Over 8 million people visit their doctors each year due to sudden and frequent need to urinate, burning sensation in the urethra and bladder and additional symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as fever, chills, back pain, and even blood in the urine. UTIs are actually the second most popular reason people visit their healthcare professionals and range from young children to seniors, in both genders (though women get them much more than men). There are many natural remedies to treat a UTI and prevention methods everyone should practice. Some are quite simple!
Special note: UTIs that last longer than two days may require medical intervention. Untreated UTIs can infect the kidneys and turn into a much more serious problem.
To help prevent a UTI from developing or nip one in the bud, add 1 teaspoon baking soda to a glass of water as it may help ease the infection. The soda neutralizes the acidity in the urine, speeding along recovery.
Start carrying around that BPA free (glass is best) water bottle and make sure you are always sipping out of it. Aim for at least 8-10 eight-ounce glasses a day (depending on the climate and your activity level). A good measure of hydration is if you are urinating at least every four to five hours. If you are currently dealing with an infection, drink plenty of clean, filtered, alkaline water to fight it off. Water is one of the most powerful ways to flush out toxins and bacteria from the body.
Building healthy GI flora from the inside is going to be key to prevention of UTI and remedy. Depending on your current symptomatic state and your experience with probiotics (oral or caplaes), I suggest Inner-eco shots, bio-K, Fem-Dophilus by Jarrow or Ultimate Flora by Renew Life. Probiotics should be taken daily by everyone. Aim for 15 billion a day.
Blueberries and cranberries (from the same plant family and seem to have the same bacteria-inhibiting properties). 2-4 glasses a day of 100% pure cranberry juice is suggested (with no other added juices and sweeteners) and has an anti-biotic effect and organic blueberries everyday while symptoms last. Eating these berries daily is also a great preventative habit. If you prefer, take Cranberry Tablets. They help to alkaline the PH of the urine before UTI's to prevent them from coming on.
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples that leaves an alkaline residue in the body. In one study, people with a UTI who were given bromelain along with their usual round of antibiotics got rid of their infection. Half the people who were given a placebo plus an antibiotic showed no signs of lingering infection. Eating a cup of pineapple, or juicing and adding it to green juice or a ginger shot is a very alkalizing tonic for your insides and will help the body rid the infection.
Found in cranberries, blueberries, apples, and even birch trees, d-mannose is a simple sugar that acts as a magnet for e. coli, the most common cause of UTIs. Because it is indigestible to us it simply grabs as much e. coli as it can and then flushes through the body without affecting our blood sugar. D safe for pregnant women, -Mannose is considered safe for nursing mothers and children if consumed in moderate amounts. (Mommypotamus.com)
Some doctors prescribe at least 5,000 mg or more of vitamin C a day for patients who develop recurrent urinary tract infections. Though research remains mixed for the amount of vitamin C needed per person, Vitamin C does keep the bladder healthy by acidifying the urine, essentially putting up a no-trespassing sign for potentially harmful bacteria. I suggest at least 2 doses of ascorbic vitamin C (1,000 mg each) daily for preventative measures."
Frankincense, Oregano, Wild Orange/Lemon, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. Take in drop of each in a veggie capsule.
Remember to stay away from artificial diuretics and acidic drinks and foods as much as possible when you do have a UTI. Beverages such as alcohol, sodas (pops) and caffeinated drinks do not nourish the body and only deplete it of its hydration needs.
If you frequent the beach or pool, shower and clean yourself with soap as soon as you are done swimming and do not sit around in your wet suits. Sand, dirt, bacteria and foreign material are very clever in finding ways to sneak into the body and cause infection. Wear cotton whenever possible. It is the most nurturing for the body.
Empty out the entire bladder when using the restroom and always wipe from front to back. Practice safe sex and abstain from love making when symptoms are at its worst. Urinate before and after.
Consume a healthy diet filled with dark leafy greens, and as much PH balancing foods as possible. Alkaline forming foods (in the body) is going to be key (along with all the water and good body hygiene practicing).
Sources:
www.about.Howstuffworks.com
mommapotatamus.com
