Natural cure for urinary tract infection

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) -- commonly known as a bladder infection, kidney infection, or cystitis -- is caused by bacteria that attach to the inside lining of the urinary system or tract.

In over 90% of all urinary tract infections, the culprit is the bacterium E. Coli, used by the body in the digestive system. When invaded by the offensive E. Coli bacteria, the tissues in the urinary system react similarly to how your sinuses react when you have a cold or allergies; they become swollen, inflamed and irritated. This irritation leads to a reduced urine flow, which causes discomfort and pain.

What is the urinary tract? When we speak of the "urinary tract" we are referring to the following:

• Kidneys - they take liquid waste from the blood and form urine
• Ureter - a tube or tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
• Bladder - the vessel that stores the urine until it can be passed from the body
• Urethra - the tube that carries the urine from the bladder out of the body

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection? The symptoms of a UTI are many, but some of the most common include:

1. A frequent urge to urinate.
2. A reduced or restricted urine flow.
3. Pain or a "burning sensation" in the bladder area.
4. Discomfort or pressure above the pubic bone.
5. Cloudy, milky, or reddish urine.

If you have these symptoms in conjunction with a fever, the infection may have spread to your kidneys.

What are the treatment options for a urinary tract infection? The treatment options fall into two separate categories basically defined as "antibiotic" and "naturopathic".

The antibiotic options include a myriad of prescription antibiotics that require a visit to the doctor's office. While antibiotics are typically effective in treating the UTI, many times they are not. And, unfortunately, the antibiotic option can cause side effects as detrimental as the UTI itself.

Because the antibiotics are not discriminating, they kill any and all bacteria despite their purpose. The human body utilizes over 1,000 species of "good bacteria" -- each with their own particular "job" to do. Killing the "good bacteria" can cause a variety of unwanted and unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea and yeast infections.

The naturopathic options include two principal options, cranberry and a simple sugar known as d-mannose (http://www.d-mannose-utislip.com/).

The cranberry, or cranberry extract option, has been a staple of folk medicine for hundreds of years. Previously thought to inhibit the proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract by affecting the pH of the urine, it is now known that cranberry instead interferes with the ability of the bacteria to adhere to the walls of the urinary tract. By doing so, the bacteria are literally flushed out of the system. Recently, however, scientists have discovered a naturopathic alternative to cranberry that is between ten and fifty times more effective. The more effective cranberry alternative is a simple sugar known as d-mannose.

D-mannose is a carbohydrate very similar in structure to glucose, yet it is not readily metabolized by our bodies like glucose. It is this fact that makes d-mannose such a fast-acting treatment.

When even a small amount of d-mannose is consumed, nearly all of it is removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys and deposited into the urine. Once in the urine it travels through the urinary tract until it meets up with E. Coli bacteria. Interestingly, the d-mannose is chemically attracted to the lectins that the bacteria uses to attach itself to the walls of the urinary tract.

Think of the lectins as the suction cups on the tentacles of an octopus. The octopus grabs onto an object with its tentacles, but holds on tightly by contracting the suction cups. Anything that interferes with the ability of the suction cups to grip a surface will greatly reduce the ability of the octopus to "hang on." In a similar way, the d-mannose occupies the lectins so that they are unable to hold on to the wall of the urinary tract and the bacteria are flushed right out of the body during urination. The bacteria are unable to colonize inside the body. No bacteria, no infection.

The treatment is safe, fast, effective and affordable. Best of all is the fact that there are no observed negative side effects when using d-mannose. D-mannose can be taken by the elderly as well as by children, as both age groups are susceptible to frequent urinary tract infections.

How can urinary tract infections be prevented? There are many simple things that can be done to prevent UTI. Wiping from front to back after a bowel movement can prevent bacterial contamination of the vagina for women. Using a bidet instead of toilet paper is also very effective. Showering before and after intercourse is very helpful, as well as urinating after intercourse. Drink plenty of water each day so that your body is able to produce plenty of urine. Urinate when you feel the urge to do so and attempt to empty the bladder completely. Finally, for those who experience frequent UTI, it is advisable to take a maintenance dosage of d-mannose in order to prevent UTI from occurring

Cranberry Women’s Formula For Improved Health

By Dr. W. Gifford Jones

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

“How can I rid myself of recurrent urinary infections?” a distraught patient asked me. Several courses of antibiotics had failed to end her discomfort. Now, with Cranberry Women’s Formula, there’s a natural treatment that helps to prevent frequent bladder infections, improve general health and, in the bargain, fights obesity.

Every year an estimated 30 to 50 million North American women suffer from cystitis. And they’re tired of hearing, “We know where you’re going!”

Few women ever forget the first attack of cystitis, the severe pain of urination, increased frequency and fear of seeing blood in the urine.

