Urinary Tract Health
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By Stephanie Wills
Urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are definitely not the most popular topic of conversation but certainly one of the most common conditions to affect women! Men are susceptible too but to a much lesser extent! Usually UTI’s are caused by the E. Coli bacteria and can affect any part of the urinary tract (bladder, kidneys, urethra or ureters). Most infections are more of an annoyance than a serious health problem however; they can lead to kidney infection if left untreated.

Symptoms
utibladderA UTI normally involves a frequent and urgent desire to urinate, accompanied by a burning, and often painful, sensation. Urine often has a strong, unpleasant odour and may appear cloudy or tinged with blood. 

How do you treat a UTI?
Doctors will often prescribe an anti-biotic and/or various external application creams, gels or ointments to bring relief. However, with a few dietary modifications and certain nutritional supplements, a UTI may be easily treated and eliminated naturally and safely. 

Dietary recommendations
• Eat a sugar-free and yeast-free diet with plenty of fiber. 
• Drink plenty of water (a glass an hour) to help flush bacteria out of the bladder.
• Include celery, cucumber, watermelon and parsley in your diet; these are natural cleansers and diuretics.
• Avoid citrus fruits as these encourage bacterial growth. 
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, chocolate, refined or processed foods and sugar! 

cranberry-juiceSupplements
Beneficial nutrients include:
• Probiotics – needed to restore friendly bacteria and fight bacterial infection. Essential if anti-biotics have been prescribed!
• Cranberry – rich in Vitamin C, which produces an antibacterial effect. Cranberry also prevents the ability of E. coli bacteria to adhere to the linings of the urinary tract and thus inhibits bacterial growth. 
• Colloidal silver – natural broad spectrum anti-biotic that fights infection, subdues inflammation, promotes healing and destroys bacteria, viruses and fungi. 
• Uva Ursi or Bearberry acts as a natural diuretic to flush out bacterial infection. Bearberry also helps eradicate E-coli bacteria from the urinary tract. 
• D-Mannose is a sugar that passes through the body unmetabolised. Effective in the treatment of a UTI, it has the ability to prevent the adhesion of E Coli bacteria to the lining of the bladder.

Fortunately, there are so many natural remedies which can help quickly relieve, treat and eliminate UTI’s with no negative side-effects. And the best part is, of course, that often these treatments dramatically reduce the risk of any recurrent infections!

Note: Make sure that you always consult with a natural health practitioner before beginning any alternative treatment plan.