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MoonDragon's Obgyn Information
BLADDER INFECTION
(CYSTITIS)




BASIC INFORMATION


DESCRIPTION

The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ located behind the pubic bone that functions to collect and store urine until it is released. Urine is carried from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureters, then the urine is released through an opening at its lowest point into the urethra.

Cystitis is the inflammation or infection of the urinary bladder. This usually caused by some type of bacteria, results in cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder. Nearly 85% of urinary tract infections are caused by Escherichia coli, a bacterium that is normally found in the intestines. Chlamydia may also cause bladder problems. In women, bacterial introduced by means of fecal contamination or from vaginal secretions can gain access to the bladder by traveling up through the urethra. Cystitis occurs much more frequently in women than in men because of the close proximity of the anus, vagina, and urethra in females, and also because of the short length of the female urethra. This allows for relatively easy transmission of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra, and thus to the bladder. In males, bacteria can reach the bladder by either ascending through the urethra or by migrating from an infected prostate gland. While bladder infections are relatively common in women, bladder infections in men may signal a more serious problem, such as prostatitis. Cystitis is not a serious health problem itself, but it may lead to kidney infection if not treated.





FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Burning and stinging on urination.


  • Frequent urination, although the urine amounts may be small.


  • Increased urge to urinate and empty the bladder. Even after the bladder is emptied, there still may be a desire to urinate again.


  • Pain in the abdomen over the bladder.


  • Low back pain.


  • Blood in the urine.


  • Low fever. Chills. Vomiting.


  • Strong, unpleasant, bad-smelling urine.


  • Cloudy appearance to the urine.


  • Painful sexual intercourse.


  • Lack of urinary control (sometimes). Adults and children with bladder infections may have problems with bed-wetting and not making it to the bathroom on time.

  • Children with bladder infections often complain of lower abdominal pain and a burning sensation during urination.




    CAUSES

  • Bacteria that reach the bladder from another part of the body through the bloodstream.


  • Bacteria that enter the urinary tract from skin around the genital and anal area. Nearly 85 percent of bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli, a bacterium normally found in the intestines. The E. Coli bacteria often enters the urethra if a woman wipes from back to front after a bowel movement. Chlamydia may also cause bladder infections in women.


  • Injury to the urethra.


  • Use of a urinary catheter to empty the bladder, such as following childbirth or surgery.


  • In males, may be a sign of prostatitis. In men, bacteria enters the bladder by traveling up the urethra or moving from an infected prostate gland.





  • RISK INCREASES WITH

  • More frequent or vigorous sexual activity than usual.


  • Infection in other parts of the genitourinary system.


  • Pregnancy.


  • Diabetes mellitus.


  • Certain types of birth control, e.g., diaphragm with a too tight fit, contraceptive foams or vaginal suppositories that can irritate the urethra, or a non-lubricated condom.


  • Underlying abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as tumors, calculi, strictures, incomplete bladder emptying and restrictive free flow of urine.


  • If past infections have resulted in a narrowing of the urethra.





  • PREVENTIVE MEASURES

  • Drink a glass of water before sexual intercourse, and urinate within 15 minutes after intercourse.


  • Use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Lubricating Jelly, during intercourse.


  • Use female-superior or lateral positions in sexual intercourse to protect the female urethra from injury.


  • Drink 8 glasses of water every day. Avoid caffeine, which irritates the bladder.


  • Avoid use of catheters, if possible.


  • Seek prompt medical care for urinary-tract infections (UTI).


  • Do not douche or use feminine hygiene sprays or deodorants.


  • Clean the anal area thoroughly after bowel movements. Wipe from the front to the rear rather than rear to front to avoid spreading fecal bacteria to the genital area.


  • Use underwear and stockings that have a cotton crotch.


  • Avoid postponing urination.


  • In women with frequent recurrence of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed for use prior to sexual intercourse.





  • EXPECTED OUTCOME

  • Curable in a few days to 2 weeks with prompt medical treatment.


  • Recurrence is common.





  • POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Inadequate treatment can cause chronic urinary-tract infections, leading to kidney infection and in rare cases, kidney failure.




  • TREATMENT


    GENERAL MEASURES

    Diagnostic tests may include urinalysis, careful urine collection for bacterial culture, cystoscopy (examination of the bladder with a lighted optical instrument) and ultrasound. A home testing kit is available to help determine if you have a urinary infection. Ames N-Multistix reagent strips, manufactured by Miles Inc. Diagnostics Division of Elkhart, Indiana, are available in drugstores. It can test for blood in the urine, urine pH (urine is usually neutral-7 pH or slightly acidic-6-5 pH), specific gravity (how much water is present in the urine), presence of leukocytes (white blood cells indicating infection) and other things such as protein, bilirubin, ketones, and glucose.

    TREATMENT

  • Treatment is usually with antibiotics.


  • Warm baths may help relieve discomfort. Herbs or medical remedies may be added to the bath to aid in relief. See sitz baths below. For hygiene, take showers instead of baths.


  • Pour a cup of warm water over genital area while urinating. It will help to relieve burning and stinging.


  • Do not delay emptying the bladder. Making sure that you urinate every two to three waking hours - "voiding by the clock" can help.


  • Keep the genital and anal areas clean and dry. Women should wipe from front to back after emptying the bladder or bowels. They should empty the bladder before and after exercise and sexual intercourse, and wash the vagina after intercourse. Drink 2 glasses of water after intercourse to flush out the bladder.


  • Wear white cotton underwear. Nylon underwear should be avoided.


  • Change into dry clothes as soon as possible after swimming. Avoid sitting around in a wet bathing suit.


  • Do not use feminine hygiene sprays, packaged douches, bubble baths, or tampons, sanitary pads or toilet paper containing fragrance. The chemicals these products contain are potentially irritating.


  • If you suffer from frequent urinary tract infections, use sanitary pads rather than tampons.


  • A person with a bladder infection should avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods and citrus juices, which irritate the bladder.


  • If urination is painful but bacteria cannot be cultured by the laboratory, discontinue use of all types of soaps and use only water to cleanse the vaginal area. Some people are sensitive to soap; an all-natural, mild, unscented soap from a health food store is recommended.

  • If there is blood in the urine, consult your health care provider. This can be a sign of a more serious problem that warrants medical attention.


  • Optimal immune function is important in both fighting and preventing all bacterial disorders.


  • Take a 20 minute hot sitz bath twice daily. Hot sitz baths help to relieve the pain associated with cystitis. Batherapy, a product that can be found in health food stores, is excellent. Or you can add one cup of vinegar to a sitz bath (or to shallow bath water) once a day. A woman should position her knees up and apart so that the water can enter the vagina. Alternate this with a bath made with two cloves of crushed garlic or an equivalent amount of garlic juice.


  • MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Sitz Bath

  • Use acidophilus douches. If cystitis is associated with vaginitis, alternate this with apple cider vinegar douches. Do not douche if you are pregnant without first discussing it with your midwife. A few spoonfuls of homemade, unsweetened, plain yogurt may be diluted with water and used as a douche.


  • Habitually retaining the urine in the bladder for long periods increases a woman's risk of urinary tract infection may increase the risk of bladder cancer.


  • Shrinkage of urethral and vaginal membranes, which most commonly occurs after menopause as a result of a reduction in the amount of estrogen in the body, can increase the tendency to develop bladder infections. Urethral dilation helps stretch a contracted urethra.


  • Colloidal silver is a natural broad-spectrum antiseptic that fights infection, subdues inflammation, and promotes healing. It is a clear golden liquid composed of 99.9% pure silver particles approximately 0.001 to 0.01 micron (1/1,000,000 to 1/100,000 millimeter) in diameter that are suspended in pure water. It can be taken by mouth, administered intravenously, or applied topically. Colloidal silver is available in health food stores.


  • Using aluminum cookware may cause cystitis symptoms. Cadmium, a toxic metal, may cause urinary problems as well.


