Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary system i.e. kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The bladder and the urethra are the most affected site. Women are at higher risk of developing a UTI as compare to men. An infection which is limited to the bladder can sometimes be painful and annoying. Serious consequences can occur if the infection spreads to the kidneys. When lower urinary tract is infected it is known as a bladder infection and when it affects the upper urinary tract it is known as a kidney infection. It can be easily treated with ayurvedic medicines. If the infection is in lower urinary tract region patients may experience symptoms like pain, persistent urination, and urge to urinate inspite having an empty bladder. If an infection is in the upper urinary tract i.e. infections, blood may appear in the urine. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and in rare cases by viruses. UTIs are among the most common infections in humans. These organisms are very small and cannot be seen without a microscope. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and in rare cases by viruses. UTIs are the most common infections in the human body.
CAUSES
It is very easy to get a urinary tract infection. The most common cause of infection is E. coli, commonly found in the Gastro-intestinal tract. Bacteria that usually live in the vagina, anal area, genitals can sometimes enter the urethra and travel to the bladder which results in infection. This can also happen during sexual intercourse. Anything or any activity that brings bacteria in contact with urethra can cause urinary tract infection. Frequently eating sour, spicy bitter food, having excessive intake of tea and coffee that increases the heat in the body causing UTI.
Risk Factors
- Previously affected by the infection
- Diabetic Patient
- Obesity
- Kidney Stones
- Family History of UTI
- Pregnancy
- Bowel incontinence
- Immobility
- Menopause
- Reduced intake of fluids
- Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement increases the risk of developing UTI
- Taking contraceptive pills
- Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract
- Holding the urine for too long time. This results in the multiplication of the bacteria and causes a urinary tract
Sign and Symptoms
Signs & Symptoms of urinary tract infection depends on the site of infection. Symptoms of UTI (Urinary tract infections) include:
- Burning sensation during urination.
- Passing little amount of urine frequently.
- The Urgency to urinate increases.
- Blood in the urine.
- Tea colored urine.
- Urine with a strong odor.
- Pain in the pelvic region in women.
- Pain in the rectal region in men.
If an infection is in the upper urinary tract, then following symptoms appear:
- Tenderness and pain in the back particularly in the upper back.
- Fever with chills.
- Nausea with vomiting.
What is Ayurvedic View of Urinary Tract Infections?
According to Ayurveda, Urinary Tract Infection is known as Pittaj Mutrakrichhra. It is caused due to aggravation of Pitta Dosha in the body which produces toxins in the body. Pitta symbolizes heat or fire in the body. A healthy diet and lifestyle which increases Pitta in the body are responsible for causing UTI. Heating toxins get accumulated in the mutravahi srotas (urinary channels) and create an imbalance in the defense mechanism of the urinary system which leads to bacterial growth causing UTI.
What is the Treatment of UTI in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, there is the number of herbs that can treat UTI. Chandigarh Ayurved and Panchakarma Centre have formulated ayurvedic medicines known as “UTI care kit”. This kit consists of four products. The details of these products are given below:
1. Standard Detox Powder
This herbal powder is prepared from many ingredients namely parwal pishti, shukta pishti, giloy satva, kamdudha ras, akik pishti, gandhak rasayan, shankh bhasma, sutshekar ras, sudyog tablet, & shwet parpati. These ingredients have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, properties. The use of this herbal powder will help in burning sensation, infection, scarce urine problems related to Urinary tract infections.
Recommended Dosage: Take one sachet twice a day with normal water.
2. Chanderprabha Vati
It is an ayurvedic medicine that provides very effective results in urinary tract infections. The ingredients used for the preparation of these tablets are Vacha (Acorus calamus), Bhunimba (Andrographis paniculata), Tree Turmeric (Berberis aristata), & Nutgrass (root) (Cyperus rotundus). These ingredients have antioxidant properties.
Recommended Dosage: Take two tablets twice a day with normal water.
3. Panchaguna Churna
It is a herbal preparation that helps in treating urinary tract infection and inflammation. This herbal churna contains ingredients like Neem (Azadirachta indica), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Harad (Terminalia chebula), and Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) that shows diuretic properties.
Recommended Dosage: Take a half teaspoon twice daily with normal water.
4. Uerolex Syrup
It is an alkalizer prepared with natural herbs and contains ingredients like Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Apamarg (Achyranthes aspera), etc which help to reduce inflammation & burning sensation in the urine.
Recommended Dosage: Take two teaspoonfuls twice daily.
Healthy Tips and Diet for UTI Patients:
- Intake of hot, oily, spicy, sour, salty, and bitter foods should be avoided.
- Drink plenty of fluids and fresh juices so that toxins can be removed from the body through urination.
- Increase intake of herbs like green cardamom, coriander, red sandalwood, licorice root, etc. as these are pitta-pacifying herbs which help to balance pitta in the body.
- Avoid working in a hot atmosphere.
- Do take a cold-water bath 2-3 times a day with ½ teaspoon of powdered red sandalwood added to the water.
- Wash your genitals before and after intercourse.
- Reduce the consumption of alcohol.
- Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks.
- Drink cranberry juice daily.
Sometimes, urinary tract infections become resistant and patient have to suffer for a long period, but urinary tract infection is curable. Ayurvedic medicines and herbs help to cure the disease from the root cause and prevent further episodes of the disease. Ayurvedic medicines boost immunity against the bacteria.
