ComputerHunter.org

 

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:

  • Kidneys - they take liquid waste from the blood and form urine
  • Ureter - a tube or tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
  • Bladder - the vessel that stores the urine until it can be passed from the body
  • Urethra - the tube that carries the urine from the bladder out of the body
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection? The symptoms of a UTI are many, but some of the most common include:
  • A frequent urge to urinate.
  • A reduced or restricted urine flow.
  • Pain or a "burning sensation" in the bladder area.
  • Discomfort or pressure above the pubic bone.
  • Cloudy, milky, or reddish urine. If you have these symptoms in conjunction with a fever, the infection may have spread to your kidneys.

    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.







    Google News - Top Stories

    Boston Globe

    US moves to get rescue plan started; stocks rise
    The Associated Press - 37 minutes ago
    WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration said Monday it was studying ways to take partial ownership of some banks, while Europe took swift, unified action to thaw frozen lending and get the global economy moving again.
    Treasury will buy stock in banks; Asia, Europe bounce back The Miami Herald
    • Europe Unified On Proposal to Protect Banks Washington Post
    CNN - Bloomberg - New York Times - San Francisco Chronicle
    all 762 news articles


    Wall Street Journal

    Morgan Surges; GM Jumps
    Wall Street Journal - 28 minutes ago
    By GEOFFREY ROGOW NEW YORK -- US stocks rallied broadly early Monday as European action to bail out banks, as well as expected moves in Washington, helped calm some of the fears that drove the Dow Jones Industrial Average to the worst week in its ...
    AP Top News at 10:17 am EDT The Associated Press
    Fearful investors dump stocks, bonds for cash Reuters
    Detroit Free Press - New York Times - Los Angeles Times - Wall Street Journal
    all 915 news articles


    The Associated Press

    Winds whip up wildfire north of Los Angeles
    The Associated Press - 37 minutes ago
    LOS ANGELES (AP) - Intense Santa Ana winds swept into Southern California Monday morning and whipped up a 3000-acre wildfire, forcing the closure of a major freeway during rush hour and burning mobile homes and industrial buildings.
    Video: Fire Burns 500 Acres Northeast of Los Angeles AssociatedPress
    Wind-whipped fire reaches structures near LA San Diego Union Tribune
    WLOS - Bradenton Herald - WZTV - KMPH Fox 26
    all 1,904 news articles


    Voice of America

    SCENARIOS: How candidates are faring in key states
    Reuters - 36 minutes ago
    (Reuters) - The US presidential election on November 4 hinges on a handful of battleground states where opinion polls show Democrat Barack Obama making significant gains against his Republican rival, US Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
    Commentary: Will 'intellectual' label hurt Obama? CNN
    • It's time to boot the Republicans, says letter writer Ruth Brown The Flint Journal - MLive.com
    StarNewsOnline.com - The Daily Voice - Salon - RTT News
    all 848 news articles


    Voice of America

    EU slams Mugabe, threatens new sanctions against Zimbabwe
    AFP - 47 minutes ago
    LUXEMBOURG (AFP) - The EU on Monday condemned Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's "unilateral decision" to form a new government and threatened fresh sanctions unless he respects a power-sharing deal.
    Zimbabwe Opposition Leader Threatens to Quit Power-Share Deal Voice of America
    Thabo Mbeki to Mediate in Deadlocked Zimbabwe Talks (Update1) Bloomberg
    AllAfrica.com - United Press International - International Herald Tribune - The Associated Press
    all 2,615 news articles

  • Google
     

    Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base