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Bladder Infection (UTI) Remedies

Updated: 11/02/2009

"A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. Although urine contains a variety of fluids, salts, and waste products, it usually does not have bacteria in it.[1] When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney and multiply in the urine, they cause a UTI. The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection which is also often called cystitis. Another kind of UTI is a kidney infection, known as pyelonephritis, and is much more serious. Although they cause discomfort, urinary tract infections can usually be quickly and easily treated when the patient sees a doctor promptly.
[...]
As an at-home treatment, increased water-intake, frequent voiding, the avoidance of sugars and sugary foods, drinking unsweetened cranberry juice, as well as taking vitamin C with the last meal of the day can shorten the time duration of the infection. Sugars and alcohol can feed the bacteria causing the infection, and worsen pain and other symptoms. Vitamin C at night raises the acidity of the urine, which retards the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. However, if pain is in the back region (suggesting kidney infection) or if pain persists, if there is fever, or if blood is present in the urine, doctor care is recommended." (Wikipedia)

DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

POPULAR REMEDIES:

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR	52 YEAS
CRANBERRY	17 YEAS
D-MANNOSE	11 YEAS
ALKA SELTZER	9 YEAS
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA	9 YEAS
BAKING SODA	5 YEAS

TED'S REMEDIES
03/23/2005: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "There are other herbal preparations that can be helped with UTI and they are taken usually 4 times a day:

1. Uva Ursi. Has antimicrobial and research has support its traditional use, usually 1-2 teaspoon of the herb.
2. Goldenseal Root. Also long known as a strong antibacterial agent to be used as tea or 1 teaspoon of dried herb in a cup of water.
3. Althea officianalis, used as cold infusion soaked in cold water and drink.
4. Galium aparine (cleavers) Has long history of use and taken with tea.
5. Zea Mays (Corn silk). Diuretic.
6. Buchu - Diuretic and antiseptic properties.
7. Equisetum arvense (Horsetail) - Diuretic, astringent and healing properties."

05/09/2009: Rob from Justice, IL replies: "ted, i have a uti infection that started with lower back pain, burning sensation when urinating etc....i went to the doctor to have my prostate checked and it was fine---he prscribed antibiotics. it is still lingering and has settled in my testicle area(they are red),along with the head of my penis. i have used the oil of oregano in pill form with no cure. any suggestions???? i drink a ton of water, eat healthy, and get plenty of rest. i don't want to go back on antibiotics......"

05/12/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The best UTI remedy so far the simplest and is the fastest is the sea salt remedy. The dose is 1 teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in a full glass of water, plus drinking the cranberry juice or mannose powder roughly 2 teaspoons x 5 a day will usually do it. The sea salt remedy is taken only one dose and there's no need to take an additional dose. The bacteria causing the UTI appears to have a weakness to salt. In fact drinking too much water reduces the salinity of the urine which encourages the UTI. Therefore addition of sea salt one dose should see a relief in pain within a matter of minutes. The maintenanace dose thereafter is only 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon per ONE LITER of drinking water. This is the most effective remedy I have found so far.

Ted"

ACIDOPHILUS

1 YEA

[YEA]  09/20/2006: Jennifer from Fort Smith, AR writes: "At the first sign of a bladder infection I take a couple Acidophilis pills and drink lots of water. This really helps. It also helps to take Acidophilis when your taking your Dr prescribed antibiotics because sometimes when the bad bacteria is killed so is the good resulting in a yeast infection and the Acidophilis stops that from occuring! I like it best in pill form but it can be bought in milk and it is naturally in yogurt."

11/04/2008: Jessica from St. Louis, MO U.S.A. replies: "Actually, if you take acidophilus while on antibiotics, the antibiotics will kill the bacteria in the supplement you are taking and you just wasted your money. It's best to wait one week after you end your prescribed antibiotics to begin a pro-biotic.

Three drops of oil of oregano (a natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal) from a tincture three to four times a day and 1200 mg of cranberry (which keeps the infection from spreading) in the morning and no-sugar-added cranberry juice at night will help."

01/20/2009: Sarah from Portland, OR replies: "Actually it is good to take acidophilus when taking antibiotics. just be sure to take the acidophilus 2 - 3 hours after taking the antibiotic because yes the antibiotic will kill the aciophilus if taken at the same time. waiting 2-3 hours after will replenish the good bacteria in your system that the antibiotics kill as well as the bad bacteria. Doing this will speed healing time. It is also good to continue the acidophilus a few days after ending the antibiotics."

