INTRODUCTION
A UTI is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. It occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing symptoms such as pain during urination, frequent urination, and lower abdominal pain. Here will discuss in detail Ayurveda Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections. While it’s more commonly found in women, it can affect men as well. It’s important to address UTIs as soon as possible, as they can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated..
Importance Of UTI treatment
UTIs are crucial not only for preventing future infections but for overall health and wellness. UTIs are common bacterial infection that occurs in the urinary tract and can cause discomfort, pain, and even fever if left untreated. Moreover, recurring UTIs can lead to chronic kidney infections, which can affect kidney function over time. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical treatment for UTIs as soon as symptoms develop. Ayurveda Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections can alleviate symptoms, prevent the spread of infections, and reduce the risk of complications. Ultimately, seeking treatment for UTIs is vital for maintaining good health and well-being.
Overview of Ayurveda Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection
The symptoms of Urinary tract infection are similar to Mutrakricchra. Ayurveda medicines are good options for better management and are effective against major urinary tract pathogens. According to Ayurveda, UTI or Urinary Tract Infection is a result of aggravated Pitta Dosha. The imbalance of the Pitta leads to inflammation in the urinary tract and results in UTI. Ayurveda recommends various herbs, home remedies, Panchakarma treatments, and lifestyle modifications to manage and prevent UTI. The use of herbs such as Chandan, Shatavari, and Gokshura is suggested to pacify the aggravated Pitta Dosha. Ayurveda advises avoiding hot, spicy, and fried foods as they can aggravate the Pitta Dosha instead of pacifying it. Additionally, it is recommended to maintain proper hygiene and drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to flush out toxins from the body. Overall, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to UTI management, focusing on finding and addressing the root cause, rather than just addressing the symptoms.
Importance of Ayurveda Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection
Ayurveda quickly and easily treats UTI with no side effects, as the medicines have a unique type of phytoconstituents and are potential to act on it.
The line of treatment in Ayurveda is mainly based on Dosha Chikitsa. Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes a holistic approach to health and healing. When it comes to urinary tract infections (UTIs), Ayurveda can be a highly effective solution. One of the reasons why Ayurveda treatment is important to UTIs is that it focuses on addressing the root cause of the infection, rather than just treating the symptoms. Ayurveda recognizes that imbalances in the body can lead to UTIs, and it seeks to restore balance through personalized treatment plans that incorporate diet, lifestyle adjustments, and natural remedies. By supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain balance, Ayurveda helps to prevent future infections and promote overall urinary tract health. Ayurveda helps to stop reoccurring UTI.
Understanding of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection )
DEFINITION Of URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Urinary Tract Infection is a microbial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract, especially in Urethra, Ureters, Bladder, and Kidney, the organs that urine passes through when eliminated from the body.
CAUSES For Urinary Tract infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be caused by various factors. Here are some common causes:
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- Bacterial Infection: The majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli) that naturally reside in the gastrointestinal tract. When these bacteria enter the urinary tract, they can multiply and cause an infection.
- Sexual Activity: Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, especially in women. This type of UTI is often referred to as “honeymoon cystitis.”
- Poor Hygiene: Insufficient personal hygiene practices, such as improper wiping after using the bathroom (particularly in women), can contribute to the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the urinary tract.
- Urinary Tract Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities or functional problems in the urinary tract can increase the risk of UTIs. Conditions such as urinary tract stones, kidney stones, bladder prolapse, or urinary retention may hinder the normal flow of urine and create an environment suitable for bacterial growth.
- Urinary Catheters: Individuals with urinary catheters are at a higher risk of developing UTIs because the catheter can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Catheters provide a direct pathway for bacteria to reach the bladder.
- Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system, whether due to certain medical conditions, medications, or treatments like chemotherapy, can make individuals more susceptible to UTIs.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes can increase the risk of UTIs. High blood sugar levels can impair the immune response and create an environment favorable for bacterial growth.
- Menopause: During menopause, changes in the urinary tract lining occur due to decreased estrogen levels, which can make women more susceptible to UTIs.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the urinary tract and contribute to an increased risk of UTIs.
