A bladder infection, or cystitis, is a form of urinary tract infection (UTI). The infection is most common in women. Most women will have some form of UTI once in their life. Symptoms include pain and burning during urination, discolored urine and frequent urination. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat the infections. Consider alternative and homeopathic remedies to treat your bladder infections and avoid prescription medications. Always seek medical attention if symptoms are accompanied by fever, chills or vomiting.
Make Urine More Alkaline
UTIs benefit from alkaline pH levels to inhibit bacterial growth. Take potassium citrate or sodium citrate. Do not take minerals before bedtime, suggests the Urology Channel website. The minerals may irritate bladder tissue and promote infection. Take 125mg to 250mg three to four times daily, according to Doctor Murray, a website devoted to natural living. Consider taking 1 to 2 tsp. baking soda with meals, suggests Mother Nature, an alternative health website.
Hydrotherapy
One often-recommended doctor remedy for a bladder infection is to drink water to flush existing bacteria from your bladder. Drink six to eight 8 oz. glasses a day. Older adults should consider drinking slightly more. As many as 10 glasses of water are recommended for older adults, according to the Mother Nature website. Consider drinking cranberry juice to prevent bacteria from attaching to bladder walls. Drink 16 oz. of cranberry juice daily to rid the bladder of infection. Mix with a splash of apple juice to sweeten the taste. Avoid juices flavored with sugar or artificial sugars. Blueberry juice is an alternative juice with the same benefits as cranberry juice. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and soda, which will further irritate the bladder.
Uva Ursi
The herb uva ursi is the most beneficial herb for bladder infections, according to the Doctor Murray website. Take standard extracts containing 10 percent arbutin in amounts of 250mg to 500mg, three times a day. Drink with a glass of water. Mix 2 tbsp. uva ursi herb to hot water to create a tea high in antiseptic properties. You may add 1 to 2 tsp. to warm water for a tincture.
Heat Therapy
The Mayo Clinic suggests using a heating pad and placing it onto the abdominal area to decrease discomfort. A warm bath also will also help ease your discomfort and will promote good hygiene, which is important to consider when a bladder infection is present.
Member Comments