The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
D-Mannose
Posted by Autum (Nh) on 12/22/2014
★★★★★
My daughter had UTI when she was 5. I had no idea she had it that bad and being a young parent then I was clueless even though I had UTI myself. It was stressful for all of us and a lot of things happened. Lots of medical appointments, tests, procedure she had to go through. She was diagnosed urinary reflux disease stage 2 and the possibility of a surgical correction. This went on for 3 or 4 years. She was on medications and we saw the specialists. And then a nurse finally suggested the surgical route. I didn't like the news. How could they gave up on finding a better and noninvasive treatment. I started doing reading up and researching on alternative treatments. I've read that she can grow out of it. Finally I read about D-mannose. The reviews sounded promising. She has been UTI free for a few years now and she's no longer taking D-mannose. No more incontinence adult size because children's size were too pricey. She had to wear them at bedtime. I was so glad the D-mannose worked I told my mother about it. However because of her sensitive ulcer she could not use it.
Baking Soda
Posted by Joanvirginia (Chantilly, Va) on 09/25/2013
★★★★★
I've had exceptional results preventing and relieving UTIs with baking soda. Dissolve a 1/2 teaspoon in a glass of water and drink it a few times during the day. I've gone from pain to relief in no time at all!
Baking Soda
Posted by Nurse Jon (Everywhere) on 09/24/2013
★★★★★
The water cures protocol is used on most of the people I treat,. Only thing, there is a separate water cures protocol for UTI's.
Simply use 1/2 tsp baking soda in a glass of water and drink on an empty stomach. It usually eliminates the symptoms overnight or within 12 hours.
Cranberry
Posted by Shell (San Diego, Ca) on 06/26/2013
★★★★★
I had recurring bladder infections for years. After the last one -14 years ago--I began taking cranberry capsules as a PREVENTATIVE. I just take one in a.m. and one in the p.m. I take 3 if I'm going to have sex. You can also take d-mannose as a preventative. Urinating before and after sex is always good to do.
Cranberry
Posted by Amy (Los Angeles, California, United States) on 04/20/2012
★★★★★
I have recently had lots of problems with a Urinary Tract infection and a bladder infection. Last night I reunited with an old friend named Gail.
In our discussion I related to her about my woes with my Urinary Tract infection and my bladder infection and how I had tried everything to help my problem. Cranberry juice, Cranberry capsules, etc....
Gail told me to eat CRANBERRY SAUCE instead of the cranberry juice as the CRANBERRY SAUCE is more concentrated. So I started eating a can of ____ Cranberry Sauce this morning and I SEEM TO BE WELL FROM THE BLADDER INFECTION by 5:30 pm!
I am passing this on so others can maybe get relief from this awful illness like I did!
Acidophilus
Posted by SandyM (MI) on 07/14/2024
★★★★★
Hello and thank you so much for your post of Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Urinary Tract+. I too had tried all of the other natural remedies recommended (ACV, Sea Salt, Cranberry juice, D-Mannose) and they gave relief to my symptoms but couldn't get rid of my UTI (urethra). Then, I discovered this post and ordered Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Urinary Tract+. I tried just 2 a day and it didn't help, so I kicked it up to 4 per day (2 first thing in the morning, 1 late afternoon, and 1 before bed) for a week. Finally(! ), infection is gone. I will continue to take 1 per day for the next couple of weeks just as a precaution. Thanks again for posting!! Love this website and the people who contribute.
Acidophilus
Posted by Liliana (Florida) on 06/08/2017
Fem dophilus. You can find it in whole foods.
Acidophilus
Posted by Marsh (Colorado) on 08/12/2022
Your post is a few years old, but here are a few suggestions for current sufferers. I was also prone to UTIs after intimacy. My naturopath recommended eliminating immediately after, showering, D-Mannose and blow drying (yes, a little odd but dryness is important). My mom's friend always dried corn silk and made it into tea which resolved hers. When we renovated our home, my husband surpised me with a bidet. They're not very expensive at the big box hardware stores. I love it. It's not what Europeans use, which are the best, but it's better than having to take a shower. If you don't have electrical for a bidet to work, a handheld shower is second best.
