Help with Urinary Infections

Hi G.,
I drink lots of water and cranberry juice mixed about 4/1 - with the straight cranberry that you can get at vitamin cottage etc. Not cranberry coctail...
Hope that helps,
D.

Hi My mom has always believed in alternative healing and she has always suggested to make a hot tea from alfalfa. just hot water and either bulk alfalfa in a tea ball or you can use a capsule. To make it taste better I have added honey.
Hope this helps

I take a cranberry capsule everyday with my MVit., Calcium/Magnesium (bones), Acidophilus (intestinal), and Omega-3/DHA (for herart health). These all seem to keep my flora a flonas balanced and I have not had an issue in many years. My daughter (4) also was holding it all the time and having issues. I put half a capsule on her sereal nd call it Princess sugar" as it is pink. That seemed to help her too. She won't drink the cranberrry juice and it makes me have to use the bathroom too much (and I really don't drink juices either).

G.,

I know EXACTLY what you're talking about! Here is my daily prevention method. I take Triple Berry Complex (has three berries in it, blueberry, bilberry, and cranberry). It is a simple easy thing to do. You can contact me, or Herbalife International via their website www.herbalife.com for more info. I can say last year I had 4 UTI's in 6 months (hell!!) and since I started taking just one of these each day, I haven't had a single problem. Not even a scare. But when you do get a UTI, antibiotics is the way to go. You cannot drink enough cranberry juice! Ask your doctor for the pill that fights ONLY the bad infection. There is one out there, I took it 4 times! It didn't give me yeast infection (it was specifically designed for that purpose) and I am quite prone to those too even with one dose of amoxicillin.

Hope that helps!
V. Wight ____@____.com
married to dh for 8.5 yrs, dd is 6, ttc#2 for 5 yrs in August, and sending in adoption papers TODAY! Wish us luck!

I'm all for doing everything to prevent UTI's. Go to the bathroom and urinate after intercourse. Eating right. drinking lots of water and cranberry juice try all the natural things you can Before you get sick.

But once you have an active UTI, antibiotics are a must. Without them the infection can move up into your kidneys and cause kidney damage. (I've been there, it's painful and just a a horrible thing to go through.

So go to the doctor now. Get the antibiotics and Talk to him about what you can do to prevent the uti's and yeast infections.

I am also prone to UTI's and have come across some interesting things that I do and they have helped. First drink tons of water! Then have some more! If you don't already, begin taking a daily cranberry supplement, a daily yeast supplement, and a daily probiotic supplement.. AZO makes both and can be purchased in walmart. The cranberry helps with the UTI's and the yeast and probiotics helps if you have to take any antibiotics. Cut out as much sugar as possible, as sugar feeds both yeast infections and UTI's.

This may sound like a strange thing to do to help, but I was told by a Dr. (my last UTI turned into a painful and serious kidney infection) that I needed to wash my hands prior to using the restroom. I work in a retail home improvement store and can get pretty dirty as I work. It never occured to me to wash before using the bathroom but was told that if your hands are dirty and as you touch the toilet paper that then comes into contact with you while wiping, that you can cause UTI problems because you are introducing dirt or bacteria through the toilet paper! So at home or at work, I now wash my hands before and after each time I use the restroom! This is important for anything that comes into contact with your private areas, so prior to sexual contact, your husband should also wash hands and private areas too!

Urinating often and before and after sex is imperitive as well! Tilt your pelvis foward to ensure you are emptying your bladder and do kegles as often as possible to strengthen your vaginal walls.

Also, NO swimming in public pools, water slides are the worst!! Even home hot tubs can be problematic!

And if you use an internal vaginal cleanser (duese, can't spell it) stop using it, it interferres with your bodies natural balances.

Hope this helps.

Hi G.,

Check out www.herbdoc.com or call them at 1-800-HERB-DOC.
They will send you a free catalog.

I have used many of the herbal products available there and have loved every one! You might want to try the Kidney/Bladder detox and the Super Tonic. I haven't used anything for UTIs so I don't really have any first hand experience with that, so I'll let you do your own research there. I like Dr. Schulze's products because I feel like I can trust that the ingrediants are pure, organic and wild harvested herbs. He also doesn't add a bunch of fillers, it's all herbs! More than I can say for products from the store. Hope this helps!! God Bless!

URAL, an over-the-counter product from australia, is FANTASTIC. It is not antibiotics, and can fully handle a raging UTI. You mix little sachets of powder with water and drink it up. Look for online Aussie drugstores. Most of them will ship to the US, and since URAL isn't expensive, the cost of shipping doesn't make it to expensive a remedy. I have a friend who gets 10+ UTIs a year, and she buys URAL in bulk, and has been using it for years.