03/08/2009: Tiffany from Los Angeles, CA replies: "No holistic treatment of a bacterial infection is complete without probiotics. Using a natural antibiotic can kill the bacteria causing the symptoms, but without repopulating the body with it's greatest natural defenders, probiotics, you haven't healed the underlying problem of bacterial imbalance (too many pathogenic colonies, not enough beneficial ones).

It is in fact a good idea to take probiotics concurrently with antibiotics. Doing so has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the incidence of negative side effects, such as diarrhea. I would continue probiotic treatment for at least two weeks after antibiotics, as your beneficial bacteria are 70% of your immune system and absolutely essential to your body's ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. If you are having any symptoms of indigestion (gas, bloating, belching, constipation, diarrhea), probiotics are in order.

Like most things, not all probiotics are created equal. While acidophilus is very aggressive toward pathogens, a multi-strain probiotic will provide even more benefit. Your body is home to innumerable strains of bacteria. Also, a symbiotic, or a supplement in which the probiotics are still attached in an organic bond with the medium (food) they have cultured, will provide the most benefit as these bacteria are stabilized by that organic bond and have easy access to all the fiber they need in order to colonize successfully. These are available in ultra-potent yogurt-like drinks (sold as a supplement) and also pill form. Feel free to email me if you are interested in specific products which fit into this category.

Be good to your bugs!"

07/02/2009: Steve from Wales, UK replies: "Hello: I am trying to contact the member Tiffany from LA regarding which probiotic she finds help her most. Thanks, Steve"

08/12/2009: Erin from Naperville, Illinois replies: "Actually, Sarah is right. You should take acidophilus while taking an antibiotic either in the form of yogurt or a probiotic. While the antibiotic does kill good and bad bacteria, you need to keep replenishing your good bacteria to prevent getting a secondary infection. With no good bacteria whatsoever in your system, you are wide open to any infection. Whenever I take an antibiotic, I always have to take a cup of yogurt daily with it or I will end up another, often worse, infection somewhere else."

09/13/2009: Romona from Olivet, Michigan replies: "Tiffany form Los Angeles, CA said that we could email her for an answer to what her probiotics are but I can't find her email address. Please have her contact me. Thanks, Romona"

ALKA SELTZER

9 YEA
1 NAY

10/02/2009: Rice from Nyc, Ny writes: "a lot of people asking for the alka seltzer cure for uti - i googled it and you take it as directed on the box - 2 tablets in 4 oz od water. should work in 1/2 hour, many recommend taking 2-3x the day you have symptoms. happy to help and cheers!"

05/12/2009: Susan from Edmonton, Alberta Canada writes: "I am frustrated trying to find the exact remedy for alka seltzer for bladder infections. All these people talk about it as if its listed on your sight but no place can I find the exact instructions. Please send the instructions of how to take alka seltzer for bladder infections. Or tell me where it is on the sight- but I can`t find it anywhere."

07/02/2009: DebbyM from Banning, CA replies: "Alka Seltzer is a fast acting aspirin. It will not cure your infection. It will reduce the pain."

09/14/2009: Fran from Philadelphia, Pa, Usa replies: "Could someone publish the Alka Seltzer remedy for UTI's? I can't find it anywhere. Thanks. Fran"

[YEA]  05/04/2009: Kishore from London, Essex UK writes: "i have had recurrent uti as i am a diabetic. i read about the alka seltzer remedy on your site and tried it. Next morning my symptons had gone. can not believe it. Have been on antibiotics for weeks and having tried this simple remedy did the trick. Thank you"

[YEA]  02/27/2009: Shannon from Litchfield, IL writes: "I was suffering from a terrible bladder infection and I just couldn't stand it anymore. I found this site and I first tried the ACV cure first (it had the most number of yeas). It worked okay, but to drink it made me so sick to my stomach. I had to try something else. I found my cure in the form of alka seltzer. I couldn't believe how well and how fast it worked! I would say in about 15 minutes I felt better than I had trying the ACV."

