.... General Health The Low-down on Bladder Infections by LeeAnn Rahn Bladder Infections also known as Urinary Tract Infections can be extremely irritating at the very least.  At worst, they can lead to a kidney infection or may even be a newly recognized condition called interstitial cystitis (IC).  For now we are going to look at what causes bladder infections, some common ways to treat a minor bladder infection, and what we can do to prevent them in the first place. Bladder infections are much more common in women than men.  In fact, it is a fairly  rare occurrence in men.  So why are they more common in women and exactly causes them?  E.coli bacteria is the cause.  E.coli is a naturally occurring bacteria that resides in the vagina of all women.  If it makes its way to the urethra, the tube which urine flows through, an infection may occur.  Once in the bladder, the bacteria infected urine irritates and inflames the wall of the bladder.  This is what causes the burning sensation.    Common symptoms of a bladder infection / urinary tract infection: burning sensation, generally felt during urination need to frequently urinate, even though your bladder contains very little urine feelings of fullness, even in an empty bladder cloudy urine What can you do on your own to flush out the infection before it really takes hold? Echinacea Many in the US and Europe have had good success with echinacea as treatment for a minor bladder infection.  You may want to couple echinacea with another treatment as it may not be able to complete the job in all cases.  Suggested dosage is 20 to 30 drops, 4 times per day at onset of symptoms. Cranberry Juice Yes, cranberry juice is probably the most commonly known treatment for a bladder infection.  For those who endure multiple bladder infections every year it is also a good preventative measure.  Cranberry juice as a treatment is controversial.  Some believe in its abilities with no doubts, others believe it may just be the increase in fluids and has nothing to do with the cranberries.  Either way, cranberries contain quinolic acid which is turned into hippuric acid in the liver plus it contains Vitamin C. [1]   Both have been shown to impact an infection.  In addition, cranberry juice creates a slippery environment and makes it difficult for bacteria to attach to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract.  Suggested dosage: 2 to 3 glasses per day.  Vitamin C Being a water soluble vitamin, any Vitamin C not absorbed by the body is excreted in the urine.  The excess Vitamin C in the urine acidifies it and interferes with bacterial growth.  In addition, Vitamin C has anti microbial and anti-inflammatory properties both of which are beneficial for a bladder infection.  Suggested dosage: some recommend no more than 1000 mg others say between 2000 mg and 3000 mg.  Cautions:  Too much Vitamin C can cause loose stools also, alert your doctor if you are taking Vitamin C as certain antibiotics do not work well in an acidic urine environment. Saw Palmetto Though Saw Palmetto berries have generally been used by men for prostate problems it is also an effective antiseptic for the urinary tract.  Suggested dosage: 20 to 40 drops in water, 3 times daily. Try some Tea Bearberry has antiseptic properties. Parsley has diuretic properties to help flush out the bladder. Corn silk also has diuretic properties. You can also try the juice of 1/2 of a medium lemon in a cup of warm water. Drink all of the above multiple times per day at the onset of symptoms. Increase Fluids and Go to the Bathroom Every Time you Feel the Need to Unfortunately, some avoid fluids and using the bathroom due to the pain associated.  If this is you, it is the biggest mistake you can make.  E.coli bacteria double its population about every 20 minutes according to Dr. Staskin.[1]  More bacteria present in the urine equates to more irritation, inflammation, and PAIN.  Always go to the bathroom when you feel the urge even if you only void a few drops.  Drink enough fluids until your urine is clear.  If you catch the bacteria soon enough you may be able to flush them out before they really take hold. You may be able to temporarily relieve some of the symptoms with a hot bath or an anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen.  Remember these only temporarily relieve some of  the symptoms though.  What can you do to prevent a bladder or urinary tract infection? Wipe from front to back to keep bacterial away from the urinary tract and to prevent a recurrent infection. Use the bathroom before and especially after intercourse - every 2 to 3 hours is best.  Bacteria may be pushed into the bladder during intercourse.  Using the bathroom afterwards helps flush out any bacteria that may have found its way in. Avoid using a diaphragm as they tend to be a breeding ground for bacteria. Use pads instead of tampons. Practice good hygiene.  Avoid anti-bacterial soap.  Anti-bacterial soaps kill the good bacteria as well as the bad bacterial.  This leaves the doors wide open for the bad bacteria to get a foothold and take over.  Last but not least, if you notice blood in your urine, have pain in your lower back, or have a fever, nausea, or vomiting, please contact a health care professional.  The previous symptoms could be an indicator of a more serious condition such as a kidney infection or kidney stones.  Also, if your symptoms do not subside within 3 days, see a health care professional.  Some bladder infections will require antibiotics.  If antibiotics are prescribed, it is a good idea to take acidophilus as well, to replace the natural flora (good bacteria) destroyed by the antibiotic. References: 1. Natural Medicines and Cures, Frank W. Cawood and Associates, Inc, 103 Clover Green, Peachtree City, Georgia, 1995 Back to Contents

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