For some reason a lot of my patients have been complaining of symptoms of urinary tract infections. It seems like everyone has to pee all the time and they never feel like they have completely emptied their bladders. I have not had anyone mention blood in their urine and usually they have not had the typical burning on urination, but something is definitely up. I bought some urine test strips that check the pH, white blood cells, and nitrites to check folks for a possible infection, and generally they have all been testing positive for some sort of infection. I don’t know why this is suddenly becoming common, but some sources I have read suggest that it is due to eating chicken.
What would chicken have to do with urinary tract infections? It is estimated that 90% of UTI’s are caused by E. coli bacteria. While salmonella contamination is rampant in chicken meat and has been for years, now with the massive use of antibiotics in the huge chicken farm factories, there has been a big issue with antibiotic resistant bacteria, particularly E. coli, showing up in these manufacturing plants. Genetic testing has now proven that these superbugs are spreading to humans from store bought chicken. Unfortunately that means that the antibiotics your doctor wants to give you for your infection have a good chance of not working. I know it is not a pretty picture, but antibiotic resistant bacteria are now considered a threat equivalent to terrorism. Here is a New York Times article on superbugs. Deadly, Drug-Resistant ‘Superbugs’ Pose Huge Threat, W.H.O. Says
But enough of the possible end to the human race due to exploding bladders, what can we do about this problem? UTIs have been around for thousands of years. They have been joked about as honeymooner’s disease as sex is one way of contracting a UTI, particularly if one is having a lot of sex during a honeymoon. The doctor will diagnose cystitis (bladder infection) and prescribe a round of antibiotics. However 90% of such infections can be handled naturally. If you also develop a fever, constant thirst, and have sharp abdominal or back pain, then the infection may have traveled up to the kidneys. Sepsis could set in and kill you, so get to the doctor in those cases. But if you just have that urge to urinate all the time, cloudy urine, and burning on urination, then go for a natural approach first.
The classic go-to home remedy has always been cranberry juice. Cranberries have two components that help with this problem – proanthocyanidins and D-mannose. They both act similarly. They keep
the bacteria from adhering to the walls of your bladder and setting up shop. They give the bacteria something in the urine to attach to instead of your bladder cells. In this way your normal urine flow flushes the bacteria out. The problem with cranberry juice is that it is almost always high in sugar, which promotes bacterial infection by suppressing your immune system. D-mannose is available by itself. I have been telling patients to pick up some D-mannose for ages. A half to a full teaspoon every 2-3 hours in water for 2 to 5 days usually does the trick.
We have many other traditional remedies for this problem since it has been so common all over the world for so long. My other favorite is the herb Uva Ursa (bearberry) as it actually kills bacteria. It contains arbutin which converts to hydroquinone – a powerful antibacterial agent. Hydroquinone works best when the urine is alkaline, so taking a bicarbonate to alkalinize the urine is recommended. Uva Ursa is also a diuretic, so it will stimulate flushing through the kidney. But like many diuretics, you lose potassium, so take some potassium with it.
Other bladder herbs that are very beneficial are goldenrod and corn silk. Goldenrod has antiseptic properties as well, but it is also good for reducing swelling and inflammation in the kidneys and bladder. Corn silk is well known for easing the pain of bladder infections as well as being a good diuretic. An herb for cases of stubborn infection would be to take capsules of goldenseal.
Marshmallow root is the last herb I would use for bladder infections as it also kills bacteria. It also is great for relieving the pain of bladder infections. We want to use many different bacteria killers at once in order to hit them from many sides in hopes of getting all the types of bacteria in the urine knocked out. Marshmallow root also has many other health benefits for other body areas. It is great for sore throats, bronchitis, colitis, leaky gut, heart burn, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, heart inflammation, even skin problems.
So after years and years of telling patients to go out and buy D-mannose, I have decided to put together a full spectrum UTI formula for the office. The cheapest stuff you have been able to pick up at the local stores has been running $8 to $15 per ounce, which was a good deal, but not really covering as many bases as possible. I am assembling the D-mannose with a cranberry extract, the Uva Ursa, Goldenrod, Corn Silk, and Marshmallow root and then combining it with both sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate to alkalinize the system and provide potassium to replace what is lost in the diuretic action. I might even add a touch of stevia to make drinking it down more pleasant. I am hoping to be able to keep the cost down to around $7 to $8 per ounce.
To use the new product just mix 2 teaspoons into a glass of water and drink it down every 2 to 3 hours while awake for two to four days. I expect most UTIs will be gone in the first couple days. If things have not
improved by day five, then it is time to see your medical doctor. Hopefully you do not need this product and will not need it in the near future, but if you do then this formula should do the trick.