- Risk factors of UTI
UTI or Urinary Tract Infection which is commonly seen in women. Here are some risk factors of UTI that every woman should know:
– Gender- Women are more susceptible to UTIs as they have a shorter urethra which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
– Age- As women age, the risk of developing UTIs increases.
– Sexual activity- Sexual activity can increase the risk of UTIs as bacteria may be introduced into the urinary tract during intercourse.
– Birth control method- Women who use diaphragms for birth control are at a higher risk of developing UTIs.
– Medical Conditions- Women with medical conditions such as Diabetes, Kidney Stones, Bladder Stones, or an enlarged prostate gland are more likely to have UTIs.
– Urinary Tract Abnormalities- Women with urinary tract abnormalities such as a cystocele or prolapse are at higher risk for UTIs.
Women need to be aware of these risk factors and take necessary steps to prevent UTIs.
SYMPTOMS OF UTI
In Mutrakricchra, patients have complaints of:
1)Increased urine frequency
2)Urgency
3)Hesitancy
4)Burning micturition
5)Painful micturition
6)Discoloration in Urine.
Ayurveda Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection
According to Ayurveda perspective Conditions affecting the urinary tract and kidneys comes under Mutravahasrota Roga.
Disorders of the urinary tract are caused by the imbalance of tridoshas which can be treated with the help of diuretics (mutravirechana), which stimulate the flow of urine and balance the downward flow of the vata dosha.
Detoxification (Panchakarma) tones the kidneys and other organs and thereby normalizes the functioning of the apana vayu (vata dosha).
UTI caused by to Imbalance in the Pitta dosha has to be treated by alleviating the aggravated pitta dosha and the urinary tract should be strengthened so that recurring infections can be avoided.
Herbal remedies
Ayurveda has many wonderful herbs that can help to treat UTI, which act as a natural antibiotic without any harmful effects on the body. But it is important to check in with an expert.
Several ayurvedic remedies can provide relief in UTI (Urinary tract infection) as follows Rice water (tandulodaka), amla juice, dhanyak hima, mint water, etc.
Rice water helps in UTI with discharge, backache, itching, and abdominal ache.
Dhanyak Hima is the most cooling drink in ayurveda.
Amla juice works like a miracle as it is rich in vitamin C which helps improve immunity.
Dietary changes
Dietary changes help in the reduction of the symptoms.
1) Intake of Non-veg, spicy, and oily food should be reduced.
2) Caffeinated drinks can irritate the bladder lining which makes it difficult to urinate.
3) Drinking plenty of fluids as possible.
4) Coconut water and sugarcane juice are very beneficial.
5) The intake of seasonal fruits such as grapes, pomegranates, plums, and figs is very good.
6)Usage of cinnamon in cooking and tea provides antibacterial action.
7) Water boiled with coriander nourishes and cools the urinary tract and flushes out the toxins.
8)Including fiber in the diet also helps to relieve UTI.
9) Include cucumber in the diet as it is highly rich in water content.
Lifestyle Changes
1)Restriction of exposure to extreme heat and sun.
2)Urination before and after sexual activity.
3)After Urination, wiping from front to back keeps bacteria away from the urethra.
3)Maintaining hygiene in the genital area.
4) Wear loose and comfortable cotton clothes and innerwear.
5)Proper Hygiene reduces the chances of bacterial growth.
Ayurveda Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection
Ayurveda works on the root cause of the treatment rather than working on the symptoms as it uproots the cause of the disease giving effective results in no reversibility of the disease.
Ayurvedic therapies for UTI involve Panchakarma, thereby cleaning out blockages of the urinary tract.
Panchakarma Treatment for UTI
Panchakarma helps in rejuvenating the human body and has desired results for infections in UTIs. It is recommended for UTI in very deep-rooted conditions.UTIs are often associated with an imbalance in the doshas, particularly Pitta dosha. Panchakarma is believed to help restore balance by eliminating toxins from the body and promoting overall well-being. Cleansing the body of accumulated waste and toxins may support overall health and potentially contribute to the prevention of infections
Snehana
Oral administration of medicated ghee.
The effective components get transported to different tissues of the urinary tract that help to achieve neurological control of bladder musculature.