[YEA]  11/09/2008: Sara from Gravette, AR writes: "I woke up this morning with a bladder infection. Didn't want to go to the doctor so I took a chance to find something online that would help so I type in home remedies. I at first, drank acv with baking soda then I drank water with lemon in it. Then I drank water with the alka selter. I felt a little bit better. Than I went to the bathroom and their was blood. (PAINFUL!) I went and drank another water with alka seltzer. I was scared to go to the restroom thinking I was going to scream again but It was better. Alot. No blood this time.Then I continued to drink serveral (didn't coun't) maybe 3 or 4 more water with alka selter. I am feeling alot better! I CAN NOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!!! ~~~Sara Smith~~~"

EC: Urine in the blood can indicate one of many conditions. Read more here: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/blood_in_the_urine/page2_em.htm#Causes of Blood in Urine

[YEA]  11/05/2008: RO from New York, New York writes: "for Urinary Tract infections use Alka Seltzer the original - it works!"

03/08/2009: Gaye from Myerstown, Pa., U.S.A. replies: "How often do you take the ALKA SELTZER when you have a U.T.I.?"

[NAY]  10/17/2008: London from Sandusky, Ohio writes: "Alka Zeltzer did not work for my UTI. I did it for a couple of days, didn't work at all."

[YEA]  12/16/2007: Dana from Fort Worth, Texas writes: "Hi! I had the definate beginnings of a UTI last night, and it was getting worse. I took magnesium and zinc, tried to drink sea salt in water (didn't make it too far, since burning pee is bad enough w/o drinking an emetic), and then took the alka seltzer. So, it could've been a combination of these remedies, but as soon as I took the alka seltzer it was GONE. Woo-hoo! Just thought it needed more emphasis as a possible remedy, it's something you might have around the house (b/c these things always seem to hit at night! Why is that?!), and it won't hurt anything to give it a try, as compared to trying to drink salt water or ACV, either of which to me are worse than the infection. Oh, and I just remembered I also drank some lemon juice in water last night, so maybe that helped some too. Hope this helps somebody!"

[YEA]  08/12/2007: Mari from Santa Cruz, CA writes: "After drinking a whole bottle of 100% cranberry juice to cure a bladder infection, I tried the Alka-Seltzer cure I read about on this web-site. It worked almost immediately! Thank you for supplying this useful information."

[YEA]  06/05/2007: TINA from OAK PARK, MICHIGAN writes: "I RECENTLY HAD A UTI THAT WENT FROM URGENCY TO PAIN COMPLETE WITH BLOOD IN URINE IN LESS THEN 30 MINUTES. I IMMEDIATELY LEFT WORK AND WENT TO PURCHASE SOME ALKA SELTZER. TOOK TWO TABLETS DISSOLVED AS INSTRUCTED AND DRANK IT. IT ALMOST INSTANTLY RELIEVED THE PAIN, BURNING, AND PRESSURE I FELT. IT WORKS!!!!!"

[YEA]  06/23/2008: Lia from Atlanta, GA replies: "yes, it works right away!! just tried the original alka seltzer and soooo glad i did. well worth a try!!"

[YEA]  04/27/2007: Vanessa from Orange, NJ writes: "I suffered from Urinary Tract Infection because my boyfriend and I kept passing it to each other. I read of Alka Seltzer to do the trick and Thank God ! I recently had an episode where I thought I had to urine and only a few drops of urine would exit and uh-oh! I started to feel the burn again-Alka Seltzer immediatly flushed it out."

ALKALINE DIET

1 YEA

[YEA]  04/09/2008: Jess from Riverside, NJ writes: "I've had a reoccuring bladder "infection" for a month. My tests came out negative for an infection and show to be yeast related. I suffer from chronic candidiasis with systemic symptoms. My pain is fine during the day but in my sleep my body goes acidic very quickly and I painfully wake at least 2x per night to pee. The things I find most helpful for pain releif are listed below...

Eat lots of Celery and cucumbers! Very alkaline, and helps releive pain w/in 20minutes. Drink lots of water to flush out your system. Eat all vegetables (be creative, yes asparagus helps too) with no meat proteins and use generous amounts of ACV along with EV olive oil or my choice, capryol (coconut oil). Oil of oregano helps a bit if you can stomach the awful taste. Oh yeah, NO SUGAR, carbs, or Dairy. Get unsweetend cranberry juice concentrate & mix a small amount with a glass of water, not the store brand juice.