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Jlkincaid (Fargo, North Dakota ) on 12/22/2011
★☆☆☆☆
I tried the alka seltzer remedy too and I ended up in the er with a fever and a severe bladder infection. The pain was so severe that I felt like I was giving birth all over again. I wouldn't suggest to anyone to use the alka seltzer!
Vitamin C
Posted by Caitlin (New York, NY) on 11/10/2011
★★★★★
I have been struggling with a bladder infection for about 3 weeks now, trying every possible remedy under the sun (plus antibiotics, which helped initially, but then it came back). I read about Vitamin C and decided to try it. I took 2 doses of sodium ascorbate (c powder with baking soda) as recommended on this site and within 24 hours my bladder infection symptoms had completely disappeared. Amazing!!
Zinc
Posted by Nicole (Ny) on 06/05/2017
This makes SO much sense. My daughter had a UTI onset the evening after she got a mild sunburn. To heal the skin, especially from burns, the body uses zinc. If she was already depleted, then resources would be stretched even further and the cells could not be resistant at all! I am a firm believer that deficiency and toxicity are the two true causes of all illness. Adding zinc to the plan is already making a huge difference. Thanks!
Sea Salt
Posted by Grannyguru (Oro Valley, Az, Usa) on 04/06/2011
★★★★★
This is the first time I have ever had a urinary tract infection. I hope it's the last time. I took the ACV but it still hurt. Then I read Ted's sea salt remedy and tried that. Wow! The pain is entirely gone! In just minutes. So far it has stayed away, just a hour or two later. I'm going to continue with cranberry juice etc. Thank you Ted! Alice
Distilled Water
Posted by Nicole (Rochester, Ny) on 07/05/2016
★★★★★
Distilled water forever! It will not harm you! Rainwater is naturally distilled, and the "acidity" of distilled water is extremely weak, though low on the scale. The reason distilled water will cure a bladder infection is that it is the most cleansing water in existence, with full ionic capacity for flushing toxins, metabolic by-products, and pathogens.
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Michele (Spring Grove, Pa - Usa) on 12/01/2009
★★★★★
YEA!!!!! I haven't had a bladder infection for years, but got hit with one tonight - of course, after all the drugstores locally were closed . I immediately came to this site as it has been very helpful for other things. First tried the ACV, but the pain was getting worse, along with shakes and chills. Frequent urination with little result and increasing pain finally got me to go wake my husband up and send him to an all night gas station/store for Alka-Seltzer.
By the time he got back, I was nearly on the floor with the pain - and I have a very high pain tolerance. Took 2 tablets in water and then took a hot - steaming hot - shower. By the time I got out of the shower the pain had subsided and I was able to urinate a more normal amount. Took another dose about 2 hours after the first and am also drinking cranberry juice and my normal mix of ACV and honey.
I am absolutely AMAZED at how quickly the Alka Seltzer worked. I'm sending this site link and the info to everyone I know. Thank you so much!!!
Dandelion
Posted by Liz (Shelton, Washington) on 10/31/2009
★★★★★
Dandelion is free. Recently used it to cure bladder and kidney infections in both my granddaughter and my daughter. Used the dried leaf which I had collected and dried. It really does work. Use one rounded teaspoon per six to eight ounces of boiling water. Let it steep for at least five minutes before drinking. If the infection is severe two rounded teaspoons may be used per cup. Do not use dandelion leaves that have been sprayed with chemicals or that have been collected from along roads or highways. I have very old dandelion plants that grow leaves that obtain 14 inches in length and 8 to 9 inches wide and collect them every year to dry. Dandelion also makes a good body cleanse and was used by the pioneers as a spring tonic. Some people do not care for the taste of the tea so adding a mint tea and some honey to it improves the taste. My daughter says she doesn't mind the taste.