G.
I too get chronic bladder infections. I am now pregnant with my first child, so my mid-wife gave me a corn silk tincture(this a a herb mixed with alcohol to create a more potent herb, that you take in smaller quantities. Normally I would take Uva Ursi ( also a herb, but this herb you should only take for up to two weeks and not while you are pregnant). I am a firm believer in herbs, because unlike "western medicine" they work with my body to heal me. No more yeast infections from the antibiotics. I would suggest going to your health food store to find these products.
I hope this helps. :)

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Lots of fluid, especially cranberry juice and other dark red/blue/purple juices (natural color, not artificial)
Once you do have an infection, I would not wait long at all before getting medical treatment. Since it has happened regularly and you know the symptoms your doc may call in a prescription for you. But if left untreated, UTI can lead to bladder infection, and then kidney infection. 20 mintues to the doctor is nothing compared to the time and cost of dialysis!

I know someone said forget the health food store but, I say go there! Get some probiotics and cranberry pills! Works great!

I have found, like the others said, if you catch it right away you can treat with cranberry. I would drink pure cranberry juice (like you'd fine at a health food store), not the sugared kind like you'd get at a grocery (the sugar can fuel a bacterial infection). You have to drink it really cold or it is way too bitter! Also, there are cranberry tablets and another OTC drug made by AZO that will relieve the symptoms, but I wouldn't count on it to fix an infection. Also, they used to make an OTC pill called Cystex which was an anti-pain, and anti-bacterial, which might help in treating the first signs of an infection. Once you have a full blown infection, though, don't hesitate to go to the doctor. Serious infections can lead to bladder and kidney damage.

Also,(a little personal but...) my doctor told me to drink a lot of water always and urinate after sex, every time. I used to have chronic UTIs for years, but I have been able to prevent them like this for almost a decade!!

I have had many UTI's and I try to prevent with the cranberry juice. I have had times that I don't catch it in time and I have to go the doctor then I get the yeast infections. Yogurt prevents these. If you let it go to far, these UTI's will go to the kidneys. Prevent it or see the doctor. Good luck!

Once you get an infection antibiotics are about your only option. However, there are some things you can do to help prevent them. Take cranberry extract pills like Azo, the juice is just not potent enough to do anything for you. Also, really limit or remove your sugar intake, including juice. Sugar provides tons of food for the bacteria that cause UTIs. Also, drink lots of water and pee on a schedule. Set a timer and go to the bathroom again 5-10 minutes after you first go. Often if you have had a lot of UTIs your bladder won't empty all of the way the first time and old urine is left to generate lots of bacteria. And lastly, make sure you are regular. Constipation leaves your torso full of bacteria that can cause infections.

Just so you know my background, I have a daughter who has struggled with UTIs for 5 years. She has seen doctors in three states and had surgery twice. This is all of the advice we have gleaned from the different doctors over the years. It has really helped. On another note, when you do have an infection, take acidophilus to help with the yeast infections.

Those UTI's are a real pain in the caboose!!
Forget the doctor and his antibiotics (too much antibiotics is what is causing the new "super-bugs"). Also before you go and spend a bunch of money at some herbal store or online you should try an old simple trick like cranberries. At Safeway at the "health food" section they have a juice called Just Cranberries that have saved me EVERY time. If you know the symptoms for the UTI then start as soon as you can with the juice. I don't even have to go to Safeway when I get a UTI anymore, because I have a bottle at the house all the time. Another great product is Super Concentrated or Concentrated Cranberry Fruit softgels (you don't want the pillform it takes longer to make a difference). The softgels that I use, I bought at Wal-Mart (we all know that they are not pricey) and they can even be taken as a daily maintenance if you want to. Of course like every good doctor would say: "You need to make sure that you drink a lot of water to flush it out and if you already drink a lot of water every day, then drink more." Good Luck!

try drinking cranberry juice

Water and the cranberry pill work wonders. But don't stop taking the pills even thought the infection is gone. You can use it to help keep it away and the same with water. Just cut back on the amount after the infection is gone.

Uristat - OTC UTI pain medicine you can buy at any drugstore

Cranberry juice! Yogurt!

Stay hydrated because dehydration can cause them too.