Try replacing milk with Almond milk and a tiny bit of Stevia sweetener with some cinnammon...mmm.

Alkaline diets will help with the pain and if your problem is related to yeast, it helps prevent an overgrowth of the fungus. There are plenty of websites with lists of alkaline/acidic foods. Check em out.

Hope this helps!"

10/31/2008: Aimee from New Brunswick, NJ replies: "I am very curious after reading your comment. I have suffered from chronic (and I mean chronic) bladder infections for nearly 8 years. They totally control my life. My "infections" are not always infections as years of tests have often shown negative results. I drink more water than anybody I have ever met, I am religiously hygenic when it comes to intimacy, I wear loose clothes, etc. but I still get a bladder infection or at least all the symptoms about once a week.

It's awful. My symptoms are tied to stress; if I cry or clean the house or sweat or stand up too long or don't get enough sleep, I am sick within hours and I have to sit with an ice pack between my legs, drink tons of water and wait it out. I have been prescribed seriously strong antibiotics for this condition, which I have recently stopped taking due to horrific adverse reactions. I took them for years though (sometimes they helped, sometimes no) I also have a related condition called vuluvadynia, which is an irritation of the skin and nerves in the vaginal area. I have no STD's, have been to many specialists and participated in university hospital studies. They told me I have a pelvic floor disorder.

I am 29 years old and beside myself with grief and frustration in dealing with this problem. I currently live in Mexico and it is difficult for me to find many of the remedies listed here, although I have been experimenting with some herbs. I know this site is to discuss treatment, but if you or anyone reading this could help or point me in the right direction, I would be sinserely and enormously grateful."

02/02/2009: Whinny from Cache Creek, B.C., Canada replies: "Reply to 10/31/2008: Aimee from New Brunswick, NJ .... you said: They told me I have a pelvic floor disorder... vulva soreness, etc.

My reply - any chance your bladder and/or uterus have prolapsed? with prolapsed bladder you can get much irritation of vulva and labia. as one or both push down, especially when the bladder is close to pushing it's way out of you, or has pushed out, you can get very sore, raw, and achy.

'Things' rubbing on your clothes and the extra pressure, in general, can change the blood flow and put pressure on the nerves all around your genital area.

I hope you get this as your post was several months ago. The type of doctor you want to see is a gynaecologist. A good one. you can read about these problems on the web. the more information and awareness you have of your body, the easier it is for them to find what is wrong. you should be examined while you are standing and pushing, like you were lifting something, as this problem can go on for many years before it is detected if all they do is give you an interal exam while lying down and asking you to cough. GOOD LUCK."

04/14/2009: Cynthia from Kitchener, ON replies: "To reoccurring bladder infection sufferer:

All your symptoms seem to be related to candidiasis...the crappiest thing on earth to have, but often, reoccurring bladder infections, skin rashes, extreme fatigue, moodiness... all can be related to this condition. Go on a strict diet for 2 weeks and see if your symptoms are allieviated. There are two amazing books you should read, which I can't put on here because no brand names. But if you google CANDIDIASIS, you will find which ones I'm talking about...

Good luck!"

05/12/2009: Been There from Kerrville, Texas replies: "To Aimee of New Brunswick: I have found personally that hormones, specifically low progesterone, can mimic bladder, yeast or any pain or tenderness of the female organs. The doctor never tested for it, a nutritionist told me about it. Finally, a female doctor well versed in naturopathic medicines wrote me a prescription to have a high dosage compounded. It is particularly common when you are under stress, or your body thinks you are. The precursers for the stress hormone are the same precursers for the progesterone, so when stress goes up, your body essentially "robs Peter to pay Paul", as the saying goes. You can try the stuff at the health food store and put in directly on the offending area. I hope you have already solved your problem and don't need my advice."

08/10/2009: Connie from Manitowoc, Wisconsin replies: "I had the opportunity to try taking a progesterone pill some months ago. I felt fantastic the day I took it, but the next day or so I had terrible pain in the areas of my ovaries. I then took estrogen to counter it, mimicking a birth control pill, and the pain went away. I would love to be able to keep taking the progesterone. Maybe a lower dose would be better? Or is this just a bandaid for a larger issue? Any ideas?"

ANTIBIOTICS, CRANBERRY JUICE

1 NAY

[NAY]  06/28/2009: Sy from Scottsdale, AZ writes: "Question - 3 different occasions (2 at my Dr. office and once at home)I took a test with test strips to determined a UTI and they all came back positive. My Dr. has recently had my urine cultured but it came back negative.

