(also referred to as...) Cystitis, Bladder Infection, UTI
Description Urinary Tract Infection, Bladder Infection, or Cystitis all refer to an inflammation of the bladder and/or remaining urinary tract resulting from bacterial infection. Women experience urinary tract infections more often than men as the anus, vagina, and urethra in females are all in close proximity. Women also have a shorter urethra which makes for a shorter "bacterial journey" from the outside of the body to the bladder. If UTI is a chronic problem you should be examined by a naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the root cause of the problem.
Symptoms and Signs: Symptoms may be subtle at the first stage of infection -- a slight burning sensation after urination or a constant "need" to urinate. A strong pain in the urethra accompanies a full infection. The bladder feels full yet you are able to only pass a small amount of urine and blood in the urine. Urine may have a strong, foul odour and may look cloudy. Blood may also be present in the urine.
Causes: Bacterial infections of the urinary tract result in inflammation of the bladder and irritation of the walls of the urinary tract. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common bacterium to cause infection. Normally located in the intestines, E. coli can spread externally through fecal contamination and enter the urinary tract. Bacteria can also be introduced to the urethra via vaginal secretions. Bacteria buildups also occur when urine is not released from the body when prompted and signals to go the bathroom are ignored. Men who have an enlarged prostate often experience UTI as well. The enlarged prostate slows the passing of urine, increasing the chances of developing an infection. Bacteria can also migrate from an infected prostate gland and can also ascend the urethra. If a man was not aware of a potential prostate problem a bladder infection may provide a sign. Pregnancy, sexual intercourse, using a diaphragm, and diabetes all increase the likelihood of having a bladder infection. Physical abnormalities, obstructions of the urinary tract, and/or a narrowed urinary tract (from previous infections), further increase the chances of infection.
What to Expect: Intense burning sensations will continue for the duration of infection. The feeling is often quite aggravating and can make sleep difficult. There is a constant urge to urinate. Passing urine is often painful and though the bladder may be empty, the urge to urinate persists. It is important to deal with an infection as soon as possible. Prolonged bladder infections can lead to kidney infection.
Remedies
Foods Drink half a litre of cool or room temperature water at the first sign of infection. Drink a full glass of water regularly to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. For more information, see Lifestyle, below. Cranberry juice is highly effective when dealing with a urinary tract infection. The juice contains an enzyme that prevents E. coli bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract and reduces urine bacterial concentration. The juice also produces hippuric acid in the urine, increasing acidification and inhibiting bacterial growth. Use concentrated unsweetened cranberry juice at approximately half the recommended dilution. Drink one full glass three times daily for one week. Many women also drink cranberry juice on a regular basis as a preventative measure against infection. Avoid sweetened cranberry juice as the sugar provides a food source for the bacteria.
Food Supplements Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulationwith at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily before meals, preferably in the morning. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added.
Herbs Garlic has potent antibacterial properties, among its many beneficial properties. Take two to four cloves daily. If supplementing, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily with food. Goldenseal has strong antibacterial properties. NOTE: This delicate, wild herb is becoming increasingly rare as its popularity grows. Use only after you have exhausted other possible courses of antibacterial treatment. To prepare a tea, use 1/2 to 1 tsp. powdered root per cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. Add honey or lemon to reduce the bitter flavour. If using a tincture, take 10 to 40 drops two times daily. If using capsules, take 250 to 500mg of powdered extract. Do not take for more than one week at a time and avoid completely if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Yarrow has diuretic and anti-microbial properties. To prepare a tea, use 1 tblsp. Yarrow in one cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Cantharis: Feel an intense, constant need to urinate, urine flows in drops, and you experience a scalding pain during and after urination. Pulsatilla: Experiencing e a burning sensation before and after urination, symptoms become worse when lying down, and improve in the open air. You may also have a dry mouth but no desire to quench your thirst. Staphysagria: Develop infection after sexual intercourse and also have a constant burning sensation in the urethra.
Lifestyle Drink plenty of liquids and aim for at least eight glasses of water daily. This increases urine production, which helps flush bacteria from the bladder and toxins and liquid wastes from the body. Not only will you help treat an infection, you will also make additional water available for use by your body. If you are not accustomed to drinking this much, increase slowly. Start with an extra glass of water for a couple of days, then increase the amount until you reach 8 or more. As a preventative, do not ignore your body's signal to urinate and go to the bathroom every time you feel the need. This helps eliminate the most common cause of infection. For women, wipe from front to back after urination to help stop the spread of bacteria. Using condoms during sexual intercourse will help prevent the passing of bacteria from partner to partner. This is especially important if you are a man having anal intercourse. Urinate before and after intercourse to eliminate any bacteria from the urethra. For women, rinse the genital area from to back with cool water after intercourse. Water helps flush bacteria and also soothes and cools the genital area. Avoid citrus fruits as the promote alkaline urine -- an ideal bacterium environment. Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, all of which cause bladder irritation.
Vitamins Vitamin C increase urine acidity levels and has natural antibacterial properties at high doses. Increasing urine acidity reduces bacterial growth as bacterium thrive in alkaline (non-acidic) environments. Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily. Start with the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance. If you experience additional burning, reduce the dosage or use a buffered from of Vitamin C.
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