  • Antibiotics and analgesics may be necessary treatments for cystitis, especially for persistent and/or painful infections. Beware of resorting to them too often, however. Antibiotics disturb the normal internal flora and may actually promote recurrent infections by promoting the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. In fact, because antibiotics have been widely over-prescribed over the years, many of the bacteria in our bodies (estimates run from 50 to 80 percent) are now resistant to common antibiotics, such as sulfa drugs and tetracycline. This forces health care providers to resort to more powerful and potentially more dangerous antibiotics that pose a greater risk of adverse reactions and side effects. For most bladder infections, a natural approach to treatment appears to be best.


  • Recurrent cystitis may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as bladder cancer, an anatomical anomaly, or immune deficiency. Cystoscopy, a simple visual examination of the bladder, is indicated.





  • MEDICATION

  • Antibiotics to fight any bacterial infection.


  • Occasionally, urinary analgesics are prescribed for pain. If phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is prescribed, it will turn the urine color to bright orange.





  • ACTIVITY

    Avoid sexual intercourse until you have been free of symptoms for 2 weeks to allow inflammation to subside.




    NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

    Nutrients
    Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments
    Very Important
    Cranberry 1 quart pure, unsweetened cranberry juice daily. If pure juice is unavailable, cranberry capsules may be substituted. Acidifies the urine and inhibits bacterial growth. cranberry Fruit, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 180 Vcaps, Cranberry Extract STD w. Ester C, 400 mg, 120 Vcaps, Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Dynamic Health, Natural Premium Quality, Unsweetened Kosher, 16 fl oz
    Colloidal silver As directed on label. A natural antibiotic. Destroys bacterial, viruses, and fungi. Promotes healing. Colloidal Silver Pump Spray, SilvaSolution, 2 fl. oz., Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, SilvaSolution, 90 Lozenges, Colloidal Silver Liquid, SilvaSolution, 10 ppm, 16 fl. oz.
    Garlic (Kyolic)
    or
    Fresh Garlic
    2 capsules 3 times daily.

    2-3 cloves garlic with meals 3 times daily.
    A natural antibiotic and immune enhancer. Garlic Bulb Cloves, Garlic Supplement, Nature's Way, 580 mg, 100 Caps
    Garlic Oil Tincture, Alcohol Free, Nature's Way, 1 fl. oz
    Every Day Garlic Supplement, Kwai, 30 Tabs - Kwai Every Day contains all the constituents of naturally grown Chinese garlic cloves the most potent form of garlic in an enteric coated tablet to ensure odor control and tolerability. Each concentrated Kwai tablet is equivalent to 1350 mg of fresh high grade garlic yielding 2700 mcg of allcin, a primary active constituent of garlic.
    SP-6 Cornsilk Blend
    from Solaray
    or
    KB Formula
    from Nature's Way
    2 capsules daily. Have a diuretic effect and reduce bladder spasms. Corn Silk Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz., Corn Silk, Nature's Way, 425 mg, 100 Caps
    Vitamin C
    plus
    Bioflavonoids
    Vitamin C: 4,000-5,000 mg daily in divided doses.
    Bioflavonoids: 1,000 mg daily.
    Produces antibacterial effect through acidification of urine. Important in immune function. Vitamin C 500 with Bioflavonoids, 100% Natural, 500 mg / 300 mg, 250 Capsules
    Important
    Acidophilus As directed on label. Take on an empty stomach. Also use 1 tbsp in 1 quart warm water as a douche. Caution: Do not douche in late pregnancy unless instructed to do so by your midwife. Needed to restore "friendly" bacteria. Especially important if antibiotics are prescribed. Acidophilus & Bifidus, NOW Foods, 8 Billion, 60 Caps, Acidophilus Powder, Non-Dairy, 4 oz Bulk
    Calcium
    and
    Magnesium
    1,500 mg daily.

    750-1,000 mg daily.
    Reduces bladder irritability.

