UTI’s – Natural methods to prevent recurrences

Urinary Tract Infections [UTI’s], affects many millions of men and women, particularly women more than men; they have impact on their quality of life and some of them could be severe enough to affect kidneys. UTI’s predominantly start at the end of the urinary tract. The water pipe that leads from the urinary bladder to the outside is only about 5 centimetres (2 inches) long, carries urine from your bladder out of the body.

Escheria coli infection [a gastrointestinal bacteria] could sometimes stick to the walls of the urethra and begin to multiply, leading to an infection; this is when the symptoms start – burning sensation, stinging whilst passing urine and constant smarting in the water pipe. There could be supra-pubic aches and pains along with the urge to urinate even when you don’t need to go. If the infection migrates upwards, it could affect the kidneys and that could lead to pains in the back and sides as well fever, and sickness.

The bottom line to avoid UTIs is to prevent problematic bacteria from clinging to the lining of the urethra. Health professionals’ advice that one-way to stop the bacteria stick to your water pipe is to urinate after sex. In this article, we will discuss the role of the cranberry and probiotics. Some natural remedies can also do the trick.

Studies reveal, that cranberry pills – 2 capsules twice daily, could eliminate UTI’s by half. D-mannose could also help prevent or reduce recurrent UTI’s; D-mannose attaches to the E.coli bacteria, causing them to stick to each other and thereby prevents the bacteria in adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.

Probiotics – “good bacteria” = acidophilus and bifidobacteria helps support the immune system; these are found in plenty in live yoghurts.

Antibiotics are to be judiciously used, since they are not selective in killing the urinary tract bacteria alone. They could kill the potentially helpful good bacteria in the bowel.  Bacterial Resistance is another problem to contend with.

I am unsure about the following: Vitamin-C, raw garlics, clove oils, myrrh oils, oregano oils. There is a general belief that the essential oils may inhibit growth of unwanted bacteria.

The name of the game is, UTIs are common and you’re not alone. Cranberry capsules and D-mannose might be a solution to preventing recurrent and clearing residual infections. The probiotics – Yoghurts provide a non-harmful way of helping to get over these annoying UTI’s. If you have any questions about UTI’s ask your GP.