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Natural Ways to Treat Bladder Infections

Bladder or urinary tract infections are an inflammation of the bladder. This condition causes frequent burning urination, pain in the lower back and fever. Women, diabetics and the elderly fall into the high-risk category. This uncomfortable condition turns the urine cloudy and strong smelling. Occasionally there will be some traces of blood in the urine. Serious complications can occur if a bladder infection is not treated. If the kidneys become infected, it could lead to kidney failure. It is important to take care of a bladder infection as soon as you notice it.

  1. Food and Drink

    • Mix 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons honey in one cup of hot water. Drink this each morning while afflicted with the bladder infection. Drink 10 glasses of fluids a day. This includes diluted fruit juice like cranberry juice. Cranberry helps to acidify the urine and prevents bacteria from thriving in the bladder. Cranberry also reduces the risk of developing a bladder infection. Eat watermelon, celery and cucumbers. Avoid chocolate, spinach, sugar, dairy and red meat while ill. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine. These liquids irritate the bladder and make it difficult to fight the infection.

    Antioxidant Remedy

    • Blend together 2 cups of 100 percent grape juice, 2 cups frozen blueberries, 2 ½ cups pitted dark cherries and ¼ cup lemon juice. Mix well until it reaches a smoothie-like texture. Drink at least 32 ounces of this juice a day. The nutrients and vitamins in this mixture will help fight your bladder infection.

    Supplements

    • Use supplements in order to build your immune system to fight infection. Uva ursi is a diuretic that strengthens the heart muscle. It is also useful to fight bladder and kidney infections. Acidophilus lowers the chances of contracting a bladder infection by replacing lost friendly bacteria and retards the growth of bad bacteria in the body. Goldenseal and echinacea are natural antibiotics. They are good for inflammation and boost the immune system. Both supplements need to be taken only while suffering from infections so the body does not build up a tolerance to these herbs. These herbs' anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties make them good for colds, flu and infections.

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