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URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI) Alternative Treatments and Prevention from AMAZON HERBS® |
UTI's are caused by bacterial infections and can affect any part of the urinary tract. They are most
common in women but men can get them also, although far less likely. This is one of the most common medical complaints among women age 18 and up. There are many causes of Urinary Tract Infection but the most common are being exposed to staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. These are found in the digestive tract, stool, and on the skin around - and between a woman's anus and vagina. The urethra is located very near these areas so the likelihood of bacteria reaching it, is considerable. The bacteria that cause a UTI enter the urethra (short tube that connects the urinary bladder to the genitals) and may travel to the bladder and kidneys. Micro organisms such as chlamydia and mycoplasma, can be transmitted sexually. Many UTI's are caused from bacteria normally found in the intestines. Infection of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) can be serious, if left untreated. The most common type of UTI is acute cystitis often called a bladder infection. Antibiotics, such as Fluoroquinolones (Cipro, Levaquin, Floxin), are often prescribed to treat this infection but overusing may have a negative effect and recurrence of the infection is quite possible. Antibiotic resistance among bacteria that cause UTI's has increased steadily in recent decades. Also some of these antibiotics increase the risk of a tendon rupture or other tendon damage. Over the counter (OTC) drugs such as Uristat, Azo can help alleviate some of the UTI symptoms but will not cure this infection. The symptoms of UTI's may include one or more of the following: increased urinary frequency or urgency, burning or discomfort with urination (dysuria), cloudy urine, foul or strong urine odor, blood in the urine, fever (this often means that the infection has moved into the kidneys), chills, abdominal pain, back pain and uterine tenderness. Often with these symptoms it is hard to sit, or walk without feeling uncomfortable. Women may feel an uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone, and some men experience fullness in the rectum. It is common for a person with this infection to complain that, despite the urge to urinate; only a small amount of urine is passed. Natural remedies, such as herbal dietary supplements, are known to treat and prevent these infections. It is also helpful to drink some fresh lemon juice in water to make urine alkaline so bacteria can not survive. Drinking lots of water helps cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria. However, having symptoms of a UTI does not necessarily mean a person has one. Other conditions may cause similar symptoms such as kidney stones, irritable bladder, renal infarction and pelvic inflammatory disease. Vaginal infections caused by yeast, herpes, cancer of the kidneys or bladder, urethral diverticulum (out-pouching next to the urethra); all these also look like a UTI. Herbal dietary supplements against Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) These are effective botanicals; mostly from the Amazon rainforest all are saver alternatives and effective against UTI's. Abuta Used in the treatment of urinary tract infections since it is considered an antiseptic. Acai It contains substances that inhibit the binding of bacteria to bladder tissue. This is mainly due to specific flavonoids known as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. Cat's claw Antibacterial -or antifungal activity, supports the immune system. It possesses a very high level of antioxidants. Curcumin Powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties play a significant role. It is effective in killing strains of E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Garlic Contains natural antibiotics and antimicrobial substances such as Allicin, killing bacteria responsible for many bladder infections. Ginger Has naturally occurring antibacterial properties from phenolic compounds such as Gingerols and Shagoals, aiding in treating a UTI. Pau d'arco Antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immune system properties. Phyllanthus It treats kidney, bladder - and urinary tract infections (UTI) by increasing urine, and having activity against bacteria and viruses. |