I know your post was from 2008, but I have to respond and hopefully it will send you the msg! I had the same deal going on as you- went to a couple of urologists, tried a mild preventative antibiotic, tried laying off the caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, etc. Tried peeing after sex, blaa blaa blaa, every single piece of advice. Then I discovered I have an aunt who had the same problem. She has a doc who told her about this herbal pill called "Cysta-Q" that you have to order online (might be in stores by now?) but it seriously saved my life. It's like a miracle for constant bladder infections and hyper-sensitive urethras! Go to their website and read about it. Anyhow, you can take it every day with your vitamin, or you can take it whenever you feel the burning coming on, which is when I take it. It's got Quercetin (sp?) in it, which I think is the magical ingredient that helps flush your system of bacteria. I'm trying to share this with everyone I know, because my life is no longer miserable from this!

HI there, I too have had UTI's and antibiotics always result in terrible yeast infections. When I was pregnant my midwife used Uva Ursi Tincture (get it at the health foods store) and used it for five day, five times a day + and then slowly decreased over another five days. It really worked and helped the pain, as it is has pain blocking properties. Also, high doses of Vitamin C, Garlic and tons of water are great with cranberry caps (better than the juice) - I mean like 3 quarts of water to flush the system...

Good luck! I hope it works great for you!

Oh, I forgot the most important rule: pee after sex! That has really prevented tons of UTI's for me!

Try cranberry juice once you have it, or cranberry pills every day.... Worked for me! Good Luck!

My daughter also has issues with UTI's. I hated always giving her antibiotics, so I went to the natural health food store by my house and did some research. I was able to find some 'cranberry pills' that have really seemed to help her. She has to take 2 at a time, probably 3 times a day, but in the end, it is grealy worth it because in a day or two, he infection is gone. I hope this helps!

Jan B is right. I noticed that most of my UTIs were usually after intercourse and my Dr. told me to urinate after and I haven't had one for years and also anything scented like liners or personal body sprays were my problem also. Didn't your Dr. tell you to eat yogurt when you are on antibiotics? It works to keep yeast infections at bay. I always thought the over the counter stuff was just to help you get through till you could see a Dr., not cure it. Good luck

As someone who has had their share of UTI's, I tell you to drink lots of 100% Cranberry Juice. It is tons better than the cranberry pills are. I have my pantry stocked with it now and just make sure that I drink a huge glass of it every day. I haven't had any problems with UTI's for the longest time now. I am so glad as the antibiotics just added to the problem by giving me yeast infections too! YUCK!!!! Plus they always upset my stomach or give me a metallic taste in my mouth too. If you don't like just cranberry juice, Ocean Spray now has Cranberry/Blueberry Juice, and it's 100% juice, not juice cocktail. It is wonderful! Both cranberry and blueberry are antioxidants too so you will be helping your UTI and helping your body fight off any cancers!

I would drink it all day long for a couple of days until your UTI goes away. I noticed a difference though after the first day!!! Then --A glass a day keeps the UTI's away!!! :)

You poor thing. I've had more UTIs in the last few years than the 20 prior. Weird. Any way, I have come across several things that work.

First, drink LOTS and lots of fluids. Cranberry juice is good, Pomegranate is much better. You need to really flush the area and virtually 'wash' the UT.

Lots of vitamin C. Something with other minerals in it is best like Emergen-C.

Uva Ursi (tincture is best, but capsules will do if that's all you can find), taken at least 4 times per day while pain is present and then three times a day for another 3 - 4 days to make sure the infection is completely healed.

Echinacea tincture, two droppers full, every two hours, from the very first sign of UTI. Continue until 3 -4 days after all symptoms have subsided. The key to success with echinacea is to only use tincture, get on it at the very first inkling of infection and KEEP taking it, right through past the point where you think you're healed.

REST! Infections usually happen in run down bodies that don't have the normal, healthy, immune responses.

And if you are prone to yeast infections I highly recommend you get yourself on a very high quality probiotic - as a regular course with your daily vitamins.

Take good care.

M.

cranberry juice. just keep it on hand. works great. and no doctor visit or prescription to pay for.

First of all, contact your doctor's office and tell them what the problem is. You may not need to be seen, and the nurse may have plenty of suggestions she can give you over the phone before resorting to antibiotics.

Definitely drink more water. The more water you drink, the more you flush out all toxins in your system. It will cleanse your insides, an does wonderful things for your skin, too.

As suggested in another response, urinate after intercourse to prevent the bacteria from causing a UTI.

Drink the cranberry juice. Or eat dried cranberries. They go great in salad with raspberry vinaigrette, apples, and mandarin oranges.

