| Though bladder infections do strike men, they are | | | | guidelines below to promote the healing |
| more common among women. Known medically | | | | process.Most Importantcolloidal silver (as directed |
| as cystitis, this condition is caused by a bacterial | | | | on label)-a natural antibiotic that destroys bacteria |
| infection-usually the bacteria is from the E. coli | | | | and fungi; promotes healinggarlic (as directed on |
| strain. This bacteria is transferred from the hands, | | | | label)-a natural antibiotic and immune |
| anal area, or skin of the genitals to the bladder | | | | enhancervitamin C (4000 to 5000 mg daily in |
| through the urethra (or urine canal). Also called | | | | divided doses)-aids the healing |
| honeymoon cystitis, the condition also commonly | | | | processbioflavonoids (1000 mg)-important in |
| occurs when bacteria is introduced to the urethra | | | | immune functionAlso Recommendeda prodophilus |
| through foreplay or sexual intercourse.Signs and | | | | formula (as directed on label, on empty |
| SymptomsBurning sensation during | | | | stomach)-restores friendly bacteriacalcium (1500 |
| urinationFrequent urinationUrge to urinate when | | | | mg)-reduces bladder irritabilitymagnesium (750 to |
| the bladder is emptyShooting pain in the vaginal | | | | 1000 mg daily)-balances calciumpotassium (99 |
| canal and/or pubic areaCloudy, blood-streaked, or | | | | mg)-replaces potassium lost as a result of |
| strong-smelling urinePressure or pain in lower | | | | frequent urination vitamin E (600 IU)-combats |
| abdomen or backConventional Medical | | | | bacteriavitamin A (50,000 IU for 2 days, then |
| TreatmentWhile cystitis can be quite painful, it is | | | | 25,000 IU for 2 days, then reduce to 5000; do |
| also very treatable. At the first sign of a bladder | | | | not exceed 8000 IU if you are pregnant)-speeds |
| infection, visit your doctor, who can diagnose the | | | | healing(For an acute condition, take supplements |
| condition with a urine test. If left untreated, a | | | | until your symptoms subside. If symptoms |
| bladder infection can migrate through the urinary | | | | persist, seek the advice of your healthcare |
| tract to the kidneys, possibly resulting in a kidney | | | | provider. For a chronic condition, consult your |
| infection (pyelonephritis), which is a more serious | | | | healthcare provider regarding the duration of |
| condition.The most common medical treatments | | | | treatment.)AromatherapyFor the pain that |
| are autibiotics, such as sulfa drugs. Your doctor will | | | | accompanies bladder infections, apply a massage |
| also ask you to increase your intake of water aud | | | | oil of bergamot and lavender or chamomile and a |
| avoid diuretics, such as caffeinated beverages aud | | | | carrier oil (such as safflower oil) to the lower |
| alcohol. Symptoms typically abate 24 to 48 hours | | | | abdomen as needed.You also might try a hot sitz |
| after beginning medication.Complementary and | | | | bath to which you've added a few drops of the |
| Alternative TreatmentsNutrition and | | | | essential oils of juniper, sandalwood, or German |
| SupplementationFluids are key to ridding yourself | | | | chamomile.Ayurvedic MedicineTo lessen the |
| of a bladder infection. Drink an 8-ounce glass of | | | | burning sensation that accompanies a bladder |
| water every hour, and 1 quart of pure, | | | | infection, Ayurvedic ractitioners advise drinking |
| unsweetened cranberry juice daily. Cranberry juice | | | | coriander tea or a coriander-cumin-fennel tea. |
| adds acid to the urine and prevents bacteria from | | | | They also suggest taking a blend of shatavari, |
| adhering to the lining of the bladder. Eat natural | | | | guduchi, punarnava, and kamadudha twice |
| diuretics, such as celery, parsley, and watermelon, | | | | daily.ChiropracticIn cases of chronic cystitis, |
| but avoid citrus fruits, which upset the body's pH | | | | chiropractic adjustments may be beneficial. Once |
| balance. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated | | | | the nerve interference is corrected by proper |
| beverages, coffee, chocolate, refined and | | | | alignment, healing can occur. Experts recommend |
| processed foods, and simple sugars. All these will | | | | that such chiropractic care be done in conjunction |
| have an adverse effect on the bladder.Avoid | | | | with conventional medical supervision, which may |
| taking iron supplements until you have healed. Too | | | | include medication. |
| much iron aids in bacterial growth. Follow the daily | | | | |