HISTORY*** May 12,09 I got a UTI, not diagnosed by a Dr. but by knowing what it feels like. So, I started with an over the counter cranberry med. that has worked for me in the past. After a couple of days the UTI felt better but it was obvious I still had it. I then added pure cranberry juice to the remedy but that did not change a thing. I read on this website to try apple cider vinegar, so I started with the pill form ( I can not drink it) again it felt better but still did not cure the UTI. I then went to my Dr. 7 Jun 09. That is when I was tested for the first time at the Dr. office and the test came back positive. The Dr. put me on a 7 day antibiotics at the end of the 7 days I still had the UTI. Thinking it was all in my mind, 2 days later I took an over-the-counter UTI test and it came back positive. I then made an appt with my Dr. once again, the Dr. took another UTI test and it came back positive and started my on a 10 day antibiotic. In the mean time the Dr. had my urine cultured and to our surprise it came back NEGATIVE. I am still having pain and AT A LOSS!! CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME?"

06/28/2009: D from Oz, KS replies: "Mangosteen juice really seemed to help me, and other times drinking lots of water with lots of fresh lemon juice did the trick."

06/28/2009: D from Oz, KS replies: "Mangosteen juice really seemed to help me, and other times drinking lots of water with lots of fresh lemon juice did the trick."

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

54 YEA
1 NAY
2 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
1 WARNING!
1 SIDE EFFECT
1 QUESTION

[QUESTION]  11/02/2009: Annie from Old Hickory, Tennessee, USA writes: "Please help, I have been faithfully giving my family organic ACV for about a year now. So far, it as help my family but I am stumped at something. MY six year old daughter came down with a high fever for a week, no other symptoms other than high fever and lethargy. She also has a greenish tone to her skin. Took her to doctors and she tested negative for H1N1 and Strep. She did not have any pain when urinating or anything but took a urine test and found tons of puss in urine and a bit of blood. We put her on antibiotics and fever went down and she is feeling much better. O.K. the weird thing is that I have also come down with a bladder infection and am antibiotics. I have religiously taken Organic ACV and I also thought bacterial infections like bladder infectious are not contagious. I am confused and I am wondering if that is all it is, a bladder infection. If so, how can we get that when we our all taking shots of ACV with water morning and night. Should I be worried something else is going on?

I love Earth Clinic and try to follow the remedies but it is disappointing to be taken ACV for over a year now and come down with a bacterial bladder infection, it kinda took the air out of my sails. My children hate the taste of ACV and I tell them how good it is for them and then when they get sick and nothing helps but antibiotics I can't help but start to question what I m doing. So many people out there want to tell you that your kids need vaccines and drugs and etc... and I don't want to do use them but it is hard. Any suggestions out there?

Peace~
Annie form Tennessee"

11/02/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Annie from Tennessee,

Sorry you and your daughter are sick and glad to hear that she is much better. You didn't say whether there are any males in your household and whether they also came down with UTI's about the same time as you and your daughter. There are some bacterial infections you can catch (bladder infections in particular can start from below) and travel up the short urethra on the female, but usually not with the male, which is why your doctor is more concerned with the male's UTI than the females (also they are less likely to get an infection from faulty wiping than females).

The first thing I would suspect in UTI's in multiple family members is something in the water or other drinks consumed. but this should hit both sexes, if there are males in your household. So my first question is did your water supply look peculiar, smell peculiar, or taste peculiar in the week or two before these problems started.

Hopefully your doctor did a urine culture and sensitivity on both you and your daughter. Be sure and ask him/her (the receptionist should be able to handle that) for a copy of both the C&S results. Believe me, it is simpler to mail a copy than it is to try to write down some of these crazy sounding infections while someone else is spelling them over the phone.

Off hand I can not recall any infection that might give one's skin a greenish tone, (have seen a greenish discharge from external otitis (pseuodmonas which is often called swimmer's ear) and I seriously doubt that ACV could color the skin any color but the color of ACV. However I have been told that taking a lot of colloidal silver will turn your skin blue. My son said he saw a man on TV (just now asked him what shade of blue he was and he said "he looked like a smurf, dark blue") that was attributed to his taking colloidal regularly for a long time. Apparently the only problem he had from it was the color of his skin, but apparently no one had been able to come up with any way to return his skin to normal color.

