This is one of the most common infections treated in medicine.  Products are available from your local drugstore with a dipstick that can detect changes in pH and indicate the presence of bacteria in the urine.  Nearly 85% of urinary tract infections are cause by Escherichia coli, a bacterium found in the intestines. 

Bladder infections are characterized by an urgent desire to empty the bladder.  Urination is typically frequent and painful.  The urine often has a strong, unpleasant odor and may appear cloudy.  Children suffering from bladder infections may have lower abdominal pain.  Pain in the lower back, along with fever and chills, may indicate irritation of the kidneys.  Blood in the urine could indicate a more serious problem.  This, along with upper urinary tract involvement of the kidney, warrants immediate medical attention.

Many factors are associated with increased risk of bladder infections such as pregnancy, sexual intercourse, mechanical irritation, and structural abnormalities.  Those with recurrent infections, such as once every year, may want to consider a specialized x-ray to determine if a structural abnormality exists.  Some medications may be necessary for pain relief or infection. 

Royal Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment

1.                  Avoid citrus fruits, which alkalinize the urine and encourage bacterial growth.  Refrain from coffee and other forms of caffeine, chocolate, carbonated sugar drinks, and alcohol.  Include into your diet celery, parsley, and watermelon, which are all natural diuretics.

2.                  Increase your fluid intake.  Cranberry juice is particularly helpful as this acidifies the urine. This, in turn, inhibits bacterial growth.  However, this should be pure cranberry juice from a health food store.

3.                  Get your food allergies checked.  (See “Allergy—Food.”)  Allergies can often cause symptoms that mimic bladder infections.

4.                  If you are menopausal or post-menopausal, get your hormone levels checked.  This includes estradiol, a marker of your estrogen blood level.  After menopause, a reduction of the female hormones can result in shrinkage of the urethral and vaginal membranes, thus promoting incontinence.  Natural hormones are available from plants, without the side effects of synthetic medicines, and can help to improve bladder sphincter function.

5.                  Consider an evaluation for free radical damage from environmental pollutants such as aluminum, which can cause cystitis symptoms.  (See “Chelation Therapy.”)  Mercury should be evaluated if you have amalgam fillings in your teeth, as it tends to disrupt the body’s friendly bacteria.  If elevated, heavy metal detoxification therapy is indicated.

6.                  Try to empty your bladder every 2-3 hours.  Retaining urine for long periods of time increases your risk of urinary tract infection and may also increase your risk of bladder cancer.

7.                  Wipe from front to back after emptying the bladder.  Empty the bladder after intercourse.  If you’re using a diaphragm, considering another contraceptive alternative.  Bacterial can colonize the diaphragm itself and interfere with bladder emptying.

8.                  Wear white cotton underwear; nylon underwear should be avoided.  If bladder infections are frequent, avoid tampons.

9.                  A hot sitz bath may help to relieve pain associated with bladder irritation.  You can add a cup of vinegar or two cloves of garlic to the sitz bath.  Do this one or two times daily.

10.             Probably the most important supplement is acidophilus.  Use the most potent source you can find several times daily.  While acidophilus has some antibiotic properties of its own, it is also helpful in restoring the friendly bacteria that are destroyed by antibiotics.  The antioxidant vitamin C has a mild antibacterial effect by acidifying the urine.  Use up to 8,000 mg in divided doses.  The antioxidant vitamins A and E can be helpful in the healing process.  B-vitamins are necessary if antibiotics are being taken.  The mineral magnesium can reduce bladder irritability and aids in the stress response.  Consider adding potassium if diuretics are being used in any form.  Avoid iron, as bacteria requires this for growth.

11.             Herbs known to be helpful for this condition are goldenseal, juniper berries, marshmallow root, and rose hips.  Marshmallow root increases the acid content in the urine and juniper berries is particularly beneficial if there is kidney involvement.  A strong goldenseal tea can be used to wash the urethral area before and after intercourse.  Herbs with diuretic action such as bearberry, birch, and dandelion can help cleanse the urinary system.  Use only herbal extracts in warm water in tea form.  Uva ursa can be used in dilute form with other herbal teas.

12.             Homeopathic remedies to consider include:  Berberis Vulgaris (if urethra burns when not urinating), Cantharis (when burning pain is present before, during, and after urination), Dulcamara (if bladder irritation is from taking a cold or damp weather), Equisetum (if involuntary urination occurs), and Eupatorium Purpureum (when chills in the back are present).

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