Antibiotics will often cure the initial attack. But overuse has made many antibiotics ineffective. Moreover, they are often associated with troublesome side effects.

Women should have listened to their mothers about the benefits of cranberries. But for years this advice was considered an “old wives tale”. This was their first mistake.

In 1991 researchers made a startling discovery about cranberry juice and E.Coli, the main bacterium causing cystitis. E. Coli has hair-like protrusions that enable it to stick to the bladder wall, allowing it to multiply. But cranberries contain an anti-sticking factor that prevents this from happening. So cranberries help to flush bacteria out of the bladder before they cause symptoms.

The longer I practice medicine the more I’m convinced that natural remedies beat man-made medicine in many medical dilemmas. For instance, Cranberry Women’s Formula prevents urinary infections while also helping to reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

What’s the secret of this product? Cranberries contain a number of potent nutrients vital to good health. Most people never think of cranberries as a source of complete protein. But two capsules of Cranberry Women’s Formula contain all the essential amino acids.

A clinical study also showed that cranberry seed extract contains powerful antioxidants. Ones that are almost twice as powerful as vitamin C, 4 times more potent than beta-carotene and 8 times as much as vitamin E. Antioxidants help to decrease the effects of aging and the risk of degenerative conditions such as cataracts.

Plant sterols are also present. These ingredients have been shown to have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels in the blood, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Today we’re advised to consume more fish and flax oils to prevent heart disease. But the Omega oils in Cranberry Women’s Formula are more stable due to the way the seeds are processed. They have the perfect balance of the Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids which help to decrease the risk of developing arthritis.

But why not just drink cranberry juice? The juice is loaded with calories, the last thing most people need today. Besides, when juice is processed some of the healthier parts of the cranberry, the pomace and seeds are discarded. This is a dietary minus as most of the nutritional value of cranberries is lost.

So why not just eat cranberries? Eating them is better than not consuming any cranberries. But unfortunately our digestive system is unable to digest the seed that contains most of the nutrients. Seeds pass through our bowel very easily.

It’s also well to remember it’s not just what you ingest, but how much your body actually uses. The nutrients in cranberries are heat sensitive. So Cranberry Women’s Formula capsules are processed by a cold press method which preserves all the nutrients. And it takes thousands of pounds of seeds to produce the capsules.

Taking two capsules of Cranberry Women’s Formula is the same as drinking more than four glasses of cranberry juice, but with all the other benefits.

This natural remedy can combat recurrent urinary infections in women of all ages. Menopausal women, however, are more prone to urinary infections as a lack of estrogen causes thinning of bladder lining. Today with more women refusing estrogen treatment one can predict an increase in the expression, “We know where you’re going!”.

To obtain more information or to purchase, see the web site www.fruitessentials.com. Cranberry Women’s Formula can also be obtained by calling the toll-free number 1-877-328-3784

Safe Natural Cures for Urinary Tract Infections

With commonly prescribed antibiotics becoming useless in fighting bladder infection, natural cures for bladder infections are a likely solution to a growing problem.

Historically, treating a bladder infection was done with several doses of antibiotics, easily eliminating the bacteria taking up residence in your bladder. However, due to the widespread use of antibiotics as a treatment for improper illnesses and the unknowing consumption of thousands of pounds of meats injected full of antibiotics, human pathogenic bacteria are developing a very real resistance to the most widely used antibiotics.

Conventional bladder infection cures are becoming much more difficult to manufacture in the lab, leading people to seek out more natural cures for bladder infections. Fortunately, there are seven potent herbs that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of recurring UTI.

They are:

Agothosma betulina, commonly known as the buchu shrub, is mostly regarded for its healing effects on the urinary tract. It has some antiseptic properties, and when combined with its diuretic capability, it can kill and wash away any bacteria inhabiting your urinary tract, making it one of the most used natural cures for bladder infections. Buchu has also been shown to alleviate the symptoms of mild urinary tract infections and even help with irritable bladder syndrome.

Taking uva ursi is another great method for treating a bladder infection. This supplement has been commonly used for years to treat glandular and urinary infections, and is highly effective in curing bladder infections as well. The antiseptic properties of the plant also ease swelling in the bladder to not only kill bacteria present, but also alleviate most of the discomfort associated with a bladder infection. Uva ursi is one of the great natural cures for bladder infection, but should not be taken for a lengthy amount of time, as toxic side effects may occur.

Lemon balm, while generally used as a mild sedative, also has some antibacterial properties which could prove to make it one of the most effective natural cures for bladder infections. There are absolutely no side effects associated with using lemon balm, so it can be used as long as you wish.

Throughout countless years of use in Europe, St. John's Wort has proven itself to be a great natural method for treating a bladder infection, among other things. It has rather powerful antibiotic compounds, which can be used either internally or topically, depending on the situation. When looking for natural cures for bladder infections, St. John's Wort should top your list, as its potent antibiotic compounds will cure your infection without any major side effects.