I do have two suggesions for both you and your daughter. If you are using bubble bath, STOP! It has been known to cause bladder infections, and anything that infects the bladder can possibly travel up the ureters to the kidneys. Fortunately, the blaldder infections let us know that we have them in a hurry, but kidney infections can sneak up on you and just about kill you before you know you have them.

The other suggestion is for both of you also. Stop drinking carbonated beverages of any kind because they can cause swelling in the kidneys that lets them spill protein in the urine (which is not normal for them to do).

Finally, I have a request. Be sure to have your daughter checked again when those antibiotics are finished to make sure the urine is clear. The recheck may not be necessary if you had a culture and sensitivity report that states the pathogen was sensitive to the antibiotic.

If the skin doesn't return to normal when the infection is gone, some doctor is going to have a time trying to determine the cause, and trying to find a way to return her skin tone to normal. Please keep us informed and I personally would love to know whether both of you had the same pathogen. Deirdre can give you my e-mail address if you'd like.

I just had another thought. Is this your daughter's first UTI or has she had several. I happened to think about a co-worker in the past who was telling me about her 5 year old granddaughter and her having one UTI after another since she was about age 2. Her doctor was stumped as to what was causing it. After discussing the carbonated beverages/bubble bath connections and finding both were negative in her case, I suggested that it probably had an allergic connection and the infection would follow something causing swelling and congestion in the UT and that the best way to find it was for the parents and caretakers to keep a record of everything that the child ate or drank, or even chewin gum, because it was going to be something that the child ate or drank very often triggering the UTI's. Approximately 1-2 months later, my co-worker elatedly said "We found it, we found it". I had forgotten the conversation and replied "I didn't know it was lost. What did you find?" She then floored me when she told me what our family detectives had found triggered the child's UTI's. It was Flintstone vitamins (those cute little dinosaur shaped vitamins that had blue, red, green etc. colored ones in the same bottle). She hadn't had another UTI since they stopped them. Then she said they were very concerned because they felt she needed some vitamins, but how could they find some that wouldn't cause a problem with the kidneys. I told her that I knew you could find adult vitamins that were uncolored and unflavored, but she would probably have to go a health food place to ask if they carried uncolored and unflavored vitamins for children. I was as surprised as they were at the cause - vitamins are supposed to make you healthy, not sick. Happily, she later reported that they did find an unflavored, uncolored vitamin that the child would take and they created no problems."

11/02/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "I typed in "any pathogenic infection that can cause a greenish tinge to the skin" web search. The 1st reference was on vet. medicine but was unable to pull anything up on it - just a book ID. Went down & found one on psuedomonas & pulled it up. the site is http://sci.rutgers/edu/forum/archive//index.php/t-3372html

Very interesting. Pseudomonas UTI apparently also has a green tinged exudate, and has an odor like wet hay (they don't recommend you deliberately smell it unless you want some of the same pseudomonas infection you're smelling.

Now what I learned is something that EC'ers should know. It seems that dear old pseudomonas (let's shorten this to pseudo) developed resistance to lots of things, including antibiotics, and apparently to the vinegar, since the person answering the questions from spinal cord injury people, said they actually loved vinegar. They also stated that one strain of pseudomonas actually survived in jet fuel. I think that somewhere in the past I mentioned in EC that when I went to work at a new hospital (l960's). We were told by the fellow working in respiratory care that they had discovered that they were spreading the newest scourge in the hospitals in the oxygen equipment (remember old psuedo likes it moist or wet) and the way that they stopped it was by soaking the equipment in 1 part vinegar to 7 parts water solution. You might want to post this link in EC for as an alert. However, it is still doubtful that ingesting the vinegar/water would
cause a pseudo UTI because the hydrochloric acid in the stomach should have killed off the pseudo before it got to the kidneys."

