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DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: BLADDER INFECTION (CYSTITIS)
Description: Cystitis is a bacterial infection that can occur anywhere from the lining of the vagina through the urethra (where the urine comes out from the bladder), to the lining of the bladder. The infections can occur in a single episode or recurrent episodes, or can exist as chronic conditions.
Symptoms: Symptoms include burning and pain on urination, increased frequency and urgency to urinate, pain over the pubic area or lower back, and increased urination throughout the night. The urine often has a strong, unpleasant odor, and may appear cloudy. Children with bladder infections often complain of lower abdominal pain and a painful burning sensation while urinating. There may be blood in the urine.
Incidence: Cystitis is more common in women than in men due to the close proximity of the anus, vagina and urethra in women which allows for easy transmission of bacteria to the bladder. Nearly 85 percent of urinary tract infections are caused by Escherichia coli, a bacteria normally found in the intestines.
Causes: Many factors increase the possibility of developing bladder infections, including pregnancy, sexual intercourse, the use of a diaphragm, and systemic disorders such as diabetes. The risk of cystitis is also increased if there is a structural abnormality or obstruction of the urinary tract resulting in restriction of the free flow of urine, or if past infections have resulted in a narrowing of the urethra.
Treatments: A home testing kit is available in drugstores to help determine if you have a urinary infection.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Cranberry |
|
See under Herbs, below |
|
Garlic |
2 capsules 3 times daily |
A natural antibiotic. Destroys bacteria, viruses and fungi and promotes healing. |
|
Vitamin C plus Bioflavonoids |
4,000-5,000 mg daily in divided doses. 1,000 mg. daily. |
Produces antibacterial effect through acidification of urine. |
|
Acidophilus |
As directed on label. Take on an empty stomach. Also use 1 tbsp. in 1 qt. warm water as a douche. |
Needed to restore "friendly" bacteria. |
|
Calcium and Magnesium |
1500 mg. daily. 750-1,000 mg. daily |
Reduces bladder irritability. Works best when balanced with calcium. |
|
Multivitamin and mineral complex |
As directed on label |
Needed for essential balanced vitamins and minerals. Use a high potency, hypoallergenic form. |
|
Vitamin B Complex |
50-10 mg. twice daily with meals. |
Necessary for proper digestion. High doses are necessary if antibiotics are used. |
|
Potassium |
99 mg. daily |
Replaces potassium lost from frequent urination. |
|
Vitamin E |
600 IU daily |
Combats infecting bacteria |
Herbs:
 | Cranberry is the best herbal remedy for bladder infections. Quality cranberry juice produces hippuric acid in the urine, which acidifies the urine and inhibits bacterial growth. Drink 1 quart of cranberry juice daily. Purchase pure, unsweetened juice; but avoid commercial cranberry juice cocktail products because these contain relatively little pure cranberry juice and have a high amount of fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners. If pure cranberry juice is not available, cranberry capsules may be substituted. Always take these with a large glass of water. |
| Birch leaves are a natural diuretic and reduce some of the pain associated with bladder infections. |
| Dandelion tea or extract acts as a diuretic and liver cleanser and aids in relieving bladder discomfort; hydrangea is good for stimulating the kidneys and flushing the system. Combinations of these herbs are often most effective in flushing the kidneys and aiding in reducing the urgent need to urinate. |
| Buchu is good for a bladder infection with a burning sensation upon urination. |
| Marshmallow root increases the acidity of urine, inhibiting bacterial growth. Drink 1 quart of marshmallow root tea daily to help strengthen and cleanse the bladder. |
| Other beneficial herbs include burdock root, juniper berries, kava kava and rose hips. |
Recommendations:
| Drink plenty of liquids, especially cranberry juice (see under Herbs, above). Drink an 8 ounce glass of pure water every hour. This is very beneficial for urinary tract infections. |
| Include celery, parsley and watermelon in your diet. These foods act as natural diuretics and cleansers. Celery and parsley juice can be purchased at a health food store or made fresh at home if you have a juicer. |
| Avoid the following: citrus fruits, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, coffee, chocolate, and sugar. |
| Hot sitz baths help to relieve the pain associated with cystitis. |
| Keep the genital and anal areas clean and dry. Empty the bladder before and after exercise and intercourse, and wash the vagina after intercourse. |
| Wear white cotton underwear; nylon underwear should be avoided. |
| Change into dry clothes as soon as possible after swimming; avoid sitting around in a wet bathing suit. |
| Avoid using packaged douches, bubble baths, tampons or sanitary pads containing fragrances. |
| If you have frequent urinary tract infections, use sanitary pads rather than tampons. |
| If there is blood in the urine, consult your doctor, as this can be a sign of amore serious problem that warrants medical attention. |
Considerations:
| Habitually retaining the urine in the bladder for long periods of time increases the risk of urinary tract infection, and may also increase the risk of bladder cancer. |
| Shrinkage of urethra and vaginal membranes, which most commonly occurs after menopause due to reduction of estrogen in the body, can increase the tendency to develop bladder infections. Urethral dilation helps to stretch a contracted urethra. |
| Food allergies may cause symptoms that mimic bladder infections. |
| Using aluminum cookware may cause cystitis symptoms. |
| Colloidal silver, found in health food stores, is a natural antiseptic that fights infection and promotes healing. |
| Antibiotics and analgesics may be necessary for persistent and/or painful infections. Beware of resorting to them too often, however, because they can disturb the normal internal flora and may actually promote recurrent infections by promoting antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. |
| Recurrent cystitis may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as bladder cancer, an anatomical anomaly, or immune deficiency. Cystoscopy, a visual examination of the bladder, is recommended for recurring bladder infections. |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No 59618- |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
157-12 |
Cranberry Extract |
As directed on label |
$10.25/60 |
|
979-15 |
Garlic 500 mg. odorless tabs. |
2 tabs. 3 times daily |
$6.95/100 |
|
970-12 |
Vitamin C 1000 mg. with Rose Hips Tabs. |
3 tabs. daily in divided doses |
$5.75/60 |
|
091-15 |
Citrus Bioflavonoids 1000 mg. Tabs. |
1 tablet daily |
$5.95/100 |
|
888-15 |
Acidophilus with Pectin Hardshells |
As directed on label. Take on an empty stomach. |
$6.95/100 |
|
302-067 NP |
Cal/Mag Super Tabs. |
As directed on label. |
$4.29/100 |
|
982-15 |
One a Day Maximum Tabs. |
As directed on label. |
$6.95/100 |
|
890-15 |
B Complex 100 mg. Tablets |
2 tablets daily. |
$8.95/100 |
|
237-15 |
Vitamin E 200 IU |
3 tablets daily. |
$5.28/100 |
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide
Compiled by Burton Goldberg
