If you feel like you have to urinate all the time, and when you do, it burns, you may have a bladder infection. Actually, urinary tract infections can affect the urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), or kidneys (nephritis). Usually Escherichia coli is present. Here are some ways to soothe the irritation.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Some find that urinating, then standing up, then urinating again helps them more fully empty their bladder. Empty the bladder more completely by pressing on it (just above the pubic bone) while bending forward at the waist or leaning slightly forward when urinating. During the day, try to establish a routine for urinating, such as every three hours. If you feel the urge to go after having just urinated, relax your bladder. However, if you really do need to go, heed nature’s call.
NATURAL REMEDIES THAT EASE BLADDER INFECTIONS
Vitamin C helps prevent bacterial infection by directly fighting infection and boosting immunity. Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily.
Vitamin E can help prevent scarring of bladder tissues due to its hydrating effect. Take 400 IU daily.
Another time-tested cure if you feel a bladder infection is coming on is to drink a glass of water to which you add 1 teaspoon (15 g) of baking soda. This helps alkalinize the urine. Repeat only once every 8 hours and only when needed for short periods as it can cause bowel problems and overexcite the nervous system. You can also drink 1 teaspoon (5 ml) apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water to help acidify the urine and inhibit bacterial growth.
Essential oils that are good to use in a diluted base for massage over the bladder include eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, and juniper. Add 25 drops total of essential oil in 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil and apply a few teaspoonfuls over the area. The antiseptic properties of the essential oils will be absorbed through the skin. You can also add a few drops of these oils to a bath.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
If you are plagued with repeated infections, see a health professional to make sure you do not have a sexually transmitted disease or another disorder. It’s also important to see your doctor if you have back pain, fever, and chills because the infection may have spread to the kidneys.
BEST FOODS AND BEVERAGES FOR BLADDER INFECTIONS
When dealing with bladder infections, eat cooling anti-inflammatory foods such as asparagus, barley, carrots, celery, cucumbers, grapes, lotus root, millet, mung beans, parsley, pomegranates, red beans, squash, string beans, strawberries, vegetable juices, water chestnuts, and watermelon. Blueberries, cranberries, and prunes all help to prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.
Drinking cranberry juice helps to ease common bladder infections because it inhibits the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary tract so that the infection can’t proliferate. Drinking 8 ounces (235 ml) of this juice as needed works better than 4 ounces (118 ml), according to research presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 2004.
Skip This!
Avoid excessively spicy food, alcohol, and carbonated beverages, which can irritate the bladder if you are struggling with incontinence. Also, citrus juice is very diuretic, and coffee can be irritating to the bladder and contribute to leakage. Constipation can put pressure on the bladder, so see the section on constipation if that seems to be part of the problem.
A shot glass of aloe vera juice three times daily between meals also cools bladder inflammation and deters infection.
Drink eight tall glasses of pure water a day to flush out bacteria in the urinary tract.
KEEP IN MIND
If you can, wear only natural fiber underwear. It is important that the body can breathe, and synthetic fibers cause a sweaty, moist environment where bacteria love to thrive.
Tampons can obstruct the neck of the bladder, so women may want to use smaller tampons, change them more frequently, or better yet, use external protection during their menses.
Skip This!
Avoid fried foods, heavily spiced foods, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, fruit juices (except cranberry), coffee, sodas, and tomatoes, all of which can irritate the ladder.
This How To Treat a Bladder Infection article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
