urethra. If the bacteria spread and infect only the urethra, it is referred to as urethritis. But they can also travel up to the bladder and cause infection there, called cystitis. If left untreated, the bacteria could further spread to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection.
Urinary tract infections are most commonly caused when the bacteria present near the vagina or rectum spreads to the urethra. The infection is more common in women due to the closer proximity of the urethra and the rectum. Sexual intercourse is believed to one of the ways by which bacteria from the vagina get pushed into the urethra. Prolonging urination could also lead to a urinary tract infection. This is because the bladder expands to accommodate the urine and holding the urine for too long could cause the bladder muscle to stretch excessively. This can weaken the bladder, which may in turn cause an incomplete emptying of the urine. When urine is left behind in the bladder, the risk of infection is higher. The symptoms that accompany a urinary tract infection are burning or pain in the urethra during urination, intense urge to urinate and pain in the lower abdomen, sides and lower back. In some cases, there may also be traces of blood in the urine. Fever, chills and vomiting could also occur.
Parsley may be used to alleviate urinary tract infections as it has certain anti-fungal properties. You may boil parsley in water and drink for relief. Parsley also serves as a diuretic and thus enables the elimination of excess water from the body through the urine. Parsley tea is believed to be effective in relieving the symptoms of bladder and kidney infections. Cranberry juice is also considered to be a very effective remedy for urinary tract infections. It helps to restrict the infection and keep it from spreading. Baking soda too serves as an excellent remedy for such infections. You may mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink twice daily. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids is also the best way to flush out the bacteria and infection from the body.