I know others have already said cranberry juice. This works well because it keeps the acidity high in your urine and can help prevent bacteria from growing. It can help prevent, but will not cure. Good luck!

well, I not only get the uti but have had problems with my kidneys. What helps me is i take cranberry pills. I get them from my mom, but you can buy them from her place its called aim international. I am not sure of the web site but I know they work really well and they are really natural.

I got UTI's A LOT when I was pregnant with both my kids. The best thing for me was to drink cranberry juice (100% juice -- mixed with other juices is fine, but get the highest percentage of cranberry you can find, and not juice cocktails) regularly. I usually had at least a glass a day. Also, eat lots of yogurt. The yogurt especially helped whenever I did have to be on antibiotics to prevent yeast infection, etc. Has your doctor checked your urinary tract for any blockages or abnormalities? This can make UTI's a lot more frequent. If you have a blockage or something, you may need surgery to correct it and make the UTI's stop.

I used to get UTI's frequently. When you get one you should not drink any soda pop. I think drinking a lot of soda pop and not enough water contributes to getting a UTI. For the last 2 years I have made sure that I drink at least 64 oz (usually more) of water every day and I haven't even had a hint of a UTI since. Cranberry juice also helps.

A doctor told me that you should always go to the bathroom after sex to help in the prevention of UTI's. Good Luck.

Drink a lot of cranberry juice. It helps flush the infection out of your system.

I struggled w/them for years & the bacteria would run up into my kidneys fast.

Two suggestions:
Always, always get up and pee after intercourse. Always.

Take a garlic supplement daily. One tablet in the morning is all you need to stop the cycle, & after three months of no infections, you won't need the garlic anymore, but then refer to line one above. Always. Really.

Cranberry juice helps but if it gets too bad and you have to do anitbiotics eat lots of yogurt it helps with yeast!! Acidopholis (over the counter) helps too with yeast.

I have suffered with uti's my entire life. What has helped me is cranberry juice. Also, there is an herb called Cranactin that you can get at pretty much any health food store that has also worked. Then there is the old stand by remedy of drinking plenty of water during the day. I don't always get the suggested 8 glasses, but at least 4 to 5 glasses helps. I hope this helps you out. I know what you are going through!!

Drink about a gallon of water. Drink so much water you are sick of it and you feel like you have had so much water. And then drink more. The more water you drink the faster the infection will be flushed out. It is a killer for the first 24 hours and then it will get better. It is a lot better then antibiotics becuase they cause a yeast infection for me too. Drink water!!!

I used to get UTI's and would also get yeast infections from taking antibiotics. I am drinking this juice called MonaVie and have had tremendous results in many areas. It contains 19 fruits and berries. MonaVie protects your organs from toxins and promotes digestive health. Four of the 19 fruits in MonaVie help to prevent UTI's. Drinking 4oz of MonaVie daily gives you the equivalent of 13 servings of fruits and veggies. Feel free to contact me and we can discuss the benefits of MonaVie in your life. my phone# is ###-###-#### and my e-mail is ____@____.com

K. Y.

100% cranberry juice does help with UTIs. Go to the natural food store in your area (vitamin cottage, whole foods, etc) and speak with their nutritionist. There's a wealth of info there.

Drink Cranberry juice. I used to get these a lot but now I drink a glass a day and I haven't had one since. Hope this helps!!

When you already have a UTI, I think you need antibiotics to get rid of it and can then use preventative measures to stop or reduce them in the future. I made the mistake of treating the symptoms(which worked for a month) but it turned out it never healed me and I needed to get on antibiotics after dealing with it for a whole month. If you take probiotics and eat yogurt with live cultures, that should help a lot with yeast infections.

http://www.drchristophers.com/Kidney-Formula-Capsule.html

Dr. Christopher's products are widely known, you can find them at most herb stores. This should fix the problem, rather than temporarily clearing up symptoms, but if you are especially unhealthy it may take a while.

With herbs you should be somewhat careful and know what you are taking. You can look up the ingredients online, there are websites that will tell you what some of the things do. Here is just one such site: http://www.allnatural.net/herbpages/marshmallow.shtml

Often I look up herbal formulas and check to see if some of the ingredients are something I have access to. Some ingredients like Juniper Berries, Parsley and Ginger are easy to come by. In your condition I would use the whole formula, but if you don't want to spend any money you could start with those ingredients.

Someone once said "let your food by your medicine and your medicine be your food". Look at what you are taking in. If you eat a lot of sugars and bread, that is creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. The more vegetables and clean food you can get, the better.

There are so many new probiotic and prebiotic foods out there now, so be sure to take those in also. Especially if you are taking antibiotics. Best of luck.