Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.

Doctors typically treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. But you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting a UTI in the first place. Over 85% of bladder infections are caused by E. coli. [1], a bacteria that naturally resides in the intestines of all humans. The E. coli bacteria from the rectum does not have a long distance to travel to reach the urethra and then bladder to cause an infection.

Some common ways in which this migration or infection can happen include: holding urine, improper wiping, sexual contact, potty training (which is usually a combo of holding urine and improper wiping). Increased risk factors include menopause, pregnancy, diabetes, enlarged prostate gland, spinal cord injury or kidney stones.

Conventional Treatment

Analyzing a urine sample. Your doctor may ask for a urine sample for a quick in-office analysis to look for white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria. This is called a urinalysis. If this is abnormal along with UTI symptoms, your doctor will most likely start you on antibiotics. He will also send a urine culture to a lab, to grow and determine what type of bacteria is present. This way they can tell which medication will be most effective.

For an uncomplicated UTI, symptoms usually clear up within a few days of starting treatment. But you may need to continue antibiotics for a week or more. If you are having severe discomfort, some doctors will prescribe a pain medication to numb your bladder and urethra, (a thin tube that transports urine from the bladder to exit the body).

For frequent bladder infections, your doctor may order further testing such as cytoscopy, or possibly a CT scan, MRI or ultrasound. These tests may use a contrast dye to highlight structures in your urinary tract. Another possibility for treatment of frequent infections is low-dose antibiotics for six months or longer. You will be advised to drink plenty of water.

Natural Treatment

Alternative treatments for bladder infections work best if started at the first sign of infection. The presence of fever, chills or low back pain can indicate involvement of the kidneys. It is not recommended to treat this at home. Kidney infections are serious. If natural treatment for symptoms of bladder infection do not start to give relief for your bladder symptoms within a day or two, seek medical attention.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar, taken in a glass of water, is a very useful remedy for a bladder infection when used at early onset of symptoms. [1a] Acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps to fight infection. Apple Cider Vinegar is by far the most popular natural remedy for bladder infections according to earthclinic.com. Over one hundred readers have reported success using apple cider vinegar as a stand alone treatment for a UTI, or in combination with other natural supplements.

A typical beginning dose of apple cider vinegar for general health purposes is 1-2 teaspoons per glass of water. But for a bladder infection it is more common to take 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and repeat the dose several times throughout the day, and even when you wake up in the night. Some readers have even taken a shot glass of straight apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water. If you experience digestive discomfort, discontinue.

It is important to drink plenty of water with any treatment you pick for your bladder infection!

• D-mannose – a type of sugar found in a number of fruits and vegetables, including cranberries. It does not kill bacteria, but it keeps bacteria like E. coli, from attaching to the wall of the bladder. A common dose of D-mannose powder is 2 grams (1 teaspoon) twice daily. Once symptoms resolve, taking it daily for several more days may prevent a recurrence. It has also been used to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections just as well as Macrodantin, a common antibiotic for UTI’s. [2]
• Cranberries and cranberry juice – Cranberries have been shown to be effective in several clinical studies. 16 ounces of cranberry juice per day was shown to produce beneficial effects in 73% of the subjects with active infections. (see under sources below, Prodomos, et al). Although many people believe the action of cranberry juice is due to acidifying the urine and the antibacterial effects of a component called hippuric acid, these are probably not the major mode of action. Cranberry juice reduces the ability of bacteria to adhere to the lining of the bladder and urethra. Most cranberry juices on the market contain 1/3 juice mixed with water and sugar. Since sugar has such a detrimental effect on the immune system, unsweetened cranberry juice mixed with water, is preferable. Drink 4 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice or 1 capsule of cranberry concentrate, three times a day. D-mannose, as explained above, is another option. Traditional Medicinals sells a lovely tea called Cran-Aid. It combines cranberries, Uva ursi and other synergistic herbs. Great for those prone to UTI’s! It is available at most grocery stores and natural food stores.
• Uva ursi – this herb can reduce bacteria in the urine. It can also reduce swelling and inflammation. In vitro studies show mild antimicrobial action against known UTI causing organisms. [3] It is used to relieve symptoms of mild cases of water retention and early symptoms of mild, urinary tract infections where symptoms such as burning sensations during urination or frequent urination is experienced. Usual dosing is 3 capsules, twice daily. Not for prolonged use, or if pregnant, nursing, or under the age of 12.
• Probiotics – supplementing with probiotics can decrease the recurrences of uncomplicated UTI’s. [4] A combination of probiotics, prebiotics, pomegranate extract and D-mannose, could effectively manage acute cystitis without antibiotics, in a large majority of cases. [5] If you purchase online, be sure to look for “shelf stable” brand. Otherwise you can buy at your local natural foods store in the refrigerated section.
• Homeopathic Cantharis – Burning pains are necessary for Cantharis to be considered. Use this remedy for a UTI with rapid onset of fiery burning. The person will also have a strong urge to urinate—with cutting and burning pains that are felt before the urine passes, as well as during and after. Only several drops pass at a time, with a scalding sensation. The person may feel as if the bladder has not been emptied, still feeling a constant urge to urinate.[6] Usual dose is 30C, if you can’t find 30 C, anything up to 200C is fine. Take 5 pellets under the tongue. If no improvement of symptoms within a few hours, take another dose. If after 3 doses, there is no noticeable change, you may need a different remedy or to contact a healthcare professional. Homeopathy is a complex science. There is more than one remedy for the same ailment, depending on its presentation of symptoms. To learn more, check out Joette Calabrese.

Sources

The New Our Bodies, Ourselves. Boston Women’s Health Collective. New York: Simon and Schuster 1992

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353453

https://www.everydayhealth.com/e-coli/urinary-tract-infection/

Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopoeia. The Pharmaceutical Press. London. 1977

https://www.verywellhealth.com/d-mannose-for-bladder-health

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32597599/

Rane A, Dasgupta R. Urinary tract infection : clinical perspectives on urinary tract infection. London: Springer; 2013.

https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/cystitis/a-guide-to-the-best-and-worst-drinks-if-you-suffer-from-utis/

Tomson C. Urinary Tract Infection. In: David A Warrel, Timothy M Cox, John D Firth EJBJ, editors. Oxford Text Book of Medicine. 4th ed. New York: Oxford Univeristy Press; 2003

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32597599/