At some point in life, most women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI), commonly referred to as a bladder infection or cystitis. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, but natural treatments are almost always preferable to drug therapy. Antibiotics wipe out all bacteria in the body, including the friendly flora in the intestinal and genitourinary tracts that protect us against disease. It’s a well-known fact that antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI) sets a woman up for a rebound vaginal yeast infection. The link between UTI‘s and yeast infections is so well-established that many doctors prescribe antibiotics and an antifungal cream simultaneously! Instead of relying on antibiotics, you can strengthen the bladder against invading bacteria, and learn to recognize the symptoms of an impending infection so that you can take immediate action with herbal and other natural remedies.
UTI Symptoms
Frequent need to urinate; Urgent need to urinate; Painful or burning urination; Blood in urine; Fever
Feeling the need to urinate frequently and urgently, painful or burning urination, and pelvic pain are common symptoms of a bladder infection. You may also have a fever, or blood in your urine. These symptoms, especially if accompanied by chills, nausea, and pain in the mid-low back may signal a more dangerous kidney infection. With any type of urinary tract infections (UTI), it’s important to see your health care practitioner for a bacterial culture and an acurate diagnosis. Kidney infections must be treated with antibiotics to prevent possible permanent and life-threatening kidney damage. A simple bladder infection can usually be successfully treated with herbs and other natural remedies, but you should schedule a return visit with your health practitioner for a follow-up bacterial culture about 10 days after starting treatment to make certain that the bacteria have been eradicated. In some cases, infection can continue without symptoms and cause serious damage, so it’s better to err on the side of safety.
With these cautions in mind, know that most urinary tract infections (UTI) can be treated without antibiotics. Learning to recognize the early warning signals of a bladder infection and taking immediate action will enable you to take a natural approach to nipping urinary tract infections (UTI) in the bud.
Most urinary tract infections (UTI) are caused by the bacterium E. coli, a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract. These bacteria are eliminated from the body in bowel movements and are found around the anus. It’s a short trip from the anus to the urethra, the urinary opening through which urine is passed from the body. If these bacteria migrate up the urethra and into the bladder, they can cause an infection.
The body has several natural modes of defense against bacterial invasion. Urine has a natural pH level that discourages bacterial growth, and normal urination washes away bacteria that try to ascend through the urethra. The interior of the bladder itself has natural antimicrobial properties, and if bacteria do begin to multiply, the immune system begins cranking out increased numbers of infection-fighting white blood cells. You can support your body’s natural defenses by drinking plenty of fluids to increase urine flow, and by using herbs and other natural remedies that bolster immune response and prevent the bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder.
