Urinary Tract Infection - Cystitis

This information is not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels for contraindications and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription drugs. This information is based on recommendations from natural health care professionals, and customer experience for over 40 years at Jo Anne's Place.

Identify and Eliminate the Cause

While UTI's can be caused by foreign objects and certain medications, the most common cause is E. coli contamination from the intestinal tract. For most people, the immune system protects them from infection, but susceptible individuals have to take more extra care.

• Wear natural cotton undergarments. Synthetics don’t “breathe” which can promote bacterial growth.
   
• Virtually every public surface exposes you to E. Coli.  Wash your hands when you get home.
  
  
• Any surface that comes in contact with the anus should be disinfected with a natural disinfectant. 
  
  
• Bacteria can be transmitted during sexual relations.  Empty the bladder after and drink lots of water to flush the bladder.  Speak to your partner and encourage careful hygiene on his/her part.
  
  
• Always wipe front to back. 

A Healing Diet

• Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered of spring water.  Chlorine destroys healthy flora.
  
  
• Eat a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming.  Very important for bladder health.
  
  
• Organic foods are the safest way to nourish yourself – a wise investment!
  
  
• Make vegetables, fruits, raw seeds and nuts, beans, legumes, and whole grains the mainstays of your diet.  Eat wheat only if sprouted.
  
  
• Eat heavy protein no later than lunch for better digestion of amino acids.
  
  
• Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut and nondairy kefir help to correct the pH of the body, improve nutrient absorption, and support healthy bacterial flora.
  
  
• Raw garlic helps prevent and treat UTI's and  boosts the immune system.
  
  
• Have 2 tsp apple cider vinegar in room temperature water with meals to improve digestion, correct pH, and combat bacteria.
  
  
• Avoid refined sugar, processed and deep fried food and alcohol. 
  

Basic Supplements

• Bio-Strath –Fermentation allows for complete absorption of nutrients, including B vitamins, has an alkaline effect, and is easy on the bladder.
  
  
• Vitamin D – 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000 IU - a steroid precursor, infection fighter, boosts immunity.
  
  
• Magnesium before bed alkalizes the system and calms an irritable bladder.
  
  
• Omega 3 fatty acids – modulates inflammation.
  
  
• Probiotics daily – strengthen immune function and prevent infection.
  
  
• Vitamin C is recommended during cold weather.  Calcium ascorbate or Ester C are easy on the bladder.
  

Treatment Options - Short Term Use for Infection

• D-mannose – When taken in appropriate dosages, d-mannose spills into the bladder coating E. coli bacteria so it can not adhere to the walls of the bladder.  The bacteria are then flushed out of the bladder during urination.
  
  
• Goldenseal – between meals - antibacterial and antifungal, strengthens the walls of the bladder, known as the king of the mucous membranes.
  
  
• Homeopathic cantharis can be helpful in alleviating symptoms during recovery.
  
  
• If infection is a chronic problem E.coli may have set up house on bladder walls and created a protective biofilm.  Take serrapeptase 2 times daily on an empty stomach (upon rising and just before bed) for 2 weeks then reduce to once a day until the bottle is finished.

Prevention

• Marshmallow tea – has a soothing effect and prevents infection.
  
  
• Use goldenseal intermittently to strengthen the bladder and prevent infection.
  
  
• Aloe vera is a source of d-mannose which discourages bacterial overgrowth and promotes tissue healing.

• Sunshine, fresh air and exercise keep the blood stream oxygenated and lungs clear,  important for a strong immune system.  Breathe deeply, exhale thoroughly.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, kidney problems are associated with fear. We offer this as food for thought. Many homeopathic remedies are specific to fears and phobias.  Jo Anne’s Place staff can offer suggestions.

Keep a journal to track your progress.

Good health happens by design, not by accident

*Updated February 2023