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Bladder Infection (UTI) Remedies

Updated: 07/02/2009

"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)

POPULAR REMEDIES:

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR	49 YEAS
CRANBERRY	15 YEAS
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA	9 YEAS
D-MANNOSE	9 YEAS
ALKA SELTZER	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"

ALKA SELTZER

9 YEA
1 NAY

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."

[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 (cloveralysum@hotmail.com) 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."

ANTIBIOTICS, CRANBERRY JUICE

1 NAY

[NAY]  06/28/2009: Sy (jossy31@yahoo.com) 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

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

[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."

[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!"

[YEA]  03/19/2009: Katina from Arnold, Missouri writes: "I drank a small glass of water with a couple of tablesppons of Apple Cider Vinegar. 3 days of antibiotics and I was still hunched oveer in pain with a uti. I drank the water with my meal and by the time I got up to do the dishes the pain was gone. A couple of days later my urine was clear. Thank you so much."

[YEA]  03/14/2009: Kim from Gaffney, SC writes: "Hi everyone, I also use ACV for bladder infections. Just had one a couple of weeks ago. I drink as much of it straight as I can stand. I would say 1/4 cup at a time every couple hours. Let that sit in your stomach a little while 1/2 hour, then drink a full glass of water. It is horrible but the reward is amazing. By the next morning it is gone. You can also do the tablespoon in your water several times a day but when I do that the symtoms usually last for three days."

[YEA]  03/09/2009: Kelley from Helena, US writes: "I just wanted to share this with everyone, I have had chronic bladder infections for years and one day I got one and had no Insurance so I saw that the Apple Cider Vineger helps with multiple problems in the body. It got rid of my infection, every time I get an infection I take a couple of ACV pills and within 6 hours it is gone. Great stuff!"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  03/07/2009: Tamara from Santa Barbara, California, CA writes: "ACV is instantaneous! I knew I was in trouble this morning and being a Saturday I knew I would sit all day in urgent care. I was already drinking a strong solution of unsweetened cranberry and pure water--half and half. Then I read your site but didn't think I had any ACV--I got the flashlight out and there was a bottle in the back of the cabinet. I got a soft cloth, wet it with warm water and added about a tablespoon of ACV and wrung the sloth out. Then I applied the cloth to my poor burning urethra --just holding it there--and immediate relief! After that I have taken 8oz of water with 2 tbsp of ACV and we'll see what it does. I also took a fem-dophilus. It is just plain old ACV from the grocery store not the health food store kind. I'll keep you posted!"

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