UTI's/Bladder Infections

Urinary Tract Infections, also known as bladder infections, are one of the most uncomfortable infections. Women are much more likely than men to develop UTIs due to the anatomical structure of the urethra.

In this post, I'll share some tips for preventing UTIs. I'm one of the lucky ones who experience recurring UTIs. I've tried a lot of things, and this is what works best for me. 

UTIs are caused when bacteria (usually E.coli) gets into the urethra (where you pee) and travels up to the bladder. The bacteria sink their sharp little selves into the bladder wall, causing irritation and pain. Minimizing the urethra's exposure to bacteria is key for preventing infection. Ways to minimize exposure include:

- Urinating after a bath or swimming (and skipping the bubbles).

- Urinating soon after sex.

- Cleansing ALL the private parts before sex (both partners).

- Wiping front to back.

Remember that the bacteria E.coli generally comes from your digestive tract, which gets eliminated very near the opening of the urethra. 

It's also important to practice these precautions:

- Drink plenty of water and urinate often so the bacteria don't have time to get cozy in your bladder.

- Empty the bladder completely each time.

- Avoid scented feminine products, including bubble baths.

For a lot of women, sex is the most common way to develop a UTI. This is the method that has worked the best for me:

1. Cleanse thoroughly before sex (both partners).

2. Urinate very soon after sex.

3. Take D-Mannose and cranberry pills either before or right after sex, and the day after.

4. Consistent use of femdophilus probiotics for healthy vaginal microbiome. 

Cranberry and D-Mannose discourage the bacteria from latching on to the bladder wall. It's important to note that traditional cranberry juice is NOT strong enough to be useful. Most cranberry juice at the grocery store has a low percentage of actual fruit juice and is full of sugar (which encourages bacteria to grow). If you want to try cranberry juice, you need to get a pure juice from a health food store. It's very tart, which is why most people prefer the pills. 

Femdophilus is a probiotic specifically for maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome, which will help fight off bad bacteria. Just like our gut needs good bacteria to fight off the bad bacteria, so does our lady parts! 

You can also get a combination of D-Mannose, cranberry, and probiotics in one pill. The probiotic is different than what's in the femdophilus but can be helpful. I don't use this personally because my body didn't like it. 

Another helpful tool for preventing an infection, or nipping the beginnings of an infection in the bud, is Bragg's apple cider vinegar. If I catch the beginnings of an infection soon enough, I will throw back 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar (on a full stomach, not empty), drink lots and lots of water, and take the D-Mannose and cranberry as much as the muscle test will allow. If I catch it early enough, I can stop it in its tracks.

Getting a foot zone can also be very helpful in preventing or treating a bladder infection. I have heard of people using D-Mannose to clear up an active infection. You can also try drinking The Brew (which helps with any kind of infection). I will be the first to admit that when it comes to UTIs, I'm a giant wuss. I've had enough to know when it's gone far enough that I need an antibiotic. I try to avoid antibiotics as much as possible, but when it comes to a raging UTI...I don't hesitate!

To rebuild my gut after a round of antibiotics, I do a week of Bio-K+ probiotic, once a day. Then I do a month of Inner-Eco probiotics, once a day. I choose these probiotics because they are non-dairy and have been known to have better cultures because they stay refrigerated. 

Each body is unique and requires different tools to create health and wellness. Hopefully some of these suggestions will be helpful to you in your journey to health! 

Cold and Sore Throat Tea

This is my favorite remedy when I get slammed with a cold or sore throat. I don't get sick very often. Usually, when I feel like I'm coming down with something I can take my RC tincture and it goes away. But some viruses are just nasty and break through the herbs. Especially when you substitute teach at an elementary school.

This drink revives the energy, clears congestion, and eases a sore throat. But do prepare yourself before taking the first sip! The last time I made this, I was in a hurry and started gulping it down without taking a minute to prepare. It hit my sore throat and I had an involuntary reaction and started coughing and spluttering. The drink went up my nose! Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper do NOT feel good on the nasal passages!

When purchasing apple cider vinegar, look for the Bragg's brand. It has "the mother" which is the floatie stuff in the vinegar. Some other brands have this also--just make sure you're not purchasing filtered vinegar like Heinz. It doesn't have the same health properties.

The Brew

A few years ago my teenager daughter contracted Mono. She became fatigued and developed a pain in her side which turned out to be an enlarged spleen. To her disdain, I pulled out this recipe for The Brew and made her drink it every day for about a week.

This recipe is excellent for viruses, bacteria, infections, detoxing, and regulating bleeding. For some people, it helps to jumpstart their metabolism. The key ingredient is apple cider vinegar. You have to make sure the apple cider vinegar has "the mother" which is the floaties in the vinegar. Do not buy the clear, filtered apple cider vinegar (like Heinz); it doesn't have the same health properties. My favorite brand is Bragg's.

You can purchase cayenne tincture/extract at health food stores. Start out with just a couple drops and test the temperature. You want the drink to be hot but drinkable.

It's important after drinking The Brew (or any kind of detox) to rebuild the body with probiotics and vitamins. I like to use liquid chlorophyll (aka alfalfa juice) for the rebuild phase.

The Brew

4 Tablespoons raw honey, dissolved in a small amount of warm water (not hot)
4 Tablespoons Bragg's apple cider vinegar
7-10 drops cayenne pepper tincture
A few dashes of cinnamon
Water

Dissolve the honey in a small amount of warm water (not hot). Pour it into a quart jar. Add the apple cider vinegar, a few drops of cayenne tincture, and a couple dashes of cinnamon. Fill the jar with filtered water. Test the temperature and add more cayenne drops until it's hot but drinkable. Keep refrigerated and drink over 2 days. You may want to do a second round of The Brew, or muscle test to see how much to do.

Other products I use to combat infections are Deliverance oil, RC tincture, IF tincture, colloidal silver, a neti pot for sinuses, garlic, and Oscillococcinum homeopathic.