    Aids in the stress response and works best when balanced with calcium. Use magnesium chelate form. Just An Ounce, Calcium & Magnesium Liquid, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz., Calcium Citrate / Malate Complex, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 250 Caps, Calcium Carbonate Powder, NOW Foods, 12 oz. - 1 level teaspoon contains 1.2 g (1,200 mg) calcium. Just An Ounce, Calcium & Magnesium Liquid, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz., Magnesium Citrate Complex, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps
    Dioxychlor
    from American Biologics
    10 drops twice daily. Also use 30 drops in 1 quart warm water as a douche. Caution: Do not douche in late pregnancy unless instructed to do so by your midwife. An important antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral agent.
    Multivitamin & mineral complex As directed on label. For essential balanced vitamins and minerals. Use a high potency, hypoallergenic form. Daily Two MultiVitamin Supplement, Iron Free, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Tabs, MultiVitamin & MultiMineral with Iron, Nature's Way, 100 Caps, MultiVitamin & MultiMineral ChildLife Children's Liquid, 8 fl. oz., Alive! Whole Food Energizer, MultiVitamin & MultiMineral, Effervescent, Lemon-Lime Flavor, Nature's way, 15 Packets
    With
    Vitamin A
    10,000 IU daily. For essential balanced vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels
    And
    Natural beta-carotene
    15,000 IU daily. For essential balanced vitamins and minerals. Beta Carotene (natural Dunaliella salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels
    N-Acetylcysteine/L-Cysteine 500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach. A potent detoxifier that neutralizes free radicals. L-Cysteine HCL w/ Vitamin B-6 & C, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Tabs
    Potassium 99 mg daily. Replaces potassium lost as a result of frequent urination. Potassium, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 99 mg, 100 Caps
    Vitamin B complex 50-100 mg twice daily, with meals. Necessary for proper digestion. High doses are necessary if antibiotics are used. vitamin B 100 Complex w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps, Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex Formula), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs
    Vitamin E 600 IU daily. Combats infecting bacteria. Vitamin E, d-alpha tocopherol, Nature's Way, 400 IU, 100 Softgels, Vitamin E (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 400 IU, 120 Softgels, Ester E, Natural Vitamin E, California Natural, 400 IU, 60 Softgels, Vitamin E, Mixed tochopherols, Unesterified, NOW Foods, 400 IU, 250 Softgels
    Zinc 50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Important in tissue repair and immunity. Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps, Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm (1.5 mg per 1 tablespoon), 16 fl. oz., Zinc Lozenges w/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
    Plus
    Copper
    3 mg daily. Needed to balance with zinc. Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm (0.75 mg per tablespoon), 16 fl. oz.


    BLADDER INFECTION/CYSTITIS SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS

    Information for help with bladder infection and cystitis, a condition that occurs when bacteria (usually E. coli that is normally found in the colon) enters the bladder.

    Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.

    WaterOz Ionic Zinc is a pure liquid Zinc supplement. Zinc moves through all the fluids in the body, it creates a defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body and stops bacterial and viral replication.
    Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Natural Premium Quality, Kosher - 16 fl. oz.

    This Cranberry juice concentrate is in an 8 oz space saving size and is ideal for smoothies and makes a delicious healthy topping.
    Cranberry Extract STD w/ Ester C, Nature's Way 400mg - 120 Tabs

    Cranberry Extract with Ester is primarily useful for female adults and those with chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection. used to prevent urinary tract infection and relieve cramps and spasms. It also helps maintain a healthy urinary tract by inhibiting the adhesion of E. coli bacteria to the lining of the bladder.
    Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Uva Ursi, also known as Bearberry, has a specific affinity for the genito-urinary organs, especially for urinary tract infections, cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, pyelitis, hematuria (bloody urine), yeast infections, vulvitis.
    Urinary Formula w/ Cranberry Fruit, 480mg (per cap) - 100 Caps

    Urinary formula uses concentrated cranberry fruit, to maintain a healthy urinary tract and Dandelion leaf, traditionally used for supporting regular urination.
    Buchu, Urinary / Kidney Herb - 2 fl. oz. - African Red Tea Imports

