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Experiencing a UTI, (urinary tract infection) causes extreme discomfort. And most people are looking for immediate relief. You have options. Many people over the years have used these over-the-counter remedies for Urinary Tract Infections.
Urinary tract infections are so common in this country and females comprise the majority of cases. Over 6 million doctor visits per year for UTI show how common the disorder has become.
What is a UTI?
A UTI is an infection that occurs along the urinary tract, which includes the bladder kidneys, ureters, and urethra and are usually caused by bacteria. Infections of the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) commonly cause urinary pain, urgency, pain during urination or cloudy, pink, or red-colored urine. Less common and more severe are infections of the upper urinary tract, which comprises the kidneys and ureters; is associated with fever, vomiting, and flank pain. These are more serious.
UTI Causes
Many different types of bacteria can cause UTI’s. E. coli (Escherichia coli) is the most common. Fungus can cause it but that is normally only contracted in a hospital setting. E. coli can adhere to the mucous membranes in the urinary tract and cause the infection. One of the most unknown yet prevalent sources of E coli is chicken.
Chickens are raised on what is known as CAFO. (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations). This is a situation where great cruelty and horrible unhealthy conditions are inflicted on the chickens. Tiny cages with no fresh air or sunshine, processed foods that contain a chemical mixture of glyphosate containing ingredients and synthetic fillers and foods. This all results in chickens, weakened by poor health, which leads to demand antibiotics, dewormers, and anti-parasite drugs for survival. Poor health and drugs allow the E. coli bacteria to flourish within those chickens. We now estimate over 50% of all E. coli UTI cases could be caused by eating chicken that harbor this E. coli.
Risk Factors for UTIs
Other risk factors for UTIs include the following:
Female Gender
Sexual Intercourse
Pregnancy
Allergies
Diabetes
Urinary Flow Abnormalities
Catheters
Incontinence
Low Estrogen
Antibiotic Use
Delaying of Urination
Dehydration
Diagnosing and Treating a UTI
I recommend having treatment options readily available at home for your well-being and peace of mind. I always keep an emergency antibiotic and medicine kit from Jase medical. Arming yourself before you actually need drugs allows you to fight illness quickly. I highly embrace self-empowerment for my heath.
However, I also value a medical practitioner as well. I encourage you to build a relationship with a trusted, well-educated individual who understands the risks of pharmaceuticals and has experience with diagnosing patients.
Dr Robynne Chutkan, gastointerologist, stated in her book, The Microbiome Solution, “It may take the body and the microbiome one full year to recover from a round of antibiotics!” So use antibiotics with caution to prevent the unneeded ingestion of these drugs.
I recommend using Spore probiotics during any antibiotic treatments for a UTI. That’s because normal probiotics are destroyed during treatments and Spores are not.
Green Pharmacy Options
Now for those who want the “Green Pharmacy” options, I would like to give you options for using natural ingredients to assist in producing a healthy urinary tract for yourself.
There are quite a few botanicals and nutraceuticals that have dependable research regarding benefiting urinary tract health. I will cover each of these and their mechanism of action. However, my decades of observing so many individuals attempting to utilize these natural remedies have shown me two important details that are often overlooked.
How to use Natural Remedies for Best Results
Start as soon as your symptoms begin. Everyday waiting lessens the effectiveness of any treatment. And to start immediately means you need remedies already in the home.
The recommended dosage on the bottle is often a “maintenance dose.” A therapeutic dosage is generally double that amount. However, I recommend consulting with a trained expert. Also, if you have serious medical issues please consult your doctor before beginning to stay safe and ensure no interactions.
Taking over-the-counter remedies for urinary tract infections, three times daily, maintains the potency within the body. And that’s critical for results. The ingredient levels must be maintained within the urinary system and 3 times is required to accomplish this goal.
Researched nutraceuticals and botanicals or over-the-counter remedies for urinary tract infections
Cranberries
This wonder of nature contains that active ingredient, quinic acid, which increases the level of something known as hippuric acid. Hippuric acid is a natural antibacterial agent in the urine. (Jepsen 2007, 2012)
Second, cranberries contain substances referred to as proanthocyanidins which may interfere with the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary tract. In other words, it creates a slippery surface that keeps bacteria from locking on to any part of the urinary tract. I use capsules or powder as the most potent and effective option. Juice is not standardized, plus it has far too much sugar.
D-Mannose
D-Mannose is a natural sugar that binds to the cells that line the urinary tract. It shows promise in preventing bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract. In some studies, mannose may serve as a non-nutritive food for E.coli. However, it cannot be digested by the bacteria, and thus weakens the bacteria by starving it.
Caprylic Acid
Caprylic acid comes from a natural healthy medium-chain fatty acid, known for its anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it assists in maintaining a healthy microbial balance and reduces excess yeast in the body. Caprylic acid works by penetrating the cell walls of pathogens.
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Grapefruit Seed Extract
The name itself explains the source of this substance. Grapefruit seeds have the potential to lower the level of pathogenic bacteria. The research is less on this than other substances however I have witnessed individuals over the past 30 years often get wonderful results from just using this one ingredient.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract is probably my longest-running number one recommendation for urinary health. I have used Olive Leaf anytime I feel, “under the weather” at 4 to 6 capsules per day. The olive leaf contains an ingredient, oleuropein, which has demonstrated to offer antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. One of which the is bacteria E. coli. Purchasing an Olive Leaf that is standardized for potency is vital.
Oregano Extract
Oregano made from high-quality sources, contains two compounds, Carvacrol and Thymol. These two compounds can inhibit the growth of E. coli.
Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi, also known as bearberry, has traditionally treated UTI’s for many decades. Your body converts the primary active ingredient, arbutin into hydroquinone, which can help reduce pain in the urinary tract.
Marshmallow root
This traditional herbal remedy has effective soothing and anti-inflammatory properties within the urinary tract. Marshmallow root also acts as a slight diuretic, increasing urine secretion, which aids in flushing out bacteria.
Red Raspberry
This herb has been shown to potentially help prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder walls.
Bilberry herb
Bilberry offers benefits for the urinary tract as a diuretic which helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
If you want great results, you need quality products. I have recommended Life Seasons Urinari-X as the number one Urinary and Yeast support product for years. It contains tested and certified ingredients that cover the gamut of needs for your urinary health.
Arming yourself with a product such as Urinari-X will give you the confidence to maintain a healthy Urinary system.
