by Dr. Rita Louise
A urinary tract infection is an infection of the kidneys, bladder or
urethra. In most cases, it is brought on by the introduction of the
E. Coli bacteria into the urethra. This can cause inflammation or
infection. For example, when this bacteria travels up the urethra to
the bladder, it is the #1 cause of bladder infections. While the E.
Coli bacteria is the most common cause of urinary tract infections,
bacteria can also enter the urinary tract via the blood stream that
feeds the kidneys and cause an infection. It can also be introduced
through the insertion of medical instruments such as a catheter.
Normally, the urinary tract contains no bacteria. Bacteria that does
enter the urethra and bladder is usually eliminated during
urination. If, however, bacteria remains it can easily grow and
cause an infection. The risk of a urinary tract infection is greater
when the bladder or urethra becomes blocked and the flow of urine is
decreased such as with an enlarged prostate or bladder stones. They
cause urine to pool in the bladder and bacteria can flourish. In
women, sexual intercourse, the use of a diaphragm, the combination of
condoms and spermicidal foam and personal hygiene may increase the
likelihood of urinary tract infections as well.
There are a number of symptoms that may indicate the presence of a
urinary tract infection. They include: a persistent urge to urinate,
even after the bladder has be emptied: burning during urination, both
when starting and during elimination: a strong, unpleasant odor:
urine that may appear cloudy: pain in the back below the ribs: fever,
nausea and/or vomiting: blood in the urine.
Recommendations For Wellness
Drink plenty of water.
Take 5000 mg. of Vitamin C daily. It has been shown to inhibit the
growth of E. Coli and will increase the acidity of urine, thus
creating an unfriendly environment for the growth of infection
causing bacteria.
Drink unsweetened cranberry or blueberry juice or try cranberry
capsules. Cranberry juice has historically been used to prevent
bacteria from attaching to the lining of the bladder.
Supplement with buchu leaf, which acts as a urinary tract
disinfectant and diuretic or use cornsilk juniper, asparagus,
horsetail or nettles to increase urinary volume and flush the
bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Take a natural antibiotic such as garlic, goldenseal or horseradish
to kill infection causing the bacteria.
To sooth the urinary tract try taking marshmallow or slippery elm.
(c) Copyright 2003 Body, Mind & SoulHealer, All Rights Reserved.
Rita Louise, ND, of Body, Mind & SoulHealer, helps individuals
rediscover their wholeness on physical, emotional and spiritual
levels. Dr. Louise is a Naturopath, Medical Intuitive, lecturer and
teacher and the author of the newly released book entitled "The Power
Within". To have Dr. Louise speak to your organization or to
schedule a session with Dr. Louise contact her directly at (972) 475-
3393 or visit her web page at http://www.soulhealer.com.
Also go to our Honeymoon Cystitis, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Bladder Infections site.
