Bladder Infection

(see also Irritable Bladder)

Symptoms

Frequent urges to urinate, accompanied by burning, stinging pain during and especially at the end of urination are the typical characteristics of a bladder infection. Dribbling urination is common and emptying the bladder will not always relieve the urge. The onset of the infection can be slow or sudden, and cramping pains intensify the suffering. The infection can also be mild, with symptoms of bladder irritation while urinating without the accompanying pain. Since kidney infections can result from untreated bladder infections, seek professional care if the pain is severe or if the infection does not react to treatment. Other signs to be treated seriously are fever, lower-back pain or blood in the urine.

Recurring bladder inflammations without the presence of an infection are called interstitial inflammations because the pain and swelling occur between the tissues and not on the bladder walls, as most infections do. This type of inflammation is particularly frustrating to diagnose and treat since lab tests return negative results, as there are no bacteria present and antibiotics do not help. The symptoms of this type of inflammation are the same as for other bladder infections, but the process tends to be chronic and recurring.

Causes

Bladder infections result from bacteria that cause an inflammation of the bladder’s inner lining. In women, the urethra is short and close to the anus and vagina, so bacteria can enter the bladder easily. E. coli, which is beneficial to the lower bowels but hazardous if it finds its way to the urinary organs, is the most common bacterial cause of bladder infection. Genital hygiene is crucial in women who are predisposed to, or suffer from, recurrent bladder infections.

Men also get bladder infections as a result of a chill or possibly linked to a prostate problem. Antibiotics, oral contraceptives, stress and poor diet all weaken the immune system and create a tendency for recurring infections. Some sexually transmitted diseases also cause symptoms similar to those of bladder infections.

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition caused by inflammation of the space between the urinary bladder lining and the bladder muscle. The causes are varied, but bacteria are generally not found in the bladders of chronic cystitis, sufferers and antibiotics are therefore ineffective. In contrast, the more common bladder infections are caused by bacteria originating in the large bowel. It is therefore important to get a urine culture done to determine if bacteria are present before starting antibiotic prescriptions. Bacteria may pre-sensitize the bladder so that various promoters (certain drugs, foods, hormones, viruses and even exposure to cold drafts and dampness) will start the chronic disease process.

Interstitial cystitis is a progressive disease which may range in severity from microscopic ulcers to a completely scarred bladder. Interstitial cystitis is an environmentally-induced illness which frequently responds to diet and lifestyle changes.

Nutrition

For patients with a bladder infection, cranberry juice is high in vitamin C and very effective against bacterial infection. Pure cranberry juice without added sweetener can be found in health food stores. Components in cranberry juice inhibits the ability of bacteria to adhere to the mucus membrane of the bladder. Drink at least ten glasses of fluids—fresh spring water, herbal teas and juices—each day to keep the kidneys and bladder well flushed. Juices should be diluted. Carrot juice is good for flushing acid waste. Watermelon juice cleanses the kidneys. Garlic works well to fight bacteria and strengthen immunity.

During the acute stage of the infection, avoid salty, spicy foods as these irritate the bladder. Refined carbohydrates and simple sugars, acid- and sediment-forming foods, coffee, black tea, tomatoes, cooked spinach and yeast breads should also be avoided.

Patients with interstitial cystitis can usually control symptoms of urinary frequency, burning, painful intercourse and pelvic irritation by avoiding high acid-forming foods and those that contain high amounts of tyrosine, tyramine and aspartate. Eat more of the alkaline-forming foods. If symptoms improve, challenge the body occasionally with low acid-forming foods.

Nutritional Supplements

Bladder infections are helped with large doses of vitamin C, which increases the acidity of urine, producing an environment unfavorable for
bacteria. Vitamin C also aids the immune system in fighting the infection. If vitamin C causes loose stools, reduce the dosage slightly.

For an interstitial inflammation, avoid regular vitamin C because of its high acidity. Instead, use calcium ascorbate, which is vitamin C buffered with calcium. It contains the immunity-strengthening powers of vitamin C without the acidity.

Especially for recurring bladder infections, vitamins A and E are recommended. Vitamin E improves oxygen supply to the cells and prevents scarring that can sometimes become quite severe with the recurring irritation of interstitial bladder inflammation. Vitamin A and beta-carotene are essential for maintaining the mucus membranes that line the bladder walls. They also support immune-system function. Zinc should be added for a stronger immune system.

Garlic capsules act as natural antibacterial agents. Acidophilus cultures help prevent bladder infections related to candida and should be added to the diet whenever antibiotics are being taken. If infections are chronic and recurring, Green-food supplements and drinks, especially chlorella, spirulina and blue-green algae, support cell renewal.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 4,000–10,000 mg daily in divided doses

Vitamin A, 25,000—50,000 IU

(avoid during pregnancy)

Zinc, 50 mg, with 5 mg copper

Garlic, 2 capsules three times daily

Lactobacillus acidophilus, 2 capsules or 1 tsp. three times daily (take forty-five minutes before meals)

Helpful

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400–800 IU

Beta-carotene, 100,000 IU

Green food supplements, 1 tbsp.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal teas help clear the infection and heal the urinary tract. Add 1 cup boiling water to 1 tsp. herbs, steep for fifteen minutes, strain and drink
1 cup three times daily.

