The whole herb of Cranberry Fruit (anti-adherence) or the herb Uva Ursi leaf (antimicrobial) are beneficial for clearing urinary tract infections (UTI's).
Cystitis a bladder infection, urethritis a urethra infection and pyelonephritis a kidney infection are common in some women because of the close proximity of the anus and urethra. This proximity allows for relatively easy transmission of bacteria from the anus to the urethra and then to the bladder. Most UTI’s are caused from bacteria that is normally found in the intestine.
Symptoms of UTI's can include one or more of the following: increased urinary frequency or urgency, burning or discomfort with urination (dysuria), cloudy urine, foul or strong urine odor, fever, chills, nausea, abdominal pain or tenderness, and uterine tenderness. Often with these symptoms it is hard to sit, or walk without feeling un-comfortable. Ibuprofen will help with the pain while clearing the infection.
Lower urinary tract infections of the urethra can be prevented and alleviated with a Cranberry Fruit herbal supplement. Pyelonephritis an infection of the kidney and ureters, (the tubes that carry urine away from the kidney), can be alleviated by careful use of the herb Uva Ursi. Kidney infections often result from unmanaged lower urinary tract infections or from occassional backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureter, then kidney. In general, most women tend to feel a kidney infection in the lower back: many women tend to feel a bladder infection above the pubic hairline.
Early symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be alleviated with whole cranberry fruit dietary supplements. Cranberry Fruit (supplement) has bacterial anti-adherence activity. It prevents troublesome bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urethra and bladder. Cranberry juice from the food store is not particulaly helpful because it is diluted and sweetened. The sugar content of cranberry juice will contribute to the bacterial growth of the UTI. Sugar feeds/fuels bacteria and yeast. When bacteria becomes troublesome, it is important to reduce sugar intake.
Uva Ursi leaf (an herbal dietary supplement) is effective with more stubborn lower urinary tract infections and kidney (pyelonephritis) infections. Uva Ursi has antimicrobial activity. Uva Ursi contains a glycoside called arbutin, which has an antiseptic effect on the membranes of the urinary tract. As a natural diuretic this herb drains excess water from cells and promotes an antiseptic effect on the kidneys.
It is best to take Uva Ursi leaf as directed on the bottle, with a large glass of water and the juice of half a lemon or lime. Fresh lemon juice has alkalizing and anti-bacterial properties. Bacteria can not live an an alkaline environment. Uva Ursi and a cranberry supplement will work in synergy to clear the infection. Taking the Uva Ursi leaf with the lemon or lime juice will help flush out stubborn/intense bacteria over a few days. Uva Uris is a potent urinary antiseptic, after takening the capsule(s) with a large glass of water, within half and hour, urination with increased flow, and chill or moist skin (diaphoresis) is common. Uva Ursi leaf is available at health food stores. A potent supplement contains only Uva Ursi leaf in a gelatin capsule. Very Helpful: Drinking fresh lemon juice in water helps make urine alkaline so bacteria can not survive. Drinking a pinch of baking soda in water also lessens the burning of a urinary infection because the urine will become more alkaline. When using cranberry herb or uva ursi leaf supplement adding/drinking either the fresh lemon juice or baking soda will be most helpful.
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