Natural Remedies for
Urinary Tract Infections 

 Natural remedies for urinary tract infections can prove very effective in treating this condition and its symptoms.

Urinary Tract Infections are typically characterized by an urgent desire to empty the bladder, burning upon urination, or even the presence of blood in the urine.

There may be a desire to urinate again.

The urine often has a strong, unpleasant odor and may be cloudy.

There may also be blood in the urine.

Risk Factors

Many factors can increase the chances of developing a UTI (urinary tract infection), including pregnancy, sexual intercourse, use of a diaphragm, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

The risk of cystitis (bladder infection) is also increased if there is any kind of obstruction of the urinary tract resulting in restriction of the flow of urine, or if a history of past infections has caused a narrowing of the urethra.

UTI Self Test

There are several FDA approved home testing kits available through your local drugstore to help in determining if you have a urinary tract infection.

Bayer Multistix 7 or Multistix SG10 and Roche Chemstrip 2LN or Chemstrip 6,7,8,9 or 10SG are a couple.

Natural Remedies for
Urinary Tract Infection

Very Important Nutrients

• Colloidal Silver. Take as directed on label. A natural antibiotic which destroys bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as promoting healing.
• Garlic. Take 2 capsules 3 times daily. A natural antibiotic and immune enhancer.
• Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids. Take 4,000 - 5,000mg daily divided into several doses. Creates antibacterial affect by causing acidification of the urine.
  

Important Nutrients

• Acidophilus. Take as directed on label on an empty stomach. Can also use 1 tablespoon in 1 quart of warm water as a douche. Needed to replenish "friendly" bacteria, especially if taking antibiotics.
• Calcium. Take 1500mg daily to reduce bladder irritibility.
• Magnesium. Take 750-1,000mg daily. Aids in the stress response and works best when balanced with calcium. Use magnesium chelate form.
  

Herbs

• Cranberry. One of the best natural remedies for urinary tract infections. Quality cranberry juice acidifies the urine preventing bacterial growth. Also prevents bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder. Drink 1 quart daily. If pure cranberry juice is not available, cranberry capsules can be used. Always take these with a large glass of water. Avoid cranberry juice cocktail products, as they contain very little cranberry juice and large amounts of sweeteners.
• Birch leaves. A natural diuretic and they relieve some of the pain associated with bladder infections.
• Hydrangea. Good for stimulating the kidneys and flushing them.
• Fresh Blueberries. These are a very good antioxidant, and can be as useful as cranberries in preventing Urinary tract infections.
• Kidney Bladder formula from Nature's Way is an herbal formula which is a natural diuretic and reduces bladder spasms. Take 2 capsules twice daily.
• Marshmallow Root. Increases the acidity of urine inhibiting bacterial growth. Drink 1 quart of marshmallow root tea daily to help strengthen and cleanse the bladder.
  

Other Recommendations and Information

Drink plenty of liquids, especially cranberry juice. Drink 1 8-ounce glass of water every hour.

Include celery, parsley and watermelon in your diet. They are natural diuretics and cleansers.

Avoid citrus fruits. They produce alkaline urine which encourages bacterial growth.

Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, coffee, chocolate and simple sugars. Caffeine causes the muscles around the bladder to contract, causing painful bladder spasms.

Take a twenty minute hot bath twice daily, as this will help alleviate the pain associated with cystitis.

Avoid taking extra zinc and iron supplements until infection is gone.

Do not delay emptying your bladder. Keeping urine in the bladder for long periods of time on a regular basis greatly increases a woman's risk of urinary tract infections, and may increase the risk of bladder cancer.

If there is blood in the urine consult with your health care provider.

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.

Sources

Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006

Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995

Encyclopedia.com

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