I have not met a woman who did not cringe at the thought of a Urinary Tract Infection, commonly known as a UTI. Mine visited me several times a year, so the doctor just prescribed me refills over the phone. Many times I was drawn to the over the counter miracle pills that promised relief within three days. After a while they did nothing for me except color my urine a bright orange color.
Finally, I had it with UTI's when I woke up one morning with excruciating pain. I rushed to my pharmacist who notified me that he was unable to contact my physician for a refill. He pointed to the waiting area and said he would call me. Minutes seemed like hours as I paced up and down isles. Pain was sharper and stayed with me constantly. Half an hour later I was home in tears, scrambling for water to take the medicine. This was the last time I would go through this, I promised myself.
Research led me to information that UTI's are caused by bacteria that is found in the intestines. Fecal contamination or vaginal secretions easily travel up the urethra to the bladder. Because of the close proximity of anus, vagina, and urethra, women are most susceptible to the infection. The infection causes painful urinating and a desire to empty the bladder that has already been emptied. The urine is often cloudy with a strong odor.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and cause major problems.
Knowing that the medication was most likely damaging my other organs, I decided to prevent the occurrence of my UTI's and to treat them naturally should they occur. When my next infection appeared, I was ready. I purchased a simple sugar that is found in cranberries. After reading the label, D Mannose seemed what I needed: “D-Mannose can adhere to bacterial lectins, preventing them from sticking to the lining of the bladder. Bacteria can then be flushed away during urination, thereby precluding the formation of colonies within the urinary tract.” Perfect! After only two dosages, my pain was relieved. I further helped my body heal itself by consuming pure unsweetened cranberry juice.
Consuming parsley, celery and watermelon during infection helps cleanse the kidneys. Warm sitz baths with a cup of apple cider vinegar will relieve burning and pain. Colloidal silver which is a clear golden liquid can be taken as an infection fighter. To avoid recurrence of UTI's: don't sit around in a wet bathing suit, wear white cotton underwear, don't hold in urine, keep the genital area clean and dry, don't use feminine products with fragrances, empty bladder before and after sexual intercourse, use only apple cider vinegar douches. Consume acidophilus (in plain yogurts) to restore friendly bacteria in the colon.
Ladies, do not cringe and do not suffer through another UTI. There are more important things than urinary infections. I can think of a few: shoes, shoes, shoes, and shoes.
