Are You Feeling The Burn?

By Gabriela Rosa - Natural Fertility Specialist & Naturopath | EFT, Natural Fertility, Men & Women’s Health

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common in women, who will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. In men it is much more uncommon and needs further investigation. The culprits of these infections are usually bacteria that live in the stools or faeces and perineal skin (the area around the anus and genital region). Consequently they can infect the bladder through the urethra (which in women is only 3cm), especially during intercourse.

In cases of immobility or dehydration fresh urine is not produced to flush the bladder, which causes the bacteria to multiply. The problem is that faecal organisms can enter the bladder and spread into the kidney and bloodstream and cause serious damage. The best way to deal with a UTI is to prevent it or catch it early.

Antibiotic use is also not recommend as a first course of treatment because it can further imbalance the colonies of good vs. bad gut bacteria, possibly leading to even more recurrent infections. Also probiotics (good gut bacteria) should always be taken in conjunction with any antibiotic course.

Some symptoms of UTIs include:

• Painful, burning urination with increased frequency and urgency;
• Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying (very common);
• Lower abdominal pain (common in children and young adults);
• Sudden development of incontinence (common in the elderly);
• Blood in the urine;
• Bedwetting (in a previously ‘dry’ child);
• Non-specifically unwell if previously fit (common in infants and elderly);
• Kidney pain (advanced symptom)—requires urgent attention and antibiotic treatment.

Prevention and Early Treatment Tips

UTI Outset:

• Drink at least 1.5L water within 1 hour of symptoms beginning;
• Drink Ural if you feel a UTI may be starting;
• Start taking your customized acute UTI herbal formula prepared for you by your naturopath;
• Some herbal teas can be useful in a ‘crisis’ (although they tend to have a weaker effect and often do not address the cause) e.g. cough grass, marshmallow, celery seed, uva ursi, buchu, craetaeva.

Long-Term General Tips:

• Generally, drink at least 2L water daily;
• Take a probiotic daily—acidophilus (good gut bacteria);
• Drink a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice daily or take a cranberry concentrate tablet;
• Avoid sugar;
• Boost your immune system—herbal medicines, garlic, vitamin C, healthy foods;
• For women—try to urinate straight after intercourse.

If you are unsure of the nature of your symptoms or if they are recurrent and do not improve with the above suggestions you require a proper diagnosis from a doctor. Do no self treat or prescribe—seek professional advice. A competent and qualified naturopath can help in rectifying any underlying problems such as immune insufficiency, lack of bladder tone and gut bacteria imbalances, which can also lead to UTIs in the absence of other conditions.

Leading Sydney-based clinical naturopath and natural fertility specialist Gabriela Rosa publishes the two celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ and ‘Natural Fertility Booster’ ezines with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Gabriela has limited private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone Julia or Carolina on 1300 85 84 90.

Keywords: Intercourse > Urinary Tract Infection > UTIs