Infection
of the bladder is usually caused by bacteria. Common bacterium include
E-coli (normally found in the intestinal tract contributing to yeast infections),
or the bacteria that causes chlamydia, which gains access to the bladder by
climbing up the urethra. The result may be infection, or an inflammation of
the bladder known as cystitis. Bladder infections tend to be more common in
women, due to the relatively easy transmission of bacteria along the urethra,
which is shorter in women than men.
In men, this transference of bacteria may result in prostatitis. Other contributing
factors to bladder infections include pregnancy, sexual intercourse, the use
of a diaphragm, a catheter in a hospital, a systemic disorder, such as diabetes,or
a neurogenic disorder. In a neurogenic disorder, the bladder nerves fail to
send the correct messages to the brain leading to incomplete voiding of the
bladder (i.e., some urine remains after each emptying).
Bladder
infections are characterized by the urgent desire to urinate to empty
the bladder. Urination is frequent and oftentimes painful. Itchiness and a
burning sensation may accompany this frequent urge to urinate even when the
bladder is empty. Less common symptoms include fevers, a loss of appetite
or a change in eating habits, unusual discharge from the urethra, dark, cloudy
urine, with an unpleasant odor, or evidence of blood in the urine. If left
untreated, it can lead to serious consequences, such as a kidney infection.
Food allergies may mimic some of the symptoms of bladder infections.
A home testing kit is available to determine if you have a bladder/urinary
infection. Reagent strips manufactured by various diagnostic companies may
be found in drugstores.
Treatment
of bladder infections include the use of one of the best herbal remedies,
cranberry. Cranberry juice produces hippuric acid in the urine, which acidifies
the urine, and inhibits bacterial growth. Other components within cranberry
juice prevent the bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder. Cranberry
juice may be taken in tablets/capsules in a concentrated form. Avoid commercial
cranberry juice cocktails as the product contains little cranberry juice and
a high fructose syrup or sweeteners. A dandelion supplement acts as a powerful
diuretic and liver cleanser, ensuring that infecting bacteria are passed out
of the body before they can cause an inflammatory reaction. Birch leaves are
also a natural diuretic and reduce some of the pain associated with bladder
infections. Diuretics help to cleanse the system by promoting the release
of fluids from the tissues. These supplements as well as drinking cranberry
juice, are an effective way of flushing the kidneys, and have been shown to
be effective in preventing recurrent cystitis. Always consult your doctor
if you are suffering recurrent bouts of cystitis or bladder infections, to
rule out any underlying cause which might be increasing your risk of infection.
Reoccurring or sever bladder infections may need to be treated with antibiotics,
and treatment generally lasts one to two weeks. The infection itself may clear
up with three to four days of medication, but most doctors prefer a longer
period of medication to ensure that the infection does not recur. Goldenseal,
a "natural antibiotic" for its antimicrobial properties, is effective
in treating bladder infections especially if there is bleeding. Do not take
Goldenseal on a regular basis, or for more than one-two weeks at a time, and
not at all if you are pregnant or have a history of cardiovascular disease
or diabetes.
Colloidal silver is a broad spectrum antiseptic that fights infection, subdues
inflammation and promotes healing. It is taken by mouth, or applied topically.
In
the prevention of bladder infections it is recommended to stay hydrated. Drink
6-8 glasses of water daily. Include parsley, watermelon and celery in your
diet. These foods act as diuretics, and can be purchased as juices from a
health food store.
Remove alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, coffee, refined or processed foods, simple
sugars, chemicals in foods, and citrus fruits as they produce alkaline urine.
Do not delay in emptying the bladder. Keep genital areas clean and dry. Women
should practice good hygiene, washing before and after intercourse, emptying
the bladder before and after exercise, wear cotton underwear vs. nylon, do
not use feminine hygiene products with fragrance or chemicals that are potentially
irritating, use sanitary products rather than tampons, and use mild soaps
to cleanse the vaginal area.
The
information presented is for informational purposes only. The results reported
may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor or health
care practitioner for any health problem and before using any supplements.
Products
to support healthy bladder and urinary tract:
If
a bladder infection is suspected, perform a one-three day cleansing fast.
Take a twenty minute hot sitz bath twice a day. You may add one cup of vinegar
to the sitz bath. Alternate this with two cloves of crushed garlic or the
equivalent in amount of garlic juice.
Solaray CranActin - to inhibit bacterial growth.
Solaray
Crandophilus - cranberry fortified with Acidophilus and Vitamin C to inhibit
bacterial growth and repopulate the urinary and intestinal tract with healthy
flora.
NOW Acidophilus - to repopulate the intestinal
and urinary tracts with healthy flora to inhibit bacterial growth.
Futurebiotics
Colloidal Silver - broad spectrum antiseptic to fight infection.
ReNew
Life CleanseSmart - an overall cleansing and detoxification product.
Solaray
Tetracleanse - cleanse and detoxify the body, especially the liver, kidneys
and colon.
Solaray
SP-6 Kidney Blend - to support healthy kidney function.
Kyolic Garlic - antiviral properties.
Solaray
QBC - rich in citrus bioflavenoids and vitamin C for acidification of
the urine, enhance immune function.
Gaia
Buchu tea - for subsiding the burning sensation during urination.
Country
Life Essential Life Multi-Nutrient Vitamin - enhance immune function.
