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Urinary
Tract / Bladder Infections
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| Most bladder infections are caused
by the bacteria Escherichia Coli, often called E Coli, which is
normally found in the intestines. The E Coli sticks to the wall
of the bladder causing inflammation. This inflammation is called
cystitis. |
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| Women are more likely than men to
suffer from bladder infections due to the closeness of the anus
to the urethra and vagina. This allows the bacteria to gain
access to the bladder through the urethra. |
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| Bladder infections can
also be caused by antibiotics and analgesics destroying the
"friendly" bacteria in our bodies. Be sure to take
acidophilus to replace these friendly bacteria when taking these
medications. |
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CLICK TO
ENLARGE IMAGE
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| Symptoms
May Include |
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Frequent and
painful urination |
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Urgent need
to empty bladder - bladder may never seem empty |
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Urine may be
cloudy and have strong, unpleasant odor |
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Children may
have pain in the lower abdomen and experience a
burning sensation when urinating |
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If you see
blood in your urine this could indicate a more serious
condition and medical attention should be sought. |
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| How
To Avoid Bladder Infections |
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Don't put
off emptying the bladder |
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Keep genital
area clean - wipe from front to back when emptying
bladder or bowel. Douches, hygiene sprays and bubble
baths are not recommended. |
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Women should
empty bladder before and after intercourse |
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Women should
wear white cotton underwear |
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Drink plenty
of liquids - cranberry juice is especially good, make
sure it is a good quality pure juice with no added
sugars |
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If you don't
like the taste of cranberry juice you can take
concentrated cranberry juice extract capsules twice a
day - but drink plenty of fluids too. |
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Limit your
consumption of coffee, caffeine, chocolate, carbonated
sodas and alcohol - when you have a bladder infection
these should be avoided altogether. |
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Celery,
watermelon and parsley are natural diuretics and they
should be included in your diet. |
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When taking
antibiotics you should take acidophilus tablets or
capsules to replace friendly bacteria |
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What
Can Help If You Have A Bladder Infection |
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All
of the above, PLUS
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Drink pure
unsweetened cranberry juice or try cranberry capsules.
Drink plenty of water. |
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Acidophilus
will help restore your bodies friendly bacteria |
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Vitamin C
and Echinacea help to strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin C also has an antibacterial effect by making
urine more acid. |
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Garlic acts
as a natural antibiotic and can be helpful |
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Hot Sitz
baths can help relieve the pain of cystitis. Adding a
cup of vinegar or a couple of crushed garlic cloves or
garlic juice can also be helpful. |
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