Re: UTI or bladder infection.........

If i were you i would get some vitamin C and take large amounts of it. UTI's are usually caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, vitamin C lowers the ph of the the tract to make it unfriendly to the bacteria. take 10,000 mg or even more if you can handle it. the worst that can happen with too much C is a loose bowel movement. here is a good article on it.


http://www.vitaminevi.com/Concern/UTI-F.htm


Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections of the kidney, bladder, and urethra. They are generally triggered by bacteria and are more common with any partial blockage of the urinary tract. In some people, UTIs tend to recur.

Dietary changes that may be helpful: Drinking cranberry juice can be helpful in the prevention of urinary tract infections.1 Cranberry inhibits E. coli (the bacteria that causes most urinary tract infections) from attaching to the walls of the bladder.2 However, cranberry is not a substitute for Antibiotics in the treatment of acute urinary tract infections.

Many people have trouble tolerating the large amounts of unsweetened cranberry juice (50 ml or more per day) needed to treat UTIs. Concentrated cranberry extracts in capsules are now available. Many people take 400 mg of these supplements twice per day.

Sugar impairs the ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria.3 Alcohol also suppresses the immune system,4 while reducing dietary fat stimulates immunity.5 For these reasons, many doctors recommend a reduced intake of sugar, alcohol, and fat during times of infection.

People who have recurrent or chronic infections should discuss with a nutritionally oriented doctor the possible role of allergies. Chronic infections have been linked to allergies in many reports.6 7 8 9 Identifying and eliminating the foods that trigger problems may help reduce the number of infections.

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Vitamin C stimulates the immune system by helping to fight viruses10 and increasing interferon.11 Vitamin C can be particularly helpful for infections affecting the urinary tract. A high intake of vitamin C tends to increase the acidity of the urine; acidic urine is not well tolerated by the bacteria responsible for UTIs.12 Consequently, some doctors of natural medicine suggest that people with UTIs take at least 5,000 mg of vitamin C per day. Lower amounts are unlikely to significantly acidify urine.

Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of many infections. Although much of the promising research with vitamin A supplements and infections has focused on measles,13 vitamin A is also thought to be helpful in other infections. Some doctors of natural medicine recommend that people with urinary tract infections take vitamin A.

Proteolytic enzymes, primarily bromelain, may alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infection.14 One double-blind study reported that reduction of symptoms was excellent in 22% and good in 78% of the subjects—which means that every patient in this study had at least good results after taking this nutrient.

Since the immune system requires many nutrients to function properly, many people take a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement to ensure that the immune system has the building blocks it needs. Research shows that healthy elderly people using such supplements for one year strengthen their immune systems and have an overall drop in the number of infections.15

Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual supplement for complete information.) Some individuals develop diarrhea after as little as a few thousand milligrams of vitamin C per day, while others are not bothered by ten times this amount. If large amounts of vitamin C (greater than 1,000 mg) are taken for more than a few weeks, copper should also be supplemented, in order to prevent copper deficiency. Women who are, or could become, pregnant should not supplement with more than 10,000 IU (3,500 mcg) per day of vitamin A. Other adults can safely take as much as 25,000 IU (7,500 mcg) per day of vitamin A.

Herbs that may be helpful: Modern research has confirmed the benefits of cranberry for the prevention of urinary tract infections.16 Cranberry inhibits E. coli, the bacteria which causes most urinary tract infections, from attaching to the walls of the bladder.17 However, cranberry is not a substitute for Antibiotics in the treatment of acute urinary tract infections.

Many people have trouble tolerating the large amounts of unsweetened cranberry juice (50 ml or more per day) needed to treat UTIs. Concentrated cranberry extracts in capsules are now available. Many people take 400 mg of these supplements twice per day.

Goldenseal is reputed to help treat many types of infections. It contains berberine, an alkaloid which prevents UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder.18 Goldenseal and other plants containing berberine (such as Oregon grape) may help in the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections.

Many people take 250-500 mg of standardized goldenseal root extracts in capsules or tablets containing 10% berberine three times per day. The goldenseal root capsules, tablets, or tinctures that are not standardized can be used in amounts of 3-4 grams each day. Goldenseal is not a substitute for Antibiotic treatment during an acute urinary tract infection.

The active constituent in uva ursi is arbutin. In the alkaline environment of the urine, arbutin is converted into another chemical, called hydroquinone, which in turn kills bacteria. It is widely accepted in Europe as treatment for UTIs.19 Many people take 5 ml of tincture three times per day or 100-250 mg of arbutin in herbal extract capsules or tablets three times per day.

Juniper increases urine volume. Some evidence suggests it may lower uric acid levels, which may account for why juniper helps cases of urinary tract infection.

Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual herb for complete information.) There are no known side effects with cranberry concentrate, and it is safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. Cranberry should not be used as a substitute for Antibiotics during an acute urinary tract infection.

Goldenseal is not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating women. Long-term use of uva ursi is not recommended, and some people may experience mild nausea after taking it. Uva ursi should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.

Due to potential damage to the kidneys, juniper should never be taken for more than six weeks continuously. Anyone with serious kidney diseases or taking diuretic drugs should not take juniper. Pregnant women should avoid juniper, as it may cause uterine contractions.

Oregon grape, as with other berberine-containing plants. should be used with caution in pregnancy and breast-feeding. Strong standardized extracts may cause stomach upset and should be used for no more than two weeks continuously.