    Buchu, the urinary herb, has traditionally been claimed to treat a wide variety of disorders. Buchu is commonly used as a natural diuretic, thus assisting with relieving premenstrual bloating.
    Kidney Bladder Formula w/ Uva Ursi, Nature's Way 465mg - 100 Caps

    Nature's Way Kidney Bladder Formula contains Uva Ursi (Bearberry) and Juniper berry, two historically popular for kidney and bladder complaints.
    Cayenne Pepper Oil, 100% Pure, Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Cayenne Pepper is beneficial for the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, spleen, and stomach. When combined with other herbs, Cayenne Pepper helps increase their effectiveness by helping them enter the blood stream faster.
    Marshmallow Root Tincture, 100 % Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    The primary use of Marshmallow root is to relieve digestive and respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, sore throats and asthma.
    Kidney / Bladder Formula Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Use the Kidney Bladder Formula for Auto-immune Diseases, Bladder, Cancer, Cold Sores and deposits.
    Goldenrod Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    In Europe, Goldenrod is used in conjunction with other remedies and/or medications for the treatment of bladder infections, irritation of the urinary tract, and bladder or kidney stones.
    Grapefruit Seed Extract Plus 125mg - 90 Caps

    NutriBiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract Plus Capsules contain 125 mg of grapefruit seed extract, equivalent to 12-15 drops of NutriBiotic GSE liquid concentrate, combined with the extracts of echinacea and artemisia annua.
    Ultimate Urinary Cleanse with Cranberry - 60 Caps

    The first of its kind, Ultimate Urinary Cleanse incorporates a precise blend of herbs and botanicals to cleanse and strengthen the entire urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder and urethra.
    Buchu Leaves Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz. - A-H-H

    Buchu leaves act as a diuretic and antiseptic, and today is used in treating inflammation of the urethra, blood in the urine, bladder infections, and other chronic urinary tract disorders.
    Corn Silk, Nature's Way 425mg - 100 Caps

    Corn Silk (Zea mays) was used traditionally as a mild diuretic. It is often included in herbal preparations for the bladder and urinary tract. Used by Native Americans for urinary complaints.
    Corn Silk Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Cornsilk is used to soothe the urinary tract and can give relief to the bladder, kidneys and small intestine.
    Colloidal Silver Liquid, SilvaSolution, 10ppm - 16 fl. oz.

    Colloidal Silver is a potent yet non-toxic natural food supplement that has shown to support the immune system during the cold and flu season.
    Dandelion Root Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Dandelion root is a natural diuretic and improves appetite and minor digestive problems. Dandelion leaves are commonly recommended as a food supplement for pregnant and post-menopausal women.
    Elecampane Root Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Today used primarily for respiratory ailments such as coughs, asthma and bronchitis.
    Hydrangea Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.

    Hydrangea is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder stones. It is thought both to encourage the expulsion of stones and to help dissolve those that remain.
    Lactobacillus Acidophilus Supplement, Non Dairy - 100 Caps

    Lactobacillus Acidophilus Supplement taken as a dietary supplement may help to detoxify and to rebuild a balanced intestinal flora.
    Garlicin HC, Healthy Circulation Formula w / Odor-Free Garlic Nature's Way - 90 Enteric-Coated Tabs

    HC supports circulation by lowering serum cholesterol and helps maintaining circulatory efficiency. Hawthorn improves blood and nutrient flow to the heart muscle. And, Vitamin E has been shown to help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol.
    Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000mg - 250 Vcaps

    Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.
    Olive Leaf Plus, Black Seed with Olive Leaf Extract and High Potency Garlic - 100 Caps

    Combined, these herbs are a superior circulation and immune system support.





    HERBS & DIET

    HERBS
    • Drink cranberry juice to acidify urine. Cranberry is the best herbal remedy for bladder infections. Quality cranberry juice produces hippuric acid in the urine, which acidifies the urine and inhibits bacterial growth. Other components in cranberry juice prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder. Drink 1 quart of cranberry juice daily. Purchase pure, unsweetened juice (I obtain mine from Trader Joe's). It is also available from this supplier: Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Natural Premium Quality, Kosher - 16 fl. oz. If pure cranberry juice is not available, cranberry capsules can be substituted. Always take these with a large glass of water. Avoid commercial cranberry juice cocktail products. These contain relatively little pure cranberry juice (less than 30% in some cases) and have high fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners added. Some antibiotic drugs have increased effectiveness when the urine is more acidic.