Horsetail increases the excretion of urine by thirty percent and strengthens the elastic tissue of bladder walls.

For chronic bladder infection, use a blend containing equal parts of camomile flowers, uva ursi leaves and bearberry leaves.

Lemon balm, birch leaves, stinging nettle leaves and roots, dandelion leaves and roots, parsley, yarrow or rose hips, taken alone, will help clear up the infection.

Homeopathy

Choose one of the remedies below in the 6c strength, repeating hourly for three doses, then four times daily until symptoms disappear. Dissolve 2 tablets under the tongue. Seek professional advice if no improvement is noted.

Cantharis is the first remedy to consider for a bladder infection when, despite the sudden, strong urging, the urine dribbles, accompanied by burning pains, particularly at the end of urination.

Use Apis if the pains are stinging and sharp, worse from the least heat or touch. Cold often feels good.

Belladonna is indicated for a fierce infection that begins quickly, causing burning and urging even after passing urine. Typically, the bladder is extremely sensitive to any movement, even jarring, and a fever usually accompanies the infection.

Dulcamara helps if an infection begins after exposure to cold or after getting wet.

Use Pulsatilla if the pain is not very intense, yet the other typical bladder infection signs exist. Other indications for this remedy are little thirst, and a desire for open air and gentle motion.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue every thirty minutes until some relief is obtained, then three times daily until the infection abates.

Ferr phos is helpful in the beginning stage, to relieve the burning pains and frequent urge to urinate.

Kali mur is used in the secondary stage of inflammation, especially if there is any white mucus in the urine. Alternate with Ferr phos if necessary.

When severe cramping is prominent, with straining to urinate and dribbling, Mag phos is the appropriate remedy.

Kali phos will aid the bladder infection brought on, or accompanied by, nervous tension.

Silicea helps when there is a desire to urinate but scanty emissions result.

Use Nat mur when pain accompanies a slow urinary flow along with a burning sensation in the bladder when voiding.

External/Physical Therapies

Rest and keep warm, especially the feet.

Hot herbal packs, compresses, prolonged sitz-baths and alternating foot baths are very successful in treating a bladder infection.

Keep the genital area warm with natural-fiber (cotton or wool) underwear.

To strengthen the bladder, exercise the sphincter muscle by contracting it and holding for a few seconds and then releasing it. This exercise is identical to stopping the urine flow in mid stream. Repeat this exercise a few times a day.

Women who have recurrent bladder infections should wipe from front to back after every visit to the toilet. Both partners should shower before sex and urinate after. As a prevention, do not hold urine for any length of time (urinate whenever there is the urge to), and avoid douching or using any sort of vaginal deodorants, as these change the vaginal flora and increase susceptibility to infection.

Reflexology

Work the reflex of the bladder, which is found toward and under the ankle bone at the heel of both feet, as illustrated. Work up the reflexes of the urethra tubes and kidneys, which will lessen the formation of uric acid. Also stimulate the reflex area of the kidneys, adrenals and lower spine. The second or third treatment will show a marked improvement.

Other Suggestions

Avoid spicy foods and coffee, which add irritation to an already inflamed bladder.

Drink ample fluids to prevent and treat a bladder infection. Fluids help expel existing bacteria and flush the bladder regularly to keep bacteria out.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate / Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Multi Element Buffered C (Klaire Laboratories)

Zinc Plus (Klaire Laboratories)

Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Ester C (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Mega Acidophilus Powder (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Other Nutritional Supplements

Bee Propolis (Natural Factors)

Peace River Bee Pollen (Natural Factors)

Pollen Plus Energy (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Medicinal Tea: Uratonic (Flora)

Cranberry Juice Extract (Natural Factors)

Diuretic (Natural Factors)

Echinacea Tincture/Fresh Juice Extract (Natural Factors)

Enriching Green Factors (Natural Factors)

Prost Cleanse (Natural Factors)

Chlorella, Better (Nature’s Herbs)

Cranberry Juice Extract (Nature’s Herbs)

Cranberry, Whole Fruit (Nature’s Herbs)

Diurtab (Nature’s Herbs)

Garlic, Odorless (Nature’s Herbs)

Juniper Berry Combination (Nature’s Herbs)

Nettle Leaf (Nature’s Herbs)

Parsley Leaf (Nature’s Herbs)

Silica-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Homeopathy

Apis (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Belladonna (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Cantharis (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Pulsatilla (Nelsons Homeopathy)