[YEA]  08/17/2009: Ava from New York, Bronx writes: "Last night I noticed I had frequent urination, with little urine actually being expelled. Blood in my urine, feverish chills, pain in my lower abdomen, basically: Bladder Infection. I had a mild freakout as this has never before happened to me. In an effort to avoid having to see a doctor (I've just switched insurance plans so I didn't even have a PCP) I came to Earthclinic.com to look for "cures." I saw all the Yays for ACV and, skeptical but with nothing to lose, I took a shot (approx 4oz) of the stuff with a water chaser. (This site is the only reason I even own a bottle. I've used it as a toner with fairly decent results). It was so disgusting and actually painful going down that I wondered if I had just made the situation worse. I used the toilet a few more times, noticing more blood than was previously there, still painful. About 30 min later, my roommate took me to the emergency room. I was signed in, and went to use the restroom again. Less blood, still painful. No fever this time. As we were sitting there chit-chatting and waiting to be seen, I suddenly realized that I hadn't had the urge to urinate in over 15 minutes. This was VERY surprising since, before the ACV, I had to urinate about once every 2-3 minutes. In another 15 min I was asked to give a urine sample and this time my urine flowed so freely that I filled the entire cup! (Sorry to be so graphic but these were, for me, the determining factors to the efficacy of ACV). No nausea, no pain!!! I couldn't believe it! There was however a tiny bit of blood left but honestly, with the way I had felt all night I couldn't have cared less. I thought I was cured but my roommate convinced me to err on the side of caution and get some antibiotics anyway. I will continue to take my antibiotics as recommended by the doctor.

I don't claim to have been cured by ACV as a bladder infection is serious business but I can definitely attest to the pain-relieving, possibly even flushing qualities of this miraculous (and natural!) healing liquid!

Please note: I used Raw, Organic, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar.

Warning: it is totally disgusting when it goes down so you may want to dilute it first. :)

I love this site and have been reading it for over a year now! This was the most serious problem I've used any of the remedies for and it worked beautifully!"

[YEA]  07/20/2009: Christie from Bossier City, LA writes: "I had an uncle who always took 2 tbsp of ACV every morning straight. I thought this could be the grossest thing strictly on taste alone and most people would agree. My uncle never got sick and I always wondered why. While researching for weight loss on another web site I saw that ACV can help so I did more research on ACV. Now I have not actively done the weight loss ACV diet so I don't know if it works but I did find out that ACV helps on a lot of other things. Still I could not get over the thought of the potential taste.

Unfortunately I have recently come down with a constant sensation of urination undiagnosed I figure it could be a UTI as I have had them in the past. So I came to this site to read on UTI's. A lot of people have yeas for ACV and here's one more but it is modified. Within minutes of me drinking this my sensation to constantly urinate has subsided. I hope this helps some people.

2 tbsp of ACV
2 dashes cinnamon (as I did not measure I would say about 1 to 2 teaspoons)
a pinch of salt (I find kosher salt is the best)
sugar (about an equal amount to the cinnamon)
8-10 oz of HOT water
mix well and sip till gone

Now the cinnamon will not melt and sometimes will seem chalky, if you leave a spoon in glass so you can stir before you drink each time this will not be bothersome. Ideally what this drink should taste like is just like a hot glass of Apple Cider that you would purchase from the store. If it has been made right there will be no vinegar flavor. I have made this drink a couple of times and had to modify it sometimes but basically the salt kills the vinegar flavor and the cinnamon and sugar makes it sweet. So if you still taste vinegar add salt but if it tastes salty add sugar and cinnamon. Oh and by the way if you want the weight loss ACV diet its the same drink but has to be done everyday before you eat. Once again I have not done the diet so I cannot tell you if it gives results.

Hope this helps!"

[YEA]  06/30/2009: Maria from Vancouver, Canada writes: "Okay, I was a little skeptical but desperate as I can't take antibiotics. Began with 2 tbsp in an 8oz glass of water. I can't stand the taste of the acv, so I now just down a shot glass of the acv then chase it with a glass of water. Painful urination started to subside in about an hour. I also dabbed some on after urinating, which stung for the first few minutes but really took away the pain in less than 1/2 an hour. Thank God. Much easier. I continued for every 2 to 3 hours everyday. Don't forget to keep taking it even after you think you are better for at least a day or two after or it will creep up back on you as you may be not have completely gotten rid of the infection (I found that out the hard way). Cut down on sweets and caffeine. Sugar just feeds the bacteria, and coffee just seems to aggravate the bladder somehow. Also drink lots of cranberry juice and take Vitamin C."

