Urinary Tract

Urinary Tract Infections.....

Most bladder infections are caused by the bacteria Escherichia Coli, often called E Coli, which is normally found in the intestines.The E Coli sticks to the wall of the bladder causing inflammation. This inflammation is called cystitis.

Women are more likely than men to suffer from bladder infections due to the closeness of the anus to the urethra and vagina. This allows the bacteria to gain access to the bladder through the urethra.

Bladder infections can also be caused by antibiotics and analgesics destroying the "friendly" bacteria in our bodies. Be sure to take acidophilus to replace these friendly bacteria when taking these medications.

Symptoms may include:

a.. Frequent and painful urination
a.. Urgent need to empty bladder - bladder may never seem empty
a.. Urine may be cloudy and have strong, unpleasant odor
a.. Children may have pain in the lower abdomen and experience a burning sensation when urinating
a.. If you see blood in your urine this could indicate a more serious condition and medical attention should be sought.

How to avoid Bladder Infections

a.. Don't put off emptying the bladder
a.. Keep genital area clean - wipe from front to back when emptying bladder or bowel. Douches, hygiene sprays and bubble baths are not recommended.
a.. Women should empty bladder before and after intercourse
a.. Women should wear white cotton underwear
a.. Drink plenty of liquids - cranberry juice is especially good, make sure it is a good quality pure juice with no added sugars
a.. If you don't like the taste of cranberry juice you can take concentrated cranberry juice extract capsules twice a day - but drink plenty of fluids too.
a.. Limit your consumption of coffee, caffeine, chocolate, carbonated sodas and alcohol - when you have a bladder infection these should be avoided altogether.
a.. Celery, watermelon and parsley are natural diuretics and they should be included in your diet.
a.. When taking antibiotics you should take acidophilus tablets or capsules to replace friendly bacteria
What can help if you have a bladder infection??

All of the above, PLUS

a.. Drink pure unsweetened cranberry juice or try cranberry capsules. Drink plenty of water.
b.. Acidophilus will help restore your bodies friendly bacteria
c.. Vitamin C and Echinacea help to strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin C also has an antibacterial effect by making urine more acid.
d.. Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and can be helpful
e.. Hot Sitz baths can help relieve the pain of cystitis. Adding a cup of vinegar or a couple of crushed garlic cloves or garlic juice can also be helpful.

Calcium Reduces PMS Symptoms.....

Calcium supplements reduce PMS symptoms by almost half. That's the finding of a study by Susan Thys-Jacobs, MD, of Columbia University in New York. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 441 women, ages 18 to 45, at 12 health centers nationwide. Every women that took part in the study had confirmed PMS.

The women either took 1,200 mg chewable calcium supplements or a placebo every day for three months. They kept a PMS diary to measure 17 symptoms on a four-point scale. Symptoms monitored included mood swings, irritability, water retention, food cravings, headache and cramping. At the end of the study symptom scores were averaged to give each woman a general score for each menstrual cycle.

The results showed that the women taking the calcium supplement experienced an overall 48% reduction in symptom severity during the third cycle, while those taking the placebo had a 30% reduction.

Nearly all the symptoms were found to be significantly improved in the group taking the calcium supplement. Emotional symptoms dropped by 45% (vs.
28% for placebo), water retention by 36% (vs. 24%), food cravings by 54% (vs. 34%) and pain by 54% (vs. a 15% pain increase).

Recent studies have shown that abnormal calcium regulation may be responsible for PMS, this study appears to back these findings.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1998 Aug;179: 444-52

Fungal Infections.....

Fungus infections can occur in many parts of the body - on the skin between the toes (athletes foot), under the nails, on the scalp, in bearded areas, the genitals, in the vagina or mouth, as well as internal surfaces.

You are more likely to develop a fungal infections if your immune system is depressed, you are taking antibiotics or oral contraceptives, you are obese or a diabetic, you are ill or you perspire heavily.

What can help

a.. Help boost immune system with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Echinacea
a.. Acidophilus helps to restore your bodies friendly bacteria
a.. Studies have shown that garlic is highly effective in treating fungal infections. It can be taken internally or applied topically.
a.. Tea tree oil is effective against most forms of fungus that cause skin infections. Studies have shown that when applied topically, it is an effective treatment of athletes foot and toenail fungus. Please note, tea tree oil is poisonous and should NEVER be taken internally.
a.. Chamomile acts as an anti inflammatory. Chamomile cream can be applied to the skin, a mouth wash could also be used. A very few people are allergic to Chamomile.

The information presented is for information purposes only. It is based on scientific
studies or traditional usage. Consult a health care professional before using supplements or making any changes in prescribed medications.

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.