Urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system- like kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract: ie the bladder and urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men. As per Ayurveda UTIs are included under a broad spectrum called MUTRAKRICHRA which includes kidney disorders and urinary tract infections.
SYMPTOMS
- A strong persistent urge to urinate
- Burning micturition
- Frequent urination with a small amount of urine
- Cloudy urine
UTI may result in more specific signs and symptoms depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected.
PART OF URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS
Kidneys(acute pyelonephritis) 1. Back pain and flank pain
2. High fever and chills
3. Nausea, vomiting
Bladder 4. Pelvic pressure
5. Lower abdominal discomfort
6. Frequent painful micturition
7. Blood in urine
Urethra 8. Burning micturition
9. Discharges
CAUSES
Urinary tract infection typically occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract through urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder.
INFECTION OF THE BLADDER (CYSTITIS)
This type of UTI is usually caused by Escherichia coli (Ecoli) a type of bacteria commonly found in GIT.
INFECTION OF URETHRA
This type of UTI can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to urethra. As female urethra is close to vagina sexually transmitted disease such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma can cause urethritis.
UTI MANAGEMENT IN AYURVEDA
Diet correction is the best way to treat UTI
Diet guidelines for UTI
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids such as fresh lemon juice, coconut water, orange juice and sugar cane juice
- Refrain from cold drinks
- Lactobacillis bacteria in curds can provide probiotics to the body and help to correct any imbalance caused by bacterial infections
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Include coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric in food which cools urinary tract and flush out toxins
- Chew cardamom pods every day to cleanse the urinary tract.
- Avoid meat (especially seafood, excess salt and astringent materials.
Life style changes for UTI
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes especially under garments
- Do not hold your pee
- Properly maintain hygiene in genital area
- Restrict exposure to extreme heat and sun
- Practice yoga and meditation
- Practice kegel exercise to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
PANCHAKARMA FOR UTI
Panchakarma is the holistic method of elimination of the toxins and root causes of disease and purification. It may include treatment such as
SNEHAPANA
Oral administration of medicated ghee. It has the ability to transport therapeutically effective components to different tissues of urinary tract.
MEDICATED ENEMA
Mixture of medicines administrated to the colon through anal canal
VIRECHANA
Therapeutic purgation- a complete emptying of digestive tract
UTTARAVASTHI
Enemas are administrated through the urethral or vaginal tract.