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Big Dave (Riverside, Calif. Usa) on 04/04/2011
Also I forgot... The drinks that keep your kidneys open and runnin Is Grapefruit Juice(fresh preffered)and Cranberry juice that has nothing in it but straight juice... Mixed together it is a wonderful drink for any diabetic... Now you as a diabetic need Chromium... This is the diabetics FRIEND.... It will keep your bloodsugar in check... It may take a month to work but you will see it in your blood checks with your meter... Gluco sure is a brand name, check with a good health food store that sells suppliments... Ok... ? God Speed
Baking Soda
Posted by Wiskawind (Seattle, Wa) on 10/10/2010
★★★★★
I had a bladder infection for more than a year, where the doctor kept putting me on antibiotics, but they didn't work. So I went online, and found where a gal had drank a glass of water with just 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda every hour on the hour for eight hours; by the third glass I was feeling great. (smile)
Haven't had another bladder infection. (grin)
Bladder Infection Causes
Posted by Suzi (Lolo, Montana) on 06/09/2008
Bladder Infections---for Ladies Only:
My very first infection occured on my honeymoon in 1975! The doctor seemed to be condesending and diagnosed "honeymoon cystitis". I was frightened and miserable. The antibiotics did the trick. 30 years later and quite literally, 17 trips to the emergency roomlater, plus at least 3 courses of meds a year(do the math)...I have been UTI free for over a YEAR!!! I continue to be sexually active with my husband and this is the not so simple "light bulb moment for me"!!!
Last year when my husband was gone for 3 months, I felt an infection coming on and was dazed and confused since it had been MANY months since we were intimate. The only thing I could detect that I was doing different was taking over- the counter sleeping medication(Unisom) for sleeplessness! So while the infection was clearing up I started to connect every single episode of UTI's to those darn sleeping pills.
When we would go on vacation----pills, camping--pills, honeymoon---pills, insomnia---pills! FOR THIRTY YEARS! I have had NO infections now since early 2007 and nothing has changed in the intimacy department. In fact just the freedom alone has increased our frequency! It boggles my mind to think about all the damaging courses of differnt antibiotics that my body has endured. So young or old, if you are dealing with cystitis, and use Unisom, or Compoz, or any of those sleeping pills at the drug store, etc....you may very well have the connection that I do. Just what it is in the sleeping pills that triggers bladder infections I don't know---------but I'm positive they are the culprit!
Alkaline Diet
Posted by Jess (Riverside, NJ) on 04/09/2008
★★★★★
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!
Alkaline Diet
Posted by Art (California) on 12/16/2021 2469 posts
ALEXSANDRA,
In my experience it varies depending on the bacteria that is causing the UTI. I have a friend who gets UTI's regularly and baking soda (BS) worked fine for years to stop her UTI's quickly for years, but then she got a UTI that was unfazed by BS and had to use a different remedy to stop that UTI. Her doctor told her that if BS works, to keep on using it as long as it does, but he also said that it shouldn't work and he was confused as to why it was working.
Art
Baking Soda
Posted by Art (Tustin, California Usa) on 08/01/2011
★★★★★
A friend asked me if I had any antibiotics that she could take for a recurring bladder infection. I told her to skip the antibiotics and the potential negative side effects associated with them and just drink some baking soda mixed in water. I made her a 16oz. bottle of water with two teaspoons of baking soda in it. She drank that in the afternoon and made herself another one in the evening before going to bed. In the morning she made one more bottle and she called me that evening and told me she felt "normal" again!
She also told me that she takes a couple of very potent prescription drugs for her rheumatoid arthritis and one of the side effects is that she get's small ulcer type sores in her mouth that are very painful. Her doctor told her that this happens often because of the medication, but gave her nothing to help the problem. I told her to swish the baking soda water around in her mouth before swallowing it. After the three bottles that she drank for her bladder infection she said the sores went away also! Baking soda is some good stuff!
It's been about two weeks since she drank those three bottles and she tells me she has had no more problems and will definitely go with baking soda over antibiotics next time she has another bladder infection.
Coconut Milk
Posted by annie (London, uk) on 11/07/2007
★★★★★
I had a severe urine infection.I was going to he bathroom every 10 mins But found the cures within hours of drinking coconut milk. It is available from fresh coconuts but also in cans and cartons. A friend of mine's infection spread to the kidneys and had to be referred to hospital as the antibiotics were not helping and she was in severe pain. I recommended her this treatment within 3 days she was cured. She drank a glass of the coconut milk 5/6 times a day. Her tests showed the infection was completely gone and the kidneys were clear and healthy !
Coconut Oil
Posted by Catheryn (Jonesboro, AR) on 04/02/2007
★★★★★
Although I had begun using VCO for other reasons, I realized after only two months that a chronic, "incurable" bladder condition that I had had for twenty-one years was much better. Then it seemed to just disappear. It has been over a year since any symptoms, and I don't expect any. My urologist was astonished.
