The Lowdown On Natural Treatments
D-mannose
D-mannose is a supplement made from a glucose-like sugar that you can find online or in health food stores. D-mannose is most helpful at preventing E. coli from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, says Rice. D-mannose in recurrent urinary tract infections. . If taken with a lot of water, this can effectively flush out the bacteria that is causing the infection.
Rice often tells patients to take 500 milligrams every two to three hours when experiencing symptoms however, the best dose is individual. You can find more guidelines here, and when in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturers guidelines. Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to help the D-mannose remove the bacteria. Again, if the symptoms persist more than 24 hours or get worse, get yourself to the doctor.
D-mannose isnt recommended for those with diabetes, and if youre taking other medications, you need to talk to a doctor before starting this treatment. Diarrhea is a common side effect.
Althaea officinalis, otherwise known as Marshmallow, is an anti-inflammatory herb widely available in powdered, supplement, and tea form. Althaea officinalis is a demulcent herb that can soothe and coat the lining of the urinary tract to help decrease inflammation, says Rice. Make a strong tea and sip throughout the day.
Uva-ursi
Just add water
Overactive Bladder In Children: Causes Diagnosis And Treatment
Overactive bladder
Overactive bladder , a specific type of urinary incontinence, is a common childhood condition defined by a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate. It can lead to accidents during the day. A parent may also ask a child if they need to go to the bathroom. Even though the child says no, theyll have an urgent need to go minutes later. OAB is not the same as bed-wetting, or nocturnal enuresis. Bed-wetting is more common, particularly in young children.
Symptoms of OAB can interfere with a childs day-to-day routines. Its important to react to daytime accidents with patience and understanding. These incidences can often impact a childs social and emotional development. Other physical complications of an OAB in children are:
- difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- an increased risk for kidney damage
- an increased risk for urinary tract infections
Talk to your doctor if you suspect your child has an OAB. In most cases, an OAB goes away with time. If not, there are treatments and at-home measures available to help your child overcome or manage this condition.
What If I Have Frequent Recurring Utis
Within a year of havig a UTI infection, roughy one-quarter to one-half of women will have another UTI. For these women antibiotic prophylaxis may be recommended by her health care provider. With a recurrent course of UTIs, a urine culture or imaging tests may be required for further analysis.
For recurrent UTIs, there are several antibiotic options for prevention:
- A shorter course of antibiotics at the first sign of UTI symptoms a prescription may be given to you to keep at home.
- A longer course of low-dose antibiotic therapy.
- Take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual intercourse.
The choice of antibiotic is based on previous UTIs, effectiveness, and patient-specific factors such as allergies and cost. Antibiotics commonly used for recurrent UTIs can include sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, cefaclor, or cephalexin.
In postmenopausal women with vaginal dryness that may be leading to recurrent UTIs, vaginal estrogen may be an effective treatment. Treatment options your doctor might recommend include: Estring, Vagifem , or vaginal estrogen creams .
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Why Do I Keep Getting Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs can be extremely frustrating when they keep coming back. Most of the time, the recurrent infection is caused by the same pathogen as the initial infection. And about 80% of UTIs are reoccurring.
This could be due to the antibiotic resistance of the bacteria. Since we take so many antibiotics, they are becoming less and less effective against many strains of E. coli. It can also be simply physiology certain women are just more prone to urinary tract infections.
One of the keys is to make sure that you start treating a UTI as soon as you feel even very mild symptoms pop up. The longer the bacteria have a chance to multiply, the harder the infection is to get rid of.
Practicing the natural and preventive measures I’ve laid out here is a great idea take a daily probiotic, vitamin C, and drink plenty of watereven if you don’t have symptoms right now. These good habits can go a long way towards keeping a UTI from cropping back up.
What Causes Oab In Children
There are several possible causes of OAB. Some causes vary based on a childs age. For example, in children 4 to 5 years old, the cause may be:
- change in routine, such as moving to a new city or having a new brother or sister in the house
- forgetting to use the toilet because they are engaging in other activities
Other causes in children of all ages can include:
- nerve damage or malfunction that causes a child to have difficulty recognizing a full bladder
- refraining from completely emptying the bladder when on the toilet
- underlying sleep apnea
In some children, it may be a delay in maturation and will eventually go away with age. But because bladder contractions are controlled by nerves, its possible that OAB may be caused by a neurological disorder.
A child may also learn to deliberately hold their urine, which can affect their ability to fully empty their bladder. The long-term effects of this habit can be urinary tract infections, increased urinary frequency, and kidney damage. See a doctor if youre concerned that your childs OAB hasnt gone away on its own.
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The Urinary System And Infections
The urinary system is the bodys drainage system for eliminating waste and excess water. Urinary tract infections can occur anywhere in the urinary system: kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection in the body.
Although women are more likely to get a urinary tract infection than men, doctors tell us that everyone, at some point in their lives, can experience this common problem.
Infections occur in the lower urinary tract and can be painful and uncomfortable. However, more severe and painful conditions appear in the upper urinary tract .
The constant sensation of having to urinate and discomfort when urinating and going to the bathroom frequently to urinate in small amounts are some of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infections.
If you experience these discomforts, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation. If we are diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, we should follow his or her instructions and take the antibiotic medication prescribed.
Additionally, we should eat a balanced diet and pay attention to our daily hydration, as these will play a key role in our recovery.
What Causes Such Infections
Per medicalnewstoday.com, urinary tract infections are one of the most common types of bacterial infections in America. They are most pervasive among women, more than half of whom will experience such an infection sometime in their lifetime. Such infections also have a tendency to return in women who have already had to deal with one.
The two most common symptoms of bladder infections are difficulty encountered when trying to urinate and the presence of pain. The primary cause of a UTI is the overgrowth of bacteria in the bladder or urethra, per , in which the bacteria enters the urinary tract from outside the body, per medicalnewstoday.com. If such a condition persists for a long time without being successfully treated, it can turn into a more serious kidney infection that can affect your overall health and is hard to recover from.
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Can Menopause Cause Frequent Urination Without Infection
During menopause, many people find that they need to urinate more often. Up to 77% of people wake up one or more times a night to urinate during menopause, according to an article in The Journal of the North American Menopause Society.
The article also suggests that lower estrogen levels may inhibit antidiuretic hormone, which helps regulate the amount of water in the body.
Natural Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections Utis
Urinary tract infections can be as annoying as they are painful. For years they have been commonly treated with antibiotics, although we have arrived in an era in which medical experts are shying away from using antibiotics. Thats because of the growing propensity of super bugs that continue to grow more resistant to such drugs. These are rendering antibiotics less effective in fighting bacterial-based health conditions such as UTIs, also referred to as bladder infections.
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What The Wild Oregano Oil Research Tells Us
Although wild oregano oil has demonstrated strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, there have been no studies in humans to evaluate its effectiveness for the treatment or prevention of UTI.
Wild Oregano Oil studies:
- The antibacterial activity of wild oregano oil.
- The activity of carvacrol against biofilm development.
- The antimicrobial and antifungal activity of carvacrol bearing essential oils.
- Wild oregano oil as an alternative antimicrobial agent against vaginal infections.
- The antifungal activity of wild oregano oil as compared to the most common antifungal drugs.
What was found:
In vitro
- Oregano oil was active against all tested strains of E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but strains of E.coli were more sensitive to the oil.
- Carvacrol was demonstrated to be effective against the usual biofilm development in S. aureus and S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, S. epidermis bacteria and candida species
- Escherichia coli 1, E. coli 2, Staphylococcus aureus 3 and Candida albicans isolated from vaginal infections were found to be susceptible to wild oregano oil.
- Wild oregano oil displayed greater antifungal activity than the most common antifungal drugs against Candida albicans.
In vivo
- When placed in the ear canal of rats, Carvacrol effectively treated infections of the middle ear caused by pneumococci or Hemophilus Influenza.
- Oral candidiasis in immunosuppressed rats disappeared completely from the tongue mucosa in the animals treated with carvacrol.
What Is Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
L. rhamnosus is a type of bacteria found in your intestines.
It belongs to the genus Lactobacillus, a type of bacteria that produce the enzyme lactase. This enzyme breaks down the sugar lactose which is found in dairy into lactic acid.
Bacteria from this genus, such as L. rhamnosus, are considered probiotic.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can offer health benefits when consumed .
Hundreds of studies support the benefits of L. rhamnosus.
Uniquely adapted to survive in acidic and basic conditions within your body, this bacterium can also adhere to and colonize your intestinal walls. Such characteristics give L. rhamnosus a better chance of survival so it may offer longer-term benefits (
However, many products that contain L. rhamnosus dont typically include it in the ingredients list.
Summary
L. rhamnosus is a member of the probiotic Lactobacillus genus of bacteria. It is adapted to survive in your gut, thus potentially offering longer-term benefits.
L. rhamnosus has numerous potential benefits and uses for your digestive system, as well as other areas of health.
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Natural Antibiotics For The Urinary Tract
Today I am going to look at different natural antibiotics for the urinary tract.
A lot of herbal antimicrobials have a much longer track record of safety compared to modern antibiotic drugs.
They often have less side effects and may exert additional beneficial effects on top of their antimicrobial action, such as reducing inflammation and hindering bacterial adhesion.
Unfortunately, there is not as much science to support plant medicine simply because research is expensive and there is not a lot of money to be made from natural compounds.
