Question:
Women!!!! (and very few men) Any home remedies for UTI's?

So I've had horrible UTI's (urinary tract infections) off and on for year's now. I'm told I will get them the rest of my life. I've been on antibiotics, seen multiple specialists, and they all guess it's attributed to a change in my environment...AKA no long term treatment. I'm very sensitive to pop/alcohol and get them when I don't drink enough water.

What are your alternate home remedies besides cranberry juice or medication? (if I drink another glass of cranberry, i'll puke!)

Answer: I'll second these suggestions! Your best option is prevention. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine, since they'll dehydrate you - the less frequently you go, the more bacteria can build up. (I know it's lame to not be able to have a beer or a coffee... but UTIs are even worse!) That's also why you should drink plenty of water - try getting a big water bottle and shoot for having to fill it three times in the day. Every day!

Also, cranberry extract is heaven-sent! I take 2 tablets every day at night, and the only time I get UTIs anymore is when I run out and don't refill - that teaches me! Some of them even come with vitamins C & E, which helps keep your immune system strong enough to fight the infection.

Remember to keep your 'lower half' covered with non-restricting, cotton-based undies and pants. If you can at all avoid wearing pantyhose, do it! Even thongs can be rough for some people. You've gotta breathe down there to prevent a damp, warm environment... and that's what bacteria loves!

I don't know if you're sexually active, but if you are, make sure you go the the bathroom immediately after sex. This forces any bacteria that might have been forced up your urinary tract out. I know it's not sexy to hop out of bed right afterwards - but UTIs aren't very sexy either!

To continue the grossness, when you go the the bathroom... wipe front to back. The bacteria that causes UTIs can be found in your feces, so you don't want to wipe that forwards. (Sorry to be graphic, but it's true.)

And basically: stay hydrated, well-rested, take your vitamins, be good to you. Keep that immune system supported!