Alternative Treatments for a UTI

Urinary tract infections affect 10 million individuals a year, accounting for up to 8 million doctor visits yearly to get relief. It affects women more often then men and statistically, 20 percent of all women in the United States develop a UTI, with 20% of those having a recurrence. Traditionally antibiotics such as Bactrim, Cipro or Levaquin are prescribed. However, there are also many alternative therapies that are useful tools in the fight against urinary tract infections. This includes D-mannose, medicinal tea consumption and homeopathic remedies.

Supplements

• Historically, cranberry has been used to treat urinary tract infections. The problem with cranberry juice is that the readily available cranberry cocktail is not as effective and contains a lot of sugar. An 8-oz. glass of pure juice would need to be consumed three times a day. Drinking excessive amounts of cranberry juice could cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea. There is another supplement that works in a similar way without the gastric side effects. It is called D-mannose. Studies in the United States, Japan and Israel suggest that D-mannose is 10 times more effective than cranberries in dislodging E. coli bacteria from the bladder lining. The bacteria E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections, has molecules called lectins attached to their surfaces. These molecules act like a cellular glue that cannot be readily rinsed away during urination. D-mannose works by grabbing on to these lectins and filling up all of the bacterial anchoring sites. D-mannose does not kill any bacteria, but simply helps to keep it from attaching to the bladder. The usual dose is one teaspoon of the powder in liquid every three to four hours for three days. Relief of symptoms is usually felt within 24 hours.

Medicinal Tea

• Hydrating with plenty of fluids is important when you have a UTI. When you drink medicinal tea you will also reap the benefits from its therapeutic characteristics. Cornsilk tea contains maysin, mucilage, allantoin and various vitamins. It acts as a mild soothing diuretic, which may reduce the burning associated with a UTI. Cleavers tea contains chlorophyll, citric acid, rubichloric acid and tannins. It acts as a diuretic and has been used to clear urinary stones and treat UTIs. Buchu tea contains diosphenol and the soothing mucilages diosmin and pugelone. It acts as a soothing diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary system. For information on how to obtain and use these teas see the resources link.

Homeopathics and Beyond

• Homeopathics are options as well. Apis mellifica is a homeopathic remedy that may help relieve stinging and burning sensations. Cantharis remedy may be beneficial in reducing pain and urgency. Lycopodium may help with urinary frequency. Select the remedy that closely matches the symptoms. The usual dosage for acute symptom relief is 12c to 30c, three or four pellets, three to four times a day until symptoms resolve. Instructions for use are usually printed on the label. If the chosen remedy is correct, symptoms should improve soon after the second or third dose.

  Some basics: Drink plenty of water every day. Take showers instead of baths. Use only white, unscented toilet paper.

  Also tell your health-care provider about any alternative practices you utilize. Give them a complete picture of what you do to manage and maintain your health. This will help ensure safe and coordinated care.