So far, four of the popular herbs for UTI have been mentioned. There are three other powerful herbs that help restore urinary tract health, help your body fight infections and prevent recurring bouts of cystitis. Visit the following page to find out more about these: natural cures for bladder infections

Treating Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Without the Use of Antibiotics

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) -- commonly known as a bladder infection, kidney infection, or cystitis -- is caused by bacteria that attach to the inside lining of the urinary system or tract.

In over 90% of all urinary tract infections, the culprit is the bacterium E. Coli, used by the body in the digestive system. When invaded by the offensive E. Coli bacteria, the tissues in the urinary system react similarly to how your sinuses react when you have a cold or allergies; they become swollen, inflamed and irritated. This irritation leads to a reduced urine flow, which causes discomfort and pain.

What is the urinary tract? When we speak of the "urinary tract" we are referring to the following:

* Kidneys - they take liquid waste from the blood and form urine
* Ureter - a tube or tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
* Bladder - the vessel that stores the urine until it can be passed from the body
* Urethra - the tube that carries the urine from the bladder out of the body

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection? The symptoms of a UTI are many, but some of the most common include:

1. A frequent urge to urinate.
2. A reduced or restricted urine flow.
3. Pain or a "burning sensation" in the bladder area.
4. Discomfort or pressure above the pubic bone.
5. Cloudy, milky, or reddish urine.

If you have these symptoms in conjunction with a fever, the infection may have spread to your kidneys.

What are the treatment options for a urinary tract infection? The treatment options fall into two separate categories basically defined as "antibiotic" and "naturopathic".

The antibiotic options include a myriad of prescription antibiotics that require a visit to the doctor's office. While antibiotics are typically effective in treating the UTI, many times they are not. And, unfortunately, the antibiotic option can cause side effects as detrimental as the UTI itself.

Because the antibiotics are not discriminating, they kill any and all bacteria despite their purpose. The human body utilizes over 1,000 species of "good bacteria" -- each with their own particular "job" to do. Killing the "good bacteria" can cause a variety of unwanted and unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea and yeast infections.

The naturopathic options include two principal options, cranberry and a simple sugar known as d-mannose (http://www.d-mannose-utislip.com/).

The cranberry, or cranberry extract option, has been a staple of folk medicine for hundreds of years. Previously thought to inhibit the proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract by affecting the pH of the urine, it is now known that cranberry instead interferes with the ability of the bacteria to adhere to the walls of the urinary tract. By doing so, the bacteria are literally flushed out of the system. Recently, however, scientists have discovered a naturopathic alternative to cranberry that is between ten and fifty times more effective. The more effective cranberry alternative is a simple sugar known as d-mannose.

D-mannose is a carbohydrate very similar in structure to glucose, yet it is not readily metabolized by our bodies like glucose. It is this fact that makes d-mannose such a fast-acting treatment.

When even a small amount of d-mannose is consumed, nearly all of it is removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys and deposited into the urine. Once in the urine it travels through the urinary tract until it meets up with E. Coli bacteria. Interestingly, the d-mannose is chemically attracted to the lectins that the bacteria uses to attach itself to the walls of the urinary tract.

Think of the lectins as the suction cups on the tentacles of an octopus. The octopus grabs onto an object with its tentacles, but holds on tightly by contracting the suction cups. Anything that interferes with the ability of the suction cups to grip a surface will greatly reduce the ability of the octopus to "hang on." In a similar way, the d-mannose occupies the lectins so that they are unable to hold on to the wall of the urinary tract and the bacteria are flushed right out of the body during urination. The bacteria are unable to colonize inside the body. No bacteria, no infection.

The treatment is safe, fast, effective and affordable. Best of all is the fact that there are no observed negative side effects when using d-mannose. D-mannose can be taken by the elderly as well as by children, as both age groups are susceptible to frequent urinary tract infections.

How can urinary tract infections be prevented? There are many simple things that can be done to prevent UTI. Wiping from front to back after a bowel movement can prevent bacterial contamination of the vagina for women. Using a bidet instead of toilet paper is also very effective. Showering before and after intercourse is very helpful, as well as urinating after intercourse. Drink plenty of water each day so that your body is able to produce plenty of urine. Urinate when you feel the urge to do so and attempt to empty the bladder completely. Finally, for those who experience frequent UTI, it is advisable to take a maintenance dosage of d-mannose in order to prevent UTI from occurring.

Copyright © 2005 Michael Callen All Rights Reserved

Michael Callen is the author of the Weekly Weightloss Tips Newsletter ( http://www.weeklyweightlosstips.com  ) and the Chief Technology Officer for http://www.WellnessPartners.com