Urinary tract infections have troubled mankind long before causative agents of UTI were detected to be bacteria in the urinary system. Urinary tract infection basically refers to both microbial colonisation of the urine and tissue invasion of any structure of the urinary tract. Bacteria are the most commonly responsible factor, although yeast, fungi and viruses may produce urinary infection.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in which any part of urinary system-such as Kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra can get affected. Maximum infections involve the lower urinary tract-the bladder and the urethra. As compared to men, women are at a greater risk of developing UTI. Infection of the bladder is usually painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if UTI spreads to the urinary system.
Urinary tract infection presents with a burning sensation when urinating, decrease in frequency of urine, cloudy urine with strong
smell and in women pelvic pain is seen especially in the affected part of pelvis which is around the area near to the lower part of
pubic bone.
Escherichia coli are the most common causative organism of this disease that causes approximately 80% of acute infections in patients without catheters. Other gram-negative bacilli, especially Proteus and Klebsiella are seen occasionally. Enterobacter accounts for a smaller proportion and leads to uncomplicated infections. Gram-positive cocci also play a lesser role in urinary tract infections. In young females and in-patient with renal stone or previous instrumentation Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococci, Staphylococcus aureus are seen. Chlamydia and mycobacterium bacteria usually infect the urinary tract but can’t affect the bladder. UTIs are called by different names depending on the location of the affected part. Bladder infection is called cystitis. Urethra infection is called urethritis and kidney infection is called pyelonephritis.
Ayurveda has correlated UTI to Mutrakrichha which is painful voiding of urine. Patient feels the urge to micturate but passes urine with pain Mutra vaha srotas are the channel carrying urine waste which begins from kidneys, the bladder is the container, the ureters are the passageways, and the end or opening is the urethra. UTI is due to an imbalance of pitta dosha. So more important is to balance pitta dosha and to strengthen the urinary tract so that recurring infection can be avoided. Eating foods that are too hot, sour, or spicy, Drinking alcohol, Suppressing the urge to urinate, Habitually retaining urine in the bladder for long time, Exposure to extreme heat and sunlight for long and drinking less water aggravates pitta and thus leads to UTI.
Ayurveda has many wonderful herbs that can help to treat UTI. It acts as a natural antibiotics without any harmful effects to the body. These medications includes Punarnavadi kashayam, Varanadi Kashayam, Gokhshooradi tablet, Chnadraprabha vat, Chandanasava, guluchyadi kashayam and Ashwagandha. (Caution- Consultation from a qualified ayurevedic practitioner is required for proper screening)
Ayur Healthcare will provided custom made tailored diet guidance to follow. Diet which balances pitta dosha and cleanse and eliminate the toxins that cause heat to the body. Drinking plenty of water is helpful to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, coffee, chocolates, refined and processed foods, refined sugars have adverse effects on the bladder and should be avoided As bacteria flourish when conditions are warm and moist so it is necessary to stay cool and dry by emptying the bladder after bath and sexual intercourse, wear cool, loose fitting cotton undergarments and clothing. Women should use sanitary pads for their menstrual cycle, avoiding tampons and other such products and should control emotions of peace and contentment. Drink plenty of fluids and water. Hydration rate of the body has been linked to the risk of urinary tract infection. Urination should be done frequently or whenever urge arises to ensure that bacteria growth is prevented in the bladder, stay clean and dry. Clove oil, oregano oil have antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiviral, anti inflammatory properties and relieves pain and promote healing and thus is beneficial in UTI.