08/10/2009: Connie from Manitowoc, Wisconsin replies: "Chocolate seems cause painful urination and bladder with me, in addition to coffee and tea. Somewhere it was mentioned that the ph of urin may cause painful crystals. And something to do with copper...?"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  06/24/2009: Kristy from Los Angeles, CA writes: "ACV is a natural diuretic--I took it for a few days to help with a bladder infection (4 tbsp. with raw honey in a tall glass of water, 2x per day). But since I didn't increase my water intake enough to account for the increased ACV intake, I became very dehydrated, to the point of confusion and dizziness. Be very careful to increase your water consumption when taking ACV."

[YEA]  05/25/2009: Bex from South Florida, USA writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar for a bladder infection:

I get chronic bladder infections. I've always just gone to the doctor who (after lecturing me on how to wipe my backside after going to the bathroom - like I could really be 40 years old and not know how to wipe my own butt??!) has given me an antibiotic to take care of it. In desperation I looked up natural remedies and found your page here. I laughed out loud when I saw that people were chugging and sitting in apple cider vinegar.

But then I kept reading, account after account of people who felt better after having done so. Putting my better judgment aside I went to the kitchen and knocked back a shot of ACV. Tasty? No. Not even a little bit.

Just for good measure I also put a little on a cotton ball and dabbed it on right after I had urinated.

Here I am, about an hour later WITHOUT pain. Truly, I CANNOT believe it. So, sorry for thinking you guys were a bunch of nuts!! Thanks for the wonderful tip!"

[YEA]  05/13/2009: Karen from Irvine, CA writes: "Yesterday I was in extreme pain even though my doctor reported that I didn't have a bladder infection. I feared having to use the bathroom because of the pain. I tried searching for a nature cure since I am currently breastfeeding and came across this site. I had ACV in my fridge because I used it in the past to balance my ph, so I drank a quarter cup of straight ACV (YUCK) and it worked!! This is day two and I bought ACV pills since the taste is awful. I have no more pain and will gladly share this remedy with anyone suffering as I have for many years with UTI pain. Thanks"

[YEA]  05/01/2009: Barbara from Wellington, New Zealand writes: "I noticed the early signs of a bladder infection this morning - that sensation you feel when you pee and then the beginnings of the frequent need to urinate. Wanting to avoid antibiotics at all costs I read the comments on this website and decided to take 1 TABLESPOON of organic ACV in approx 1-2 inches of water. At first I took this every 20-30 minutes and then when I felt some improvement, I took it every 40-60 minutes. It's been 5 hours now and my symptoms have greatly improved!! I'll continue 1 tablespoon in a small amount of water every hour probably until I go to sleep. Thank you!!! I was feeling very panicked about having to take antibiotics again because of their side effects and am so relieved that this worked."

[YEA]  04/15/2009: Amy from Madison, WI writes: "I found myself feeling like I was getting a Bladder/UTI infection. Anyone who has had one knows the feeling. So I started pounding water and did organic ACV, 1 T. or so in some warm H2O with a T. or so of Raw honey (so I could drink it down quick). Did that a couple of times the first day. Noticed a big difference in a few hours. Tonight I am drinking more water (way more than I normally drink which is at least 8-8oz. glasses a day) and am going to finish drinking a 2 liter of lite cranberry juice. Also had some Organic ACV on my salad tonight with dinner. Making a big difference. Tomorrow am going to get some acidophiles (ran out of time today). I heard though to stay away from sugar and sweets because it makes the infection worse. So I am not overdoing it on the honey. Anyone else have any advice for this?"

04/07/2009: Janet from Cornwall, Ontario Canada writes: "Apple Cidar Vinegar for UTI. This makes sense, yes it is due to the PH level, I am going to try this. I also want ed to ask the lady who said her son's ear infection were cured by garlic???? How so and what do you do for this? PH level are so important, and baking soda, I have been told works to......my Mother use to wash my hair with Apple Cidar Vinigar, she said it restored your healthy shine, she also said it was good to drink, because it restored your body's natural levels....hmmm maybe Momma knew what she was talking about...I will be sure to mention it to her too, Mother's do know best! THANKS, will get back to see if it worked....the thing is I don't have an actual infection more a irritation, which I do get after intercourse, not to be to graphic, but especially after oral, I am wondering if it is just a uproot in my natural enviro....also male sperm is Alkaline....so it makes me wonder if it just throws my PH levels off........I am not sure....going to TRY! THANKS!"

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