Bladder infections in women
are surprisingly common: 21% of all women have urinary tract discomfort at
least once a year.
Frequent urges to urinate, accompanied by
burning, stinging pain during and at the end of urination, are the typical
symptoms of a bladder infection. The onset of a bladder infection can be slow
or sudden, and cramping pains intensify the suffering. Since kidney infections
can result from untreated bladder infections, seek professional care if the
pain is severe or if the infection does not respond to treatment. Other signs
to be treated seriously are fever, lower-back pain or blood in the urine.
Many factors are associated with increased
risk of bladder infection - pregnancy (twice as frequent), sexual intercourse
(nuns have one-tenth of the incidence) and perhaps most important, structural
abnormalities of the urinary tract which block the free flow of urine. Reflux
of the urine from the bladder up to the kidney is an important factor in
recurrent kidney infections.
In women, bladder infections are more
common than in men due to the short distance between the anus and urethra, 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 possible link to a prostrate problem. Antibiotics, oral
contraceptives, stress and poor diet all weaken the immune system and create a
tendency for recurrent infections.
Cranberries and cranberry juice have been
used to treat bladder infections and have been shown to be quite effective in
several clinical studies. Recent studies have shown components in cranberry
juice to reduce the ability of bacteria to cling on, or adhere, to the lining
of the bladder and urethra. In order for bacteria to infect, they must first
adhere to the mucosa (the lining of the bladder wall). By interfering with
adherence, cranberry juice greatly reduces the likelihood of infection and
helps the body fight off infection.
It must be pointed out that most cranberry
juices on the market contain one third of cranberry juice mixed with water and
sugar. Since sugar has such a detrimental effect on the immune system, use of
sweetened cranberry juice cannot be recommended.
Another herb with most research is the
bearberry or upland cranberry, Ulva Ursis, which has powerful antiseptic
properties that are marvellous for easing a bladder infection. Garlic is
another powerful antiseptic of great use in bladder infections.
A herb to strengthen the urinary tract and
cure bladder infections is called Horsetail. Horsetail increases the excretion
of urine by 30% and strengthens the elastic tissue of bladder walls.
During the acute stage of an infection,
avoid salty, spicy foods as these irritate the bladder. Drink plenty of water,
especially barley water. To make, boil 100g/4 oz. of barley in 1 litre of water
for 30 minutes. Add lemon juice to taste.
David Foley
MNIMH, MRCHM
Medical Herbalist
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