Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, affect millions of people every year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If left untreated, UTIs may spread to the kidneys and result in critical medical situations. UTIs are typically treated with antibiotic drugs, although some people choose to treat them with a dietary supplement made from calcium -- calcium citrate. Though calcium citrate is believed beneficial for UTIs, it is vital to consult your doctor when experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
Definition
A urinary tract infection can involve your urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys, according to the Mayo Clinic. This infection tends to affect more women than men and mostly occurs in the lower urinary tract, the bladder and the tube that transports urine from the bladder -- the urethra. A UTI that affects only the urethra is called urethritis, and one that is located primarily in the bladder is known as cystitis. Untreated UTIs can lead to a kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, cautions the UMMC.
Causes
Most urinary tract infections are the result of a bacterium that normally resides in the colon -- escherichia coli, commonly known as E.coli. UTIs occur when bacteria attaches to the opening of the urethra and proliferates, according to the UMMC. Micro-organisms such as the sexually-transmitted chlamydia and mycoplasma, a type of bacteria without a cell-wall, are also believed to be culprits in UTIs.
Symptoms
According to the UMMC, several symptoms, such as painful and frequent urination, are associated with urinary tract infections. Sufferers of UTIs have an urgent need to urinate but often can only release a small amount -- which may be cloudy or contain blood. In addition, UTIs can lead to fatigue and a shaky feeling. Women may feel pressure above the pelvic bone, while men are likely to experience a sensation of fullness in the rectum, reports the UMMC.
Calcium Citrate
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is necessary for proper muscle contraction, blood vessel health, hormone and enzyme production and the transmission of nervous system impulses, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Supplements of calcium are usually in the forms of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate -- the calcium salt of citric acid. Though both are well-absorbed, calcium citrate can be taken at any time, with or without food, whereas calcium carbonate needs the production of stomach acid and food intake for absorption.
Treatment
Leading authority on natural medicine Dr. Michael Murray, suggests taking calcium citrate to help fight lower urinary tract infections. Murray claims that the minerals attached to citrates, as in calcium citrate, have been used for ages in the treatment of UTIs. He suggests taking 125 to 250 mg of calcium citrate 3 to 4 times per day. According to the website HealthCommunities.com, calcium citrate may create a more alkaline pH, which is thought to help battle UTIs. The potential of hydrogen, or pH, measures the amount of acidity or alkalinity in a solution, on a scale from 1 to 14 -- with the number 7 being considered neutral. Lower pH numbers indicate a substance's acidity. Likewise, the higher the number, the more alkaline a substance will be. Urine pH levels of 6.5 or below can contribute to bladder and kidney problems, as in UTIs, purports NaturalHealthSchool.com.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urological Disorders
- Dr. Murray Natural Living: Bladder Infection (Cystitis)
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Tract Infection
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
- HealthCommunities.com: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Alternative Treatment
- NaturalHealthSchool.com: The Cause of Disease
