|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health |
|
|
|
Treating Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Without the Use of Antibiotics
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) -- commonly known as a bladder infection, kidney infection, or cystitis -- is caused by bacteria that attach to the inside lining of the urinary system or tract. In over 90% of all urinary tract infections, the culprit is the bacterium E. Coli, used by the body in the digestive system. When invaded by the offensive E. Coli bacteria, the tissues in the urinary system react similarly to how your sinuses react when you have a cold or allergies; they become swollen, inflamed and irritated. This irritation leads to a reduced urine flow, which causes discomfort and pain. What is the urinary tract? When we speak of the "urinary tract" we are referring to the following:
What are the treatment options for a urinary tract infection? The treatment options fall into two separate categories basically defined as "antibiotic" and "naturopathic". The antibiotic options include a myriad of prescription antibiotics that require a visit to the doctor's office. While antibiotics are typically effective in treating the UTI, many times they are not. And, unfortunately, the antibiotic option can cause side effects as detrimental as the UTI itself. Because the antibiotics are not discriminating, they kill any and all bacteria despite their purpose. The human body utilizes over 1,000 species of "good bacteria" -- each with their own particular "job" to do. Killing the "good bacteria" can cause a variety of unwanted and unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea and yeast infections. The naturopathic options include two principal options, cranberry and a simple sugar known as d-mannose (http://www.d-mannose-utislip.com/). The cranberry, or cranberry extract option, has been a staple of folk medicine for hundreds of years. Previously thought to inhibit the proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract by affecting the pH of the urine, it is now known that cranberry instead interferes with the ability of the bacteria to adhere to the walls of the urinary tract. By doing so, the bacteria are literally flushed out of the system. Recently, however, scientists have discovered a naturopathic alternative to cranberry that is between ten and fifty times more effective. The more effective cranberry alternative is a simple sugar known as d-mannose. D-mannose is a carbohydrate very similar in structure to glucose, yet it is not readily metabolized by our bodies like glucose. It is this fact that makes d-mannose such a fast-acting treatment. When even a small amount of d-mannose is consumed, nearly all of it is removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys and deposited into the urine. Once in the urine it travels through the urinary tract until it meets up with E. Coli bacteria. Interestingly, the d-mannose is chemically attracted to the lectins that the bacteria uses to attach itself to the walls of the urinary tract. Think of the lectins as the suction cups on the tentacles of an octopus. The octopus grabs onto an object with its tentacles, but holds on tightly by contracting the suction cups. Anything that interferes with the ability of the suction cups to grip a surface will greatly reduce the ability of the octopus to "hang on." In a similar way, the d-mannose occupies the lectins so that they are unable to hold on to the wall of the urinary tract and the bacteria are flushed right out of the body during urination. The bacteria are unable to colonize inside the body. No bacteria, no infection. The treatment is safe, fast, effective and affordable. Best of all is the fact that there are no observed negative side effects when using d-mannose. D-mannose can be taken by the elderly as well as by children, as both age groups are susceptible to frequent urinary tract infections. How can urinary tract infections be prevented? There are many simple things that can be done to prevent UTI. Wiping from front to back after a bowel movement can prevent bacterial contamination of the vagina for women. Using a bidet instead of toilet paper is also very effective. Showering before and after intercourse is very helpful, as well as urinating after intercourse. Drink plenty of water each day so that your body is able to produce plenty of urine. Urinate when you feel the urge to do so and attempt to empty the bladder completely. Finally, for those who experience frequent UTI, it is advisable to take a maintenance dosage of d-mannose in order to prevent UTI from occurring. Copyright © 2005 Michael Callen All Rights Reserved Michael Callen is the author of the Weekly Weightloss Tips Newsletter (http://www.weeklyweightlosstips.com) and the Chief Technology Officer for http://www.WellnessPartners.com, an online retailer of dozens of health and wellness products.