Uva Ursi
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 08/11/2008
★★★★★
UVA URSI WORKS!!! This supplement will cure the most stubborn bladder infection. I tried everything you buy at the store, and tons of cranberry supplements and juices. Nothing helped me. Uva Ursi was the only thing that worked and worked quickly. 2 caps at night and 2 caps in the morning. $4 for a bottle at the store.
Lemon
Posted by Jen (Croydon, UK) on 02/04/2007
★★★★★
Fresh lemon cured my bladder infection! This may help those who find that cranberry juice/tablets don't work. I suffered from bladder infections for many years. I used to have it about every six weeks, and it was often triggered by eating food high in salt, sugar or fat, or drinking alcohol - it was a nightmare, I couldn't even have one glass of wine. I tried antibiotics, cranberry, everything - nothing worked. Sorting out my diet and cutting down wheat and sugar helped a bit, but I would still get the infection several times a year. Until I met a former fellow sufferer who told me to eat lemon wedges - as many as I could bear - next time the symptoms started. I followed her advice and I haven't needed antibiotics since! I still watch my diet but if I "have to" overindulge on food & drink, I have one or two lemons squeezed in a drop of water before going to bed and wake up right as rain. Interestingly, my sister, who is also prone to bladder infections, finds that cranberry works for her whereas lemon doesn't. For me it's the other way around, cranberry didn't do anything but lemon works in an instant. Hope this helps someone!
Sea Salt
Posted by Kim (Cleveland, Ohio) on 07/21/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I tried the sea salt cure for my bladder infection and ended up with very low kidney function. My kidney's were functioning at 24% capacity ( 15% or less is considered kidney failure). My urinary tract was so irritated I had to go on painkillers so that I could urinate without screaming. Took several visits and alot of test for a Kidney Specialist to figure out it was the salt that was the problem. Turns out that you kidneys can only handle so much salt.
Now I watch my sodium intake no more than 2000 milligrams a day and I go to the doctor to treat my bladder infections rather than use natural remedies. Please be careful people! Fooling around with home remedies can have harmful side effects!
Acidophilus
Posted by Marina (Chicago, Il) on 02/10/2012
I am responding to a general thread on bladder infections and uti- to say that we keep coconut oil ovules made with a drop of lavender essential oil in our women's health care clinic, and they seem to knock out bladder infections - best to address at the earliest symptom, which is generally a slight burning upon urination. Taking a few glassfuls of water to which 1 t. of cranberry concentrate (unsweetened) is added is also a helpful adjunct to this treatment- along with rest!
D-Mannose
Posted by Dewchild (Matthews, Nc, United States) on 09/14/2012
★★★★★
I have been a long time "lurker" on Earth Clinic. I first came to the site when I started having frequent UTIs, (monthly for a year) and the doctors were unable to help. I tried it all. Apple Cider, Vitamin C, Cranberry, Water. You name it. I went to two different Urologists, that basically gave me a refillable Rx for antibiotic and sent me on my way. During this time, I continued to get yeast infections, as well - from the antibiotic use. It seemed like there was a link to the yeast infection and the UTI, but my general practicioner ignored me when I mentioned it. Finally the third Dr. I saw was a Uro-Gynocologist. He had me take probiotic on a regular basis internally and also to open a probiotic capsule and put the probiotic in my vaginal cavity, so that I could restore the good bacteria there. His theory was that the antibiotics had killed all of the good bacteria in my vaginal area and by replacing it with probiotics (actually putting the probiotics in there), the good bacteria could start to flouish and kill off any bad bacteria before it made it into my bladder.
He also gave me an antibiotic. I threw the antibiotic away and used the D-Mannose instead. I did the probiotic internally and the infections never came back. It's been over a year since then, but I wanted to come and share my story in case it could help someone else.
In retrospect, I don't think I had frequent UTIs. I think I had a UTI, that never went away. I was probably resistant to all of those antibiotics and the D-Mannose did the trick. It was like a miracle for me. I haven't had an infection since, but if I do start to feel like one might be coming on, I take a dose of D-Mannose and drink lots of water! Big thanks to the Earth Clinic for helping with the healing!