Swedana
Inducing sweat with the help of steam.
This corrects the cell metabolism and flushes the toxins out of the body.
Therapeutic Emesis
Vamana
It is a bio-cleansing measure meant for the elimination of doshas (mainly kapha dosha) accumulated in the gastrointestinal tract (Amasaya).
In Kapha dosha predominant UTI, therapeutic emesis is indicated.
Therapeutic Purgation
Virechana
It is the procedure by which the vitiated doshas are eliminated through the anal route which is the treatment of choice for Pitta-Predominant conditions that completely empties the digestive tract.
Basti
It’s a procedure of medicated enema that purifies the urinary tract which maintains the Ph and neurological control of the urinary bladder.
Uttaravasthi.
It’s an important procedure for the genito-urinary disorders of both, males and females.
The mechanism of action is when the drug is infiltrated into the bladder it may act as bladder wash.
Due to the anti-microbial effect, it avoids the multiplication of pathogens.
Urine infection Ayurvedic medicine
Ayurveda has many wonderful herbs that can help to treat UTI.
It acts as a natural antibiotic without any harmful effects on the body. These medications include Punarnavadi kashayam, Varunadi kashayam, Gokshooradi tablet, Chandanasava, Guluchyadi kashayam, Chandraprabha vati, Triphala etc.
YOGA FOR UTI
Yoga can be beneficial in attaining relief from the signs of UTI.
Several Yoga poses reduce the symptoms of UTI. These include Surya Namaskar, Utkatasana, Trikonasa, Malasana Dhanurasana etc.
Surya Namaskara
It helps in toning the lower abdomen portions.
Chair Pose
Utkatasana
This asana replenishes the Digestive system, urinary system and heart.
Trikonasana
This asana strengthens the urinary system of the body as it focuses on the stretching of areas like the lower abdomen, hips, groin, and pelvis.
Malasana
This asana provides ample relief, as the stretching tones the lower back, groin and abdominal muscles.
Herbal Remedies for UTI
Shilajatu (Mineral pitch)
Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris)
Punarnava (Boerrhavia Diffusa)
Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)
Chandana (Santalum Album)
Varuna (Crataeva Nurvula)
Benefits of Ayurveda
Ayurveda promotes the growth of healthy bacteria and fights harmful ones.
Ayurvedic medicines for urinary tract infections have many phytoextracts that show good results in the treatment of urinary disorders and could be used as an alternative to antibiotics.
Conclusion
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to UTI (Mutrakrichra).
Despite modern antibiotics being used in UTIs, urinary tract infections can be easily treated by ayurveda treatments with no side effects.
Have a word with expert doctors at Adyant Ayurveda Treatment Centre, Bangalore for Comprehensive care for UTI.
FAQs
Some factors are –
Too much spicy or salty food aggravates UTIs.
Consuming alcohol aggravates UTIs.
Suppression of natural urge for urination.
Drinking less water.
Prolonged exposure to heat, toxic fumes, fire etc.
Which yoga asana can help treat UTI?
Yogasanas like Surya namaskar, Dhanurasana, and Malasana helps to alleviate symptoms of UTI.
Will Suppressing Urine cause UTI?
Urination should be done frequently or whenever the urge arises to ensure that bacteria growth is prevented in the bladder and stay clean and dry.
How do Ayurvedic medicines act on UTIs?
Ayurvedic medicines make urinary tract treatment a natural and effective one and function to maintain normal PH Levels and diminish harmful bacteria without any side effects.
What are the main symptoms of UTI?
Some of the major symptoms are Burning urination, Frequent urination, Cloudy dark smoky urine, Foul smelling urine, Fever, Abdominal pain, pelvic pain in women and rectal pain in men.
What are the different conditions in UTIs?
Urethritis (Urethral infection), Cystitis (Bacterial infection in the bladder), and Pyelonephritis (Kidney infection) are some of the conditions of UTI.
Is Panchakarma necessary for UTI?
Panchakarma helps in rejuvenating the human body and has desired results for infections in UTIs. It is recommended for UTI in very deep-rooted conditions. It is the holistic method of elimination of toxins and treats the root causes of diseases.
