"A Bladder Infection -
How to Treat It Naturally"

Bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs), are a common problem that most women experience at some point in their lives.

it affects the urinary bladder, and, sometimes, can spread to the kidney or prostate gland in men. In fact, UTIs are most often seen in women, unless the men have some sort of underlying problem causing the infection.

It is thought that women between the ages of 20 and 50 are at greatest risk for developing a UTI. For some, the infection comes on quickly and consists of only one episode. For others, the infection is a recurring one, frequently recurring periodically.

Symptoms can include a frequent need to urinate, and that painful, burning sensation around the area of the bladder during urination.

Frequently, individuals will feel bad all over, experiencing pain even when they're not urinating.

A common complaint is an inability to pass adequate amounts of urine when going to the bathroom.

In men, as bladder infections are relatively rare, a fever is usually is a symptom of some underlying disorder. It may indicate the presence of some obstruction that is interfering with the flow of urine in the urinary tract, for example.

Other symptoms of a urinary infection include back pain, pain below the ribs, nausea or vomiting.

Cranberry juice -- Cranberry juice has seen use for over a century as a treatment for urinary infections. Initially it was thought that cranberry juice worked by making the urine more acidic. However, the consensus now is that constituents in cranberry called proanthocyanins help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls lining the urinary tract. This allows the urine to wash away the bacteria.

Alternatively, if the taste of cranberry juice leaves you cold, you can also buy cranberry tablets.

Apple cider vinegar -- Try mixing one tablespoon full with a glass of water over ice. It has a tangy flavor, and may help to keep you infection free.

Alka-Seltzer -- I know it seems hard to believe, but, apparently, this is a common remedy for UTIs. Just dissolve a couple of tablets of Alka-Seltzer into a glass of water and drink. You may see results very quickly.

Acidophilus --Try adding a couple of tablespoons of acidophilus three times a day to your normal diet. You should see results starting the next day. Be sure to drink plenty of water also.

Baking soda -- There are several ways you can use baking soda as a treatment for a bladder infection. First, you might try mixing 1/2 teaspoon with a small glass of water and drink. Or, try mixing the baking soda with a glass of cranberry juice. This may be more pleasing to the palate.

Grape juice -- Try drinking a 20-ounce bottle of Welch's 100% pure grape juice. Hold off urinating as long as you can. For those whom cranberry juice doesn't work, grape juice could be a beneficial alternative.

Mannose sugar -- Mannose sugar is a natural sugar that is frequently used as a treatment for UTIs. It can be found at many health food stores. Try taking 1/4 teaspoon three or four times daily. There have been reports of the pain easing after a few hours.

Uva ursi -- Uva ursi is herbal remedy that is frequently used as a treatment for a bladder infection. Uva ursi contains a chemical called arbutin, which is broken down and then excreted via the kidneys. Here it seems to have antiseptic properties.

• Acidify your urine by limiting your intake of alkaline foods such as dairy foods.
• Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water each day to help to flush out bacteria from the body.
• Eat one clove of garlic, or 1200 mg as a tablet each day may help.
• Eliminate foods that irritate the bladder such as alcohol, chocolate and coffee.
• Eliminate foods that are high in sugar such as fruits, honey and sweet vegetables.
• Make sure that your diet contains lots of vegetables, grains and acidifying juices.

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A bladder infection is often a common urinary problem for women. A physician should usually be seen if you suspect you have one. In fact, it is so common that around 80% of all women with a UTI experience a recurrence within two years.

Although they may cause discomfort, they're usually easily treated. If you are one of the estimated 10 million people with one, I hope that some of the suggestions above can help to minimize your discomfort.