By Erin Bell, RNCPReg. Nutritionist, Holistic Allergist
So you’ve noticed things are not flowing the way they should, and your doctor says you have a urinary tract infection. Sigh… A urinary tract infection (UTI) can occur in both males and females of any age.
About 85% of them are caused by E.coli bacteria normally occurring in the intestinal tract. The feeling of having to go urgently is the most common indication that an infection is present.
Symptoms such as frequency and painful urination, as well as lower abdominal pain,low grade fever and even traces of blood in the urine are also usually noticeable with this type of infection. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat, and they can be of value if the following list is also adhered to:
Avoid baths, hot tubs and pools during the course of treatment
Refrain from sexual relations until the infection has cleared as you can pass back and forth from your partner.
Avoid underwear that are tight, thong, or made of synthetic materials (choosecotton).
Avoid dairy products, sugar, caffeine, soda-pop, and alcohol during the treatment phase.
A recurring infection could be a sign of something worse, so if you have had more than one UTI in a year, it’s best to request to see a urologist. UTI’s that linger can potentially lead to bladder, kidney and prostate conditions in both men and women. Watch for signs of low blood pressure, low-grade or actual fever, chills, pain and fatigue that is unnatural.
Once you have a diagnosis, you may need medications. However, for a typical infection that is not recurring, herbs can be very powerful remedies for UTI’s. Cranberry is ideal for bladder and urinary tract infections as it helps to acidify the urine and prevent bacterial growth. Use pure cranberry (the very tart kind sold in health food stores) – not commercial “cocktail” brands as these contain too much sugar and will make the infection worse. Burdock and dandelion are also good (as teas) to help keep the bladder and urinary tract healthy.
Once the course of antibiotics is finished, follow up with a good quality, high dose (50-100 billion) probiotic supplement to restore the “friendly” bacteria in the intestinal tract. A good quality, natural multi-vitamin and 4,000 mg per day of vitamin C with bioflavonoids is also both preventative and restorative for the immune system. Again, recurring UTI’s could be a sigh of something more serious
Source: http://www.discoveringwomenmagazine.com/