    • Birch leaves are a natural diuretic and reduce some of the pain associated with bladder infections.


    • Dandelion tea or extract acts as a diuretic and liver cleanser, and aids in relieving bladder discomfort.


    • Hydrangea is good for stimulating the kidneys and flushing them clean.


    • Diuretics help to cleanse the system. By promoting the release of fluids from the tissues, diuretics also help to relieve the false sensations of urgency that are characteristic of cystitis. Combinations of these herbs are often most effective in flushing the kidneys and aiding in reducing the urgent need to urinate.

    • Goldenseal is good for bladder infections if there is bleeding, and is most effective as an herbal antimicrobial agent. Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and do not use it during pregnancy. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a health care provider's supervision. Use with caution if you have allergies to ragweed.


    • Buchu is good for a bladder infection with a burning sensation upon urination.


    • KB Formula from Nature's Way and SP-6 Cornsilk Blend from Solaray are herbal formulas that have a diuretic effect and reduce bladder spasms. Take 2 capsules twice daily.


    • Marshmallow root increases the acidity of urine, inhibiting bacterial growth. Drink 1 quart of marshmallow root tea daily. It helps to strengthen and cleanse the bladder.


    • Uva ursi (bearberry, a type of cranberry), used in small amounts and diluted with other herbal teas, acts as a mild diuretic and antiseptic. It is effective against E.coli.


    • Other beneficial herbs include burdock root, juniper berries, kava kava, and rose hips. Caution: Kava kava may cause drowsiness. If this occurs, discontinue use or decrease the dosage.

    DIET
    • Drink plenty of liquids, especially cranberry juice (see above under herbs). Drink at least one 8 ounce glass of quality water every hour. This is extremely beneficial for urinary tract infections. Steam-distilled water is preferable to tap water.


    • Avoid caffeine and alcohol during treatment. Also avoid carbonated beverages, chocolate, refined or processed foods, and simple sugars. Chemicals in foods, drugs, and impure water have an adverse effect on the bladder. Caffeine causes the muscles around the bladder neck to contract, an can produce painful bladder spasms.


    • Include celery, parsley, and watermelon in your diet. These foods act as natural diuretic and cleansers. Celery and parsley juice or extract can be purchased at a health food store or made fresh at home if you have a juicer.


    • Avoid citrus fruits; these produce alkaline urine that encourages bacterial growth. Increasing the acid content in urine inhibits the growth of bacteria. See ACIDOSIS for list of acid- forming foods.


    • MoonDragon's Health Information: Acidosis

    • Perform a 1-3 day cleansing fast. Do not do this if you are pregnant.


    • MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Fasting

    • Take 2 teaspoonfuls of whey powder or 2 acidophilus tablets or capsules with each meal. This is especially important if antibiotic therapy is required. Eat unsweetened, plain yogurt (homemade is best) with active acidophilus cultures.


    • Avoid taking excess zinc and iron supplements until healed. Taking over 100 mg of zinc daily can depress the immune system. Bacterial require iron for growth. If a bacterial infection is present, the body stores iron in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow in order to prevent further growth of the bacteria.


    • Food allergies often cause symptoms that mimic bladder infections. Food allergy testing can determine which are causing the allergic reaction.


    • MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Allergies


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    NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...


  • You or a family member has symptoms of cystitis.


  • Fever occurs.


  • Blood appears in the urine.


  • Discomfort and other symptoms don't improve in 1 week.


  • New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.


  • Symptoms recur after treatment.





  • MoonDragon's Health Information: Prostatitis

    MoonDragon's Health Information: Kidney Diseases

    MoonDragon's Birthing Guidelines: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

    MoonDragon's Health Index Page

    MoonDragon's ObGyn Information Index by Subject Order

    MoonDragon's ObGyn Information Index by Alphabetical Order

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