Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a very common infection that affects both men and women, though women are more prone than men to developing UTI. While the reasons for this are not yet fully understood, anatomical differences between the sexes, such as a shorter urethra, in women are attributed as a possible cause. Even though UTI is not as prevalent in men as in women, it can be very serious when it does occur.
UTI is also referred to as a bladder infection, and if left unchecked, affects not just the bladder, but also the kidney and urethra. A range of conditions are also associated with UTI, including cystitis, a mild but painful inflammation in the bladder, and severe kidney infections like pyelonephritis.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infections
The urinary tract functions as the body’s filtering system to remove liquid waste, and includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A UTI occurs when any part of the urinary tract becomes infected by bacteria, which enter the urinary system through the urethra or, in rare cases, through the bloodstream.
Based upon the liquids and food consumed, a healthy adult passes around a quarter and a half of urine daily. Though normal urine is sterile, free from bacteria, viruses and fungi, it contains fluids, salts, and waste products. However, if the bladder is not regularly emptied, urine can stagnate and give rise to bacteria, a precursor to UTI.
Sometimes, bacteria from the bowel that resides around the skin near the rectum or in the vagina can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. When this bacteria enters the urethra, it travel upward, causing infections in other parts of the urinary tract including the bladder and kidneys. Some women tend to develop a UTI after sexual activity, as during sexual intercourse bacteria in the vaginal area are sometimes massaged and moved up into the urethra.
While most UTI is caused by the escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which normally lives in the colon, micro-organisms like chlamydia and mycoplasma can also result in UTI in both men and women. However, these infections are confined to the urethra and reproductive system, and may be sexually transmitted, necessitating treatment of both partners. Other UTI risk factors include pregnancy, childhood prevalence of UTI or bladder infections, diabetes and menopause.
UTI Symptoms
Common UTI symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, burning sensation or pain during urination, bladder spasms and in some cases, cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine with a mild accompanying fever. If diagnosed early, mild cases of UTI can be treated with natural and herbal remedies. However, if UTI symptoms turn severe and are accompanied by fever, vomiting, nausea and chills, medical intervention should be sought immediately.
Cranberry, Grapefruit and Fluids Flush out UTI Toxins
Both, cranberry and grapefruit are acidic, and create a hostile environment for any bacteria in the urinary tract. Cranberry and grapefruit juice possess anti-viral properties and treat UTI by producing hippuric acid, which acidifies urine to prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls.
Consuming a portion of these fruits, or at least eight to 16 ounces of the juice a day directly or with other fruit juices is sufficient to treat an existing UTI infection.
Additionally, one should drink plenty of water in order to flush bacteria out of the urethra and avoid urine stagnation in the bladder. Drinking around eight glasses of water each day is desirable to aid frequent urination and excretion of UTI toxins.
Improve Kidney Function with Alfalfa, Burdock and other Herbal Remedies
A healthy kidney function is important in preventing and warding off bacteria that cause UTI. An alfalfa juice concentrate can improve kidney function, which in turn helps rid the body of toxins, and increases urine flow.
Another herb which works akin to alfalfa is burdock root. The naturally occurring polyacetalynes in burdock kill bacteria that cause infection in the urinary tract or the kidneys. Herbs like sarsaparilla, juniper berries and goldenseal also increase urine flow and flush out bacteria. They possess anti-viral and antimicrobial properties, and can be taken either together or individually.
Herbal Antibiotics for UTI Rose Hips and Saw Palmetto
Rose hips and saw palmetto are natural antibiotics that combat UTI, and function in the same manner as a prescription antibiotic drug. These herbs can be taken for a period of five days without the side-effects associated with allopathic medicines. Rich in vitamin C, rose hips create an acidic environment in the urine that makes it difficult for bacteria to thrive in the urinary tract. Alternately, 1000mg of a vitamin C supplement can also be consumed once or twice a day.
Practicing Personal Hygiene and Good Bowel Habits Prevent UTI
Above all, incorporating good personal hygiene reduce the risk of UTI. After a bowel movement, one should wipe/wash the genital area from the front to the back. This cleansing is also advisable before and after sexual intercourse.
It is also important to empty the bladder as soon as the urge to urinate occurs. This decreases the risk of bladder infections or UTI by preventing the urine from stagnating in the bladder.
Finally, a balanced diet, rich in wholesome natural food and devoid of processed foods and stimulants like alcohol and tobacco will go a long way in the prevention and cure of UTI.
References:
Phytomedicine. Antiviral effects on bacteriophages and rotavirus by cranberry juice. Lipson SM et al. 2007 Jan;14(1):23-30. Epub 2006 Nov 29.
Prescription for Natural Cures, Balch and Stengler(John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004). Duke, J.A., The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2002).
Medicine Net.com, ‘Urinary Tract Infection in Adults’ (accessed May 08, 2010).
Mayo Clinic.com, ‘Urinary Tract Infection’ (accessed May 08, 2010).
Urology Channel.com, ‘UTI’ (accessed May 08, 2010).
Esperance Barretto - A writer by profession, Esperance Barretto holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Mumbai, India. Extremely versatile, ...
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