Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common reasons that women visit their doctors. Ironically, the typical conventional treatment they receive often contributes to recurrence. According to the American Journal of Public Health, at least 21 percent of women are known to suffer significant bladder symptoms annually, including increased urgency and frequency of urination, as well as a burning sensation. And as many as six percent of these women experience three or more episodes during a given year. Fortunately, a number of natural remedies and lifestyle techniques can prevent and treat UTIs.

Conventional management of these symptoms with over-the-counter and prescription antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics are often initially effective at eradicating the infection, but not for long. Antimicrobial agents can disrupt the vaginal flora over the long term, making a woman more susceptible to bladder and vaginal infections. If left untreated, significant health risks, such as kidney infection, can accompany recurrent UTIs.

A woman’s body is designed to fend off such infection. Lactobacillus bacteria dominate the vaginal flora of healthy women. Antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics and spermicides can disrupt normal vaginal flora, allowing bad bacteria or yeast to outnumber good bacteria. This imbalance makes a woman more susceptible to infection. When the body tries to rid itself of the unwanted bacteria, symptoms such as painful, erratic, or frequent urination and foul-smelling, cloudy urine occur. The urinary analysis (UA) will usually show an increased bacterial count or even blood in the urine. There are actually three types of UTI diagnosis:

• cystitis—which is the most common infection and occurs in the bladder;

• urethritis—or infection in the urethra; and

• pyelonephritis—a more serious, progressive kidney infection marked by flank pain and significant fever.

A number of factors can contribute to the onset of UTIs, such as lack of proper hygiene, constipation, diabetes or high sugar intake, food allergies, stress, candida overgrowth, pregnancy, diaphragm use/misuse, new or multiple sexual partners or increased/more vigorous sexual activity, neglecting to urinate before and after intercourse, obstructions (like stones or tumors), and chemical sensitivities.However, the principal cause of recurrent UTIs is simply a weakened immune system, which allows an increased number of abnormal organisms to exist in the vagina, as well as in the urethra and the urinary tract.

Natural Approaches
The bladder is one of five elimination channels in the body; the other four are the lungs, colon, skin, and liver. When treating a chronic bladder irritation or infection, it is wise to strengthen all five elimination channels, in order to lighten the stress load on the bladder itself. The first step in any UTI treatment plan should be simply to drink enough water, says Molly Linton, ND, who specializes in gynecology and women’s health issues. Shoot for one-third your body weight in fluid ounces per day. In addition, avoid drinks that are dehydrating, such as coffee, fruit juices, soda pop, and alcohol.

A number of other natural remedies have proven effective at treating and preventing UTIs. Remember, it is always wise to seek the advice of a healthcare provider when symptoms arise.

Cranberry Juice
Up to 80 percent of UTIs are caused by a coliform bacterial strain known as E. coli. E. coli is a common gastrointestinal tract bacteria that can be displaced from the gut via the anal area into the urethra. When long-term antibiotic therapy fails, science has shown cranberry is a safe, alternate choice for treating UTIs. In 1984 researchers demonstrated that cranberry prevents E. coli from adhering to the epithelial cells of the bladder wall. The Weizmann Institute in Israel confirmed these findings, specifically demonstrating hippuric acid inhibits E. coli from adhering to the lining of the bladder. Related work indicates that other members of the Vaccinium family (blueberry and bilberry) also exhibit antiadherence activity. To be most effective, cranberry juice must be as fresh as possible, preferably concentrated and unsweetened.

Acid vs. Alkaline Environments
Although normal urine is very acidic, its pH is altered when infection occurs. In these cases, the antimicrobial herbs bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) and goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) work well. Bearberry works by preventing E. coli adherence to the bladder lining, whereas goldenseal works as an antiseptic.

Probiotics
When the balance of normal vaginal flora is disrupted by the use of spermicides, antimicrobials, or antibiotics, supplementation with probiotics or “good bacteria,” can help replenish and rebalance healthy flora in intestines, vagina, and urethra. The most studied strains are Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L. fermentum, which have been shown to reduce the risk of urinary tract and vaginal infections.

Herbs
Many herbs are effective at preventing and treating urinary tract infections, especially when taken as teas or tinctures. Teas and tinctures provide fluid delivery, so the medicine continually washes over the bladder, discharging bacteria and toxins. According to Jill Stansbury, ND, chair of Botanical Medicine at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Ore., if the problem is infective in nature, herbal teas including echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), marigold (calendula officinalis), Barosma betulina, myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), old man’s beard (Usnea barbata), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Baptisia tinctoria, garlic (Allium sativum), or Gentiana lutea can help. These are antimicrobials and will reduce the bacterial count.

If inflammation of the urinary passages is causing pain, tea demulcents such as marshmallow (Althea officinalis), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), fresh corn silke (Zea mays), slippery elm (Ulmus fulva), or okra preparations can be used. These demulcents are mucilaginous in nature, meaning they cool and lubricate the mucus membranes. Teas can be made by infusing one teaspoon herb per one cup hot water. It is recommended that you drink four to eight cups of tea per day.

Normally, UTI symptoms should lessen within 48-72 hours of treatment. If your UTI does not respond to treatment, you could have other complicating factors such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, or even an obstruction, as in urinary stone disease. If you have fever or pain, specifically in your lower back, or cannot urinate, immediately seek advice from a physician.

Warding Off Another UTI

To prevent the recurrence of a UTI, follow these six simple rules:

• Avoid all simple sugars and food allergens, and load up on garlic, onions, and water.

• Practice good hygiene: Wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the vaginal area.

• Wear cotton underwear, because synthetic fabrics can trap moisture.

• Take showers instead of tub baths.

• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, scented douches, spermicidal jellies, and other chemical-laden products that may irritate the urethra.

• Always urinate before and after intercourse.