Holistic Integrated Health Care

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Fluctuating hormones can trigger a series of urinary tract infections, also known as UTI's, cystitis, and urethritis. When bacteria grow in the bladder, the resulting infection usually causes symptoms such as: a burning sensation while urinating, frequent but very small urinations, intense urgency, incontinence, blood in the urine, and pelvic pain. However, up to 25 percent of urinary infections in premenopausal and post-menopausal women have no symptoms.

Bacteria enter the bladder in one of three primary ways: when the tube to the bladder is irritated or bruised (as from using a diaphragm, pelvic surgery, or intercourse that's a bit too vigorous), when feces are spread to the opening of the bladder through wiping from back to front after a bowel movement, or when there is a catheter present. The shrinking and thinning of reproductive and bladder tissues that may occur during premenopause contributes to bladder infections, as does the decrease in vaginal acidity. Furthermore, tiny ulcerations of the bladder may occur, usually without infection; this is called interstitial cystitis.

QUICK TIPS

  • At the first sign of a bladder inifection, drink a glass of water hourly. It's tempting to limit your drinking when urinating is uncomfortable, but don't. Drink copious amounts (at least 3-4 quarts/day) of water and unsweetened cranberry juice.
  • Cranberry juice without a sweetener is way too tart to handle undiluted so I suggest mixing 4 oz. of the juice with 32 oz. of water to make 'cranberry water'. The sugar contained in most cranberry juices can actually contribute to more infections. This can be included in your total daily intake of water.
  • Test the pH of your urine (anytime except first thing in the morning) using litmus paper if you're suspicious of an infection. Ideally, it should be between 5.8 and 7. An established infection creates more alkaline urine (pH 7.5 or higher) which causes the stinging and burning. You can use unsweetened cranberry juice to lower the pH or vitamin C to raise it.
  • Uva Ursi is a classic herb used to minimize bladder infections.

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