A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract. The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection which is also often called cystitis. Infection of the urinary tract can be very painful and uncomfortable but can be treated quickly and easily.
Here are some common bladder infection symptoms;
1. Frequent need to urinate
2. Small quantities of urine each time
3. Burning or painful urination
4. Urine may be discolored, look red (may have blood)or cloudy/milky and may smell bad
5. Mild fever
So what causes bladder infections or urinary tract infections?
The majority of the time bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli, or E. coli as it’s more commonly known. When this bacteria gets into the urethra it travels up the tract and causes infection. Your urinary system contains the bladder, kidneys, the urethra (carries the urine out of the body) and the ureters (carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder).
Sexual intercourse is another way that bladder infections can happen. Basically bacteria in your vaginal area can be pushed into the urethra leading to a bladder infections.
Most physicians will automatically prescribe antibiotics but these have other negative side effects so we will look at natural remedies, instead of bladder infection antibiotic treatment, to see if we can knock this infection out the side effect free way.
Did you know that both cats and dogs can also get bladder infections? Be sure to look at Home Remedies for Cats & Dogs for information on dealing with health issues for your pets.
So what are some natural remedies for uti bladder infections and tips for preventing them;
1. Cranberry juice – This is probably one of the better known bladder infection home remedies. Be sure that the cranberry juice is 100% pure juice and not loaded up with sugar. You can also get cranberry extract in tablet form as this is also effective.
2. Cantharis – this is a homeopathic remedy for bladder infections and helps with the sharp burning pains and frequent urges to urinate.
3. Water – water helps the body to flush out toxins so drink as much water as you can handle.
4. Urinate after Sexual Intercourse – you should urinate as soon after sexual intercourse as possible. Definitely within 10 minutes as this will help to push any bacteria that has ascended the urethra back out of the body.
5. Probiotics – these help to balance the good and bad bacteria in your system.
6. For Females Especially – After a bowel movement be sure to wipe front to back or sideways rather than back to front which can push bacteria towards your urethra and can cause infections.
7. Urinate frequently – this applies to men, women and children. Go to the bathroom frequently and do not ever hold in your urine for long periods of time.
8.Keep genital area clean and dry – bacteria loves a moist environment so men, women and children can help to prevent bladder infections by maintaining a dry and clean genital area.
9. Cotton underwear – allow your genital area to “breathe” so avoid nylon or other synthetic materials.
10. Wet Bathing Suits – do not stay too long in your wet bathing suit.
11. D-Mannose – You can get this in capsule or powder form.
12. Vitamin C – makes your urine acidic which helps to reduce the number of potentially harmful bacteria in your urinary tract system.
So there you have some good information on bladder infections causes, symptoms and possible natural treatments. Look below for additional resources.
Be sure to post a comment about what worked for you or if you know of any other natural remedies not listed here please feel free to share them here with others who are part of our community. Thanks for sharing.
Take the time to find the help and the natural treatment you need, and you’ll be able to get on with your life and enjoy it to the fullest. You deserve to be happy and healthy and pain-free.
To Your Optimal Health,
Chris