This does not necessarily mean that natural remedies are not evidence-based or less effective.
I have written about my issues with standard antibiotic protocols for UTIs before and with the rising problem of antibiotic resistance we should be looking at other alternatives and reserve antibiotic drugs for emergencies.
Now lets take a look at some natural antimicrobials that do have scientific data to support their efficacy:
Add Vitamin C To Your Diet
Not only does vitamin C help strengthen your immune system, but it may also acidify your urine, which limits the growth of some bacteria and may prevent urinary tract infections from occurring. Just be careful of eating too many acidic foods when you have a UTI, as they can potentially irritate your bladder, which may only make your UTI symptoms worse.
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Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Utis
Studies, such as one published in January 2018 in Scientific Reports, have shown that apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial and antifungal properties, but theres no scientific or medical evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar cures UTIs. Drinking large amounts of apple cider vinegar could lead to throat irritation and tooth decay.
Take An Otc Pain Reliever
Over-the-counter pain medications can temporarily relieve pain caused by a UTI. Use caution here, and always speak with a doctor first, as some UTIs can turn into kidney infections. In these cases, patients should avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which could make the infection worse.
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Will A Uti Go Away On Its Own
As with any infection, an otherwise healthy woman’s body is technically equipped to fight and resolve a UTI on its own. An estimated 25-42% of UTIs resolve without conventional treatment.
The problem arises when the infection becomes too rampant for the immune system to handle. If immunity is compromised in any way, or if the infection has been building for a while, then it’s time to bring in some extra help to fight those bad bacteria.
The trouble is, antibiotic-resistant UTIs are increasing. As the New York Times reported, one in three simple UTIs is now considered resistant to one of the most common antibiotics used to treat them, Bactrim. One in five is considered resistant to other commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Increase Your Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C may help because it makes the urine acidic, explains Dr. Eilber. One study of pregnant women found that those who took 100 mg of vitamin C every day had fewer UTIs than those who didnt. Dr. Eilber says theres not a lot of research beyond that, but some patients claim it works and it likely wont harm you so vitamin C supplementation could be worth a shot. Alternatively, you can try adding foods that are rich in vitamin C to your diet.
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/8cranberries May Help Prevent Utis
Although there is no conclusive research to suggest cranberries can treat or prevent UTI, some studies have indicated that unsweetened cranberry juice, cranberry supplements, or dried cranberries can reduce the risk of UTIs.
This is because cranberries contain proanthocyanidins , which may stop bacteria from sticking to your urinary tract lining.
When To See A Healthcare Provider
If you suspect that you have a UTI, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Even mild infections can quickly worsen and spread to other parts of your body, potentially leading to very serious health consequences.
Thus, attempting to diagnose and treat yourself for a UTI without the guidance of a medical professional is not recommended.
Instead, communicate openly and let your healthcare provider know if youre interested in trying herbal alternatives instead of antibiotics. They will be able to help you create the safest, most effective treatment plan for your infection.
Summary
Even mild UTIs can quickly worsen and cause more serious complications. Thus, its important to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional and discuss your desire for a more natural treatment plan.
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How To Prevent Bladder Infections
Though natural remedies arent guaranteed to get rid of early UTI symptoms, there are some natural ways to discourage UTIs from forming in the first place.
Still, you can reduce your chances of infection, and most of the methods are free and easy.
Pee after sex
Theres a bit of a myth that an increased number of sexual partners leads to an increased risk of UTI. But a study from the University of Michigan found no connection between number of partners and UTIs. Foxman B, et al. . Health behavior and urinary tract infection in college-aged women. Instead, they found that peeing after sex was way more helpful in preventing UTIs than limiting your sexual partners.
When you urinate, the pee itself flushes out your urethra. So, that E. coli gets washed away before it gets a chance to make your life miserable. Though it seems a like a tiny, insignificant thing, a quick pee after sex can keep you from days of painful urinations.
Wipe from the front to the back
Dont use a diaphragm
Dont have sex
When Should You See A Vet
You should visit your vet often. Though natural antibiotics can work their magic in many cases, there are situations that require veterinary care. Though we always recommend discussing the addition of any new supplement with your veterinarian regardless, there are a few ways to know if its time to take your cat to the vet for their current infection.
- Lack of appetite or not eating
- Diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours
- Changes in breathing
- Any other drastic change in behavior
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your feline companion, its best to visit your vet for a veterinary strength treatment.
Though natural supplements and remedies have their place in our cats lives, sometimes an issue will require more aggressive care.
Were not the only ones that can benefit from a natural approach to medicine when we start to feel under the weather. So can our cats. Be sure to review these top five natural antibiotics for cats that we listed above, and you can rely on a natural approach to your cats health.
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