MORE RESOURCES:
Alternative Health - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Title: Using Rhubarb for Constipation Vegetables like fruits and their juices have healing properties because of the fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals they have. For constipation, vegetables are an excellent source of minerals and fiber. Air Fresheners, Or Are They? For years I've prided myself on believing that I take a very natural approach to the wellness of me and my family. However, I recently ventured into the aromatherapy market and found out, much to my dismay, that I was wrong. Quiet Discoveries Lead to Fast Sinus Relief It's amazing what you can find when you start your search a little outside the bulls eye. While clicking through Magnetic Resonance Imaging research online, my colleagues and I found some intriguing scientific studies completely by accident!What did we find? Well, let's just say if you've got a stuffy nose you should try magnets before sniffling through that bottle of nasal spray!Did you know that every year, more than 35 million Americans suffer from sinusitis? It's one of the leading chronic diseases in the United States [1]. Aromatherapy What is aromatherapy? Used for centuries, aromatherapy is known to have been utilized by the Egyptian physician, Imhotep; and Hippocrates. The first person to dub the term "aromatherapy, was French chemist, Rene-Mauric Gattefosse during the 1930s. Reflexology Reflexology, an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians. Reflexology is a science founded on the basis that areas of the feet, hands and ears are comprised of zones and reflex areas that correspond to all glands, organs, and bodily systems. Mental Anchors Have you ever noticed when you remember something pleasant in your past, that your current mood changes to a happy mood? Or when you remember a troubling thought, you become more agitated and your mood becomes full of negative thoughts?When you are in a highly emotional state of mental thoughts and feelings, your mind creates "links" or "anchors" to things that you may see, hear, feel, touch or any other sense you can imagine. If, for instance, you are in a loving, caring mood, feeling loved, feeling great and you hear a song a few times, your mind links or anchors that song to those feelings. Understanding Massage Therapy We've all heard of massage and many of us have even experienced it, in one form or another. By a masseuse who happened to be an armature, loved one or professional. How to Clean-up Your Allergies with 2 Easy Home Tips It's that time of year again when people who have allergies complain about nasal congestion, coughing, and wheezing, itching, shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, hives and other skin rashes. Many people experience allergies due to pollens from outdoors combined with foods and indoor stagnant air carrying dust, mold, and other air pollutants. Manipulate The Body And Mind With A Portable Massage Table A portable massage table can be very essential tool. Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the body and using a portable massage table can make giving and receiving a massage that much easier. Constipation Home Remedies Using Juices Apple Juice, Figs and RaisinsHere's another constipation home remedy using apple juice with other fruit. Eat it the first thing in the morning before breakfast. Five Simple Steps For Treating Heel Pain If you experience a sharp pain in your heel at the first step in the morning, chances are you have plantar fasciitis (plan * tar fash* ee * I * tis). "Plantar" means the bottom of the foot. Arthritis Pain: Why Visualizations May Be Able to Provide Relief Over 100 different types of arthritis exist, but by far the most common are the "osteo" and the "rheumatoid" varieties. Both may be subject to influence by your subconscious through the use of visualization statements. Natural Prevention & Treatment For The Flu: What Your Doctor May Not Know Flu can affect 10 to 30 percent of the U.S. Garlic - My Favorite Healing Herb Garlic is a wonderful healing herb and, unlike many of the other herbs, it tastes great and can be incorporated into a variety of meals. Garlic has been used for over 5000 years as a healing herb and has strong antibacterial, and antiviral properties. How I Was Overtaken By Evil Eye Envy! You are about to embark on a journey that only a percentage of the world's population has made. Throughout the journey, you will gain insight that will expand your horizons in the evil eye phenomenon. Get Hemorrhoid Relief from Herbal Remedies Here are four different herbs that can give you hemorrhoid relief and help to get rid of your hemorrhoids. Using these herbs is a convenient and cost effective way to treat your hemorrhoid symptoms. Breathing Your Way To Health Breathing, yes of course we do it, if not we'd be dead, obvious isn't it. But in the far east Breathing techniques have been used for thousands of years. Bois De Santal: The Source of Tranquility The near extinct bois de santal has a sensual and exotic scent that gives an elevating experience for those who use it. The oil extraction process of the sandalwood is lengthy; the tree has to be about 30 years old before the process can take place. Lemon and Parsley Home Remedies You might think of lemon and parsley as great garnishes for your drink glass and plate, but did you know that you can use them to ease symptoms of common minor ailments?Sure, the lemon makes a good drink and even tastes good squirted on fish, but you might want to make sure you have some on hand for more than dinner. The lemon can be your best friend when you have a common headache. How To Rid Your Home Of The Nations #1 Health Menace With today's new building procedures, our homes are more dangerous than ever before!Scientific evidence now shows that the air inside our homes is 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. And because we spend about 90 percent of our time inside, indoor air quality has become one of the top environmental health threats in the country.
|
| home | Iridology | "Mind Machines" | "Alternative Health" site map | Iridology Site Map | "Alternative Botox" |
| © 2000 - 2009 |
