Nutrition Month

Showing posts with label uti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label uti. Show all posts

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Kidney health, recurrent UTI, bladder infection help

Cranberry and cranberry juice for treating urinary tract infections is one of the most common home/ natural remedies. Cranberry juice or vitamins C both increase the acid in your urine so bacteria can't grow easily. Cranberry juice also makes your bladder wall slippery, so bacteria can't stick to it. A large polymeric compound of unknown structure and fructose in the juice are said to be responsible for this. Whereas fructose is present in all fruits, the large polymeric compound is found only in cranberry and blueberry juices.

A specific type of tannin found only in cranberries and blueberries interacts with the little projections on the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria (the most common cause of UTI), preventing them from sticking to the walls of the bladder and causing infection.

A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, including the kidneys, the bladder and the urethra. Due to anatomy, women have a higher risk of UTIs than men, and people who experience three or more in one year are considered to have recurrent infections.

Goji and cherry can be used as an alternative for those who are sensitive to cranberries or have interstitial cystitis.

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Thursday, April 21, 2011

Natural Remedies for UTI

Antibiotics are the normal treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Personal hygiene helps in prevention and early relief from UTIs. Alternate therapies and dietary supplements provide a natural approach in prevention and treatment of UTIs. Flushing your body with the correct fluids while keeping acid levels high may allow the body to not only maintain a healthy urinary tract, but cure a urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections can be painful and lead to serious health conditions if not treated promptly. Most uncomplicated infections are caused by Escherichia coli bacteria, which are normal flora of the colon that have infected the urinary tract. Women are at higher risk for UTIs because of their anatomy; the urethra is situated close to the rectum and vagina. If not treated properly, the E.coli infection will reach a level that puts the kidneys at risk.

Black cherries contain anthocyanins that help the body relieve inflammation. Anthocyanins give black cherries their dark red color and are responsible for lowering uric acid levels which can lead to bladder infections.

Black cherry juice is rich in antioxidants and it helps fight infections in the bladder and the entire body. The juice can coax the body to release an army of agents that fight bacteria in the bladder and beyond.

Flavonoids are potent virus, infection and bacteria fighters. Black cherry juice is rich in two of these powerful agents: isoqueritrin and queritrin, which both work to rid the body and the bladder of damaging properties.

One tsp. of pure black cherry juice will help the bladder flush out toxins. It has a diuretic and cleansing effect.


The proclaimed benefits of goji juice include treating inflammation, skin irritations, nosebleeds, aches and pains. It has been used in combination with other botanicals to treat poor vision, anemia and cough. Certain elements isolated from goji have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and immune-enhancing effects. It is the immune-enhancing effects and anti-inflammatory properties of goji juice that relieve urinary tract infections.

Goji and cherry are combined in a supplement. Goji Cherry Ultimate for UTI


Cranberries in the treatment of bladder infections

For many decades cranberry juice has been believed to reduce bacterial infections of the bladder. Studies in recent years have shown that the juice can effectively treat bacterial infections in the urinary system. Research has demonstrated that an effect occurs from a component of the juice that inhibits bacterial attachment to the bladder and urethra.

Inhibiting bacteria with cranberry juice

Cranberry juice contains phytochemicals which inhibit the activity of Escherichia coli; the bacteria most often responsible for cystitis. The phytochemicals, condensed tannins or proanthocyanidins, stop the bacteria sticking to mucosal surfaces lining the bladder and gut. This process helps to clear bacteria from the urinary tract. The chemicals in cranberry juice may have this effect on other bacteria too. Drinking the juice is now being recommended as a way to reduce the risk of dental decay and stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

Drink a lot of fluids, such as herbal teas and water. Avoid sweetened fruit juices and other sweetened drinks.
Cranberries and blueberries contain substances that inhibit the binding of bacteria to bladder tissue. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice regularly helps lower the risk of UTIs.
Try to eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, preservatives, and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test for food sensitivities.If you are susceptible to UTIs, drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills may help prevent recurrence.
Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).

Also be sure to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily.