we might be very familiar with UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), but not have the confidence to treat a cystitis or even kidney infection with natural remedies. A urinary tract infection involves any part of the urinary system- the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidney.
Check out the symptoms and types of UTIs.
Millions of girls and women have at least one episode of UTI, most commonly a bladder or urethra infection every year. The fear of a looming kidney infection drives girls and women to choose antibiotic treatments as primary care which unfortunately always invites unwelcome side effects. Antibiotics are not selective and will in their course of action target and eliminate also beneficial bacteria. In a disturbed intestinal ecosystem ('dysbiosis') opportunistic microbes usually thrive, override their natural boundaries and set the stage for a recurrent episode of cystitis. Women with intestinal problems and yeast overgrowth are prone to a higher incidence of UTI.
More information in a scholarly article.
Recurrent UTIs - as are cystitis and urethra infections, may be a sign of a weak immunity, compromised gut flora (dysbiosis) and aberrant pH levels. An acidic pH level of the urine due to improper diet and abundant intake of acidic teas and juices promotes bacterial growth. More.
The initial step in treating UTIs with natural remedies requires the rebalancing of the internal pH. Alkalize the urinary tract with ½ tbsp of baking soda, dissolved in a glass of water and drinking it within a short while. Plenty of water should be taken to flush out irritants and pathogens from the bladder. This process can be repeated a few times during the day. Baking soda can be so effective that the next time all burning sensation on urinating is gone.
If the burning sensation and discomfort in the bladder and urethra has not subsided by the next day, then it is advised to take 1tbs of D-Mannose powder with every glass of water you drink. Mannose is a simple sugar found as a constituent in the urethral mucosal lining to which bacteria adhere when they ascend the urinary tract system. Mannose is not readily digested by humans and is almost fully flushed into the bladder after intake. Instead of attaching to the Mannose in the mucosa, bacteria will now bind to the free floating Mannose molecules and can be discharged with the next bladder evacuation. Read University news.
Many cystitis problems can be solved with plenty of water and Mannose.
If the infection progresses and bacteria ascend into the ureters and kidneys, the symptoms slightly change. Burning on urinating may be replaced by upper back and side pain, fever and giddiness- homeopathic remedies will come in handy now.
A friend of mine called me with kidney symptoms. She had been experiencing a bladder infection 2 weeks before. The burning sensation in the urethra had subsided mostly only to appear as a dull pain in the kidney region and last night she even fainted.
She described her changing pain symptoms in detail and reported a gurgling noise in the abdomen. I prescribed Berberis vulgaris 30C one dose every hour but also advised her to get a check-up from the MD. After the second dose she felt some relief and fell into a deep sleep. Early next morning the pain had not yet diminished but she felt more energized. A visit to the doctor rendered a prescription of a 5 day Trimethoprim course. Because she started to feel better by then she decided to delay the intake of antibiotics. It took her in all 2 days to get 80 % better and after one week, my friend announced to ‘be herself again’, full of energy and completely free of symptoms.
In case of stinging and burning pain on urinating Cantharis 30C can effect the total relief of symptoms on the next urination. This is one homeopathic remedy you may try out by yourself.
