Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

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Causes of Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder infections, UTIs, cystitis or inflammation of the bladder all can be caused by a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Some people develop this once or twice in their life while others are prone to recurring infections. E coli is a common bacterial culprit that is often what causes urinary tract infections.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections symptoms often include:

• frequent urination
  
• burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
  
• blood in urine
  
• cloudy urine
  
• frequent urination while only passing small amounts of urine
  
• pelvic pain in women
  
• rectal pain in men
  

Some people only have one or two symptoms of urinary tract infection while others may have many or none at all.

Western Treatment

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for a UTI. In women, antibiotics may increase the risk of vaginal yeast infections. I’ve often heard women joke that they ask for the anti-fungal prescription along with the antibiotics since they’ve “been down that road before.” As more bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, a doctor may test for the particular type of bacterial infection and then prescribe antibiotics specific to that type of bacteria.

Most bladder infections can be treated easily. However, if left untreated they can develop into a kidney infection which is a very serious medical condition. Symptoms of a kidney infection include fever and low back pain. If you have symptoms of a kidney infection see your doctor or visit the ER as soon as possible.

Female Urinary Tract Infection Natural Remedies

Women who occasionally get bladder infections can easily and safely address these infections at home using herbs and supplements (see below).

For women with recurring bladder infections they will need to address the underlying cause of the infections such as proper hygiene, urinating immediately following sexual intercourse and normalizing blood sugar levels.

Male Urinary Tract Infection Natural Remedies

Men younger than 50 who have a bladder infection should see a doctor to determine the cause (since it is so rare). Men over 50 with recurring bladder infections most likely need to address their prostate health while also dealing with the acute infection.

Both men and women who experience frequent bladder infections should get tested for STDs.

Herbs for Urinary Tract Infections

An uncomplicated UTI can easily be addressed with a formula of herbs. It is important that the herbs address the infection as well as the associated pain and discomfort. Herbs can stop the urinary tract infections symptoms and get to the root cause of the problem as well.

Anti-microbial herbs
What causes urinary tract infections? Most often a UTI is caused by a bacterial infection. Anti-microbial herbs can kill the bacteria, thus stopping the infection.

Demulcent herbs
Soothing and cooling to the mucus membranes, these herbs can relieve a lot of the burning and pain that you feel during acute infections. (Painful urination is sometimes called dysuria.)

Immunostimulating herbs
These herbs directly stimulate your immune system through various mechanisms to ward off the invading pathogens.

Anti-spasmodic herbs
These herbs can quickly resolve pain and discomfort of a UTI. (Sometimes referred to as dysuria.)

Diuretic herbs
These herbs help to flush urine through the bladder and urethra to literally wash out the bacteria.

Astringent herbs
Astringent herbs tighten and tone the mucosal membranes. This action can strengthen urinary tissues and make them less susceptible to invading pathogens.

Lifestyle

Proper hygiene: women can wipe from front to back after urinating to avoid spreading bacteria to the opening of the urethra. Also urinating immediately after sex can decrease the risk for UTIs.

Diet

A recurring urinary tract infection can be due to a variety of factors, including improper hygiene, not urinating immediately after having sex, STDs, dehydration and imbalanced blood sugar. If high blood sugar is to blame then eating a low sugar and low carb diet may help to reduce the instances of UTIs. Carbs and sugar should also be avoided during an active UTI.

Proper Hydration

Dehydration can lead to frequent UTIs.

Supplements Beneficial for UTIs

Vitamin C
Vitamin D3

Summary

UTIs commonly affect women and some men who also have prostate swelling. Most of these infections can be easily dealt with using herbs, although, if left unresolved, UTIs can develop into a kidney infection which is very serious and requires immediate medical attention.

For more information, see my articles on 7 Simple Steps to maintain a healthy urinary system, and the urinary system anatomy.