Male bladder infections are relatively common and can sometimes indicate a more serious problem.A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection of the urinary passages, which in a man, includes the urethra, prostate, bladder and kidneys. Specifically, the four types of urinary tract infections that happen in men are:

• urethritis which is an infection of the tube which carries urine out of the body through the penis;
• a prostate infection which is an inflammation of the prostate gland;
• a bladder infection;
• kidney infection.

Urethritis -Urethritis is the most common type of urinary tract infection in men. It is caused by a number of different bacteria, including the one that causes gonorrhea. Urethritis also may be caused by injury, surgery, use of a catheter to drain urine, or an irritating chemical.

Cystitis -Cystitis or bladder infection are caused by bacteria attacks the inner lining of the bladder. Especially when there is any obstruction of urine flow from the bladder. Sometimes this obstruction or slowdown in urine emptying from the bladder is caused by an enlarged prostate.

Prostatitis -If urethritis is left untreated, it may spread up the male urinary tract to the prostate gland, where it may cause an inflammation called prostatitis. Prostatitis may also start by itself.

Another important reason to see a doctor if you suspect that you have a male bladder infection is that often the symptoms of a urinary tract infection in men are similar to other conditions which need to be treated. Some of these conditions which are often mistaken for a male bladder infection are;

Venereal Disease – Gonorrhea and Chlamydia infections can cause symptoms similar to a male bladder infection in sexually active young men. 

Parasites – Particularly in people who have been in North Africa or the Middle East.  The bladder may be infested by parasites.  The symptoms are similar to a male bladder infection but there will be no bacteria in the urine on analysis.

Urinary tract infections in men have the same symptoms as those in women. The most common ones are: 

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Pain in the lower back or abdomen
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Generally feeling unwell

Male bladder infections are often caused by an obstruction such as a stone or an enlarged prostate and are more common in man over 50.  Also, urinary tract infections in men are more prevalent in those with underlying diseases such as diabetes and Aids.  If you are male and suffer from recurring bladder infections it is always wise to contact you doctor and arrange for a physical examination in order to rule out anything sinister.

In a nutshell – No!  UTI home remedies should not be used when a kidney infection has been confirmed. Whilst excellent for treating bladder infections and other urinary tract infections, if you are diagnosed with a kidney infection then uti home remedies will be ineffective at curing it.  However, it is worth noting that from a preventative point of view, uti home remedies will work as they will help keep the urinary tract healthy, improve immune system function and cover a range of practical issues to discourage bacteria from colonizing the urinary tract in the first instance.

Infections that reach the kidneys are known as “nephritis” or “pyelonephritis” and are generally more serious than a bladder or urinary tract infection. The E. coli that cause most bladder infections are among the most common friendly bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where they aid digestion, produce a few vitamins, and in general, behave themselves without bothering us. However, E. coli has no place in the sterile urinary tract and if they are not flushed out or destroyed by the immune system, they may attach to the internal lining of the bladder, multiply, and spread.

The symptoms of a kidney infection are usually worse than those of a urinary tract infection and most people find that they develop quickly. If you believe you have a kidney infection you can use uti home remedies to help you feel more comfortable, but you should see your doctor.  The symptoms of a kidney infection include:

• pain in a loin (side of the abdomen over the kidney).
• high temperature (fever).
• feeling sick (nausea).
• vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• blood in the urine.
• you may also have symptoms of a bladder infection. For example, pain when you pass urine, and going to the toilet often.

Not all the symptoms may develop, and sometimes a kidney infection can just cause vague symptoms. For example, just feeling generally unwell but not being able to say why. In elderly people a kidney infection may cause confusion. This is why a urine test is often done when an elderly person suddenly becomes confused and appears to be generally unwell.

A kidney infection can occur at any age and as with urinary tract infections they are more prevalent in women.  Most kidney infections develop as a direct complication from a bladder infection, because the offending bacteria have traveled up and infected the kidney.  However, some kidney infections do develop without a bladder infection and it is wise to get this checked out properly to rule out any abnormality or kidney stones.

UTI home remedies come into their own for people who suffer from recurring urinary tract infections and who are concerned about them affecting their kidneys.  If you fit this bill find a good preventative uti home remedy plan to keep your bladder infections at bay.  This will ensure you take the best care of your kidneys and as an added bonus you will feel generally healthy as your immune system becomes stronger.

A urinary tract infection is an infection of any part of the urinary system. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Bladder infections are the most common type of Urinary Tract Infection and are also called Cystitis.

A Urinary Tract Infection is almost always caused by bacteria, in particular e-coli, which lives normally in the gut and is present around the anus (from bowel movements) but can also be caused by a fungal infection such as Candida albicans. Bacteria cause infection in 2 ways: they release toxins that harm the body cells and they provoke the immune system which leads to inflammation, which in itself can be harmful and uncomfortable for the sufferer.

UTI’s in Women

Urinary Tract Infections are more common in women than in men. Around 20% of women suffer from recurrent UTI’s and most women will have at least one urinary tract infection in their lives. The reason they affect women more is largely anatomical. The female urethra is shorter than the male’s (the tube which goes from the bladder our of the body) and it’s opening is near the anus. It is therefore more exposed to e-coli bacteria and hence to infection.

Although a women can contract a UTI at any age they most often occur in post menopausal women, as lower oestrogen levels lead to thinning of the urinary tract, pregnant women and sexually active women. UTI’s in sexually active women occur because vaginal intercourse makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder through the urethra. Some women contract a UTI every time they have sex and a common name for UTI’s contracted in this way is ‘Honeymoon Cystitis’. Also, women who use a diaphragm ram as regular contraception are more prone to urinary tract infections as the diaphragm rests on the bladder making it difficult to empty properly, thus causing a build up of bacteria and a resulting UTI. This is also true for pregnant women as the foetus puts pressure on the bladder and causes a similar problem.

There are also some predisposed conditions which can reduce the bodies resistance to urinary tract infections. Diabetics, people with impaired immune systems and those who have chronic recurring urinary tract infections (more than 3 in one year) are all more at risk of contracting a UTI. .There is also a fairly common condition called ‘vesicoureteric reflux’, which affects the way the ureters join the bladder. This allows the urine to reflux in the wrong direction back up the ureters, towards the kidneys potentially causing a UTI.

Urinary Tract Infections in women can be treated in several ways and often women with a recurring problem find more long term solutions by adopting a preventative approach and following more natural  treatment methods for fighting bacteria at the first signs of infection.

UTI’s in Men

Bladder infection and UTI’s in general are less common in men but are potentially more serious. This is because the underlying cause may be a prostate infection, enlarged prostate or indeed a tumour. Usually, if diagnosed and treated early recovery is successful, however the discomfort caused by a urinary tract infection can be very acute. Men have a higher chance of developing conditions like this as  they get older as the prostate enlarges with age.  Also homosexual males are more prone to bladder infections and cystitis.

UT infections are the second most common illness reported to doctors in the US. More common in women than men, urinary tract infections can become a recurring nightmare.
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Urinary Tract infection – Home Remedies and Advice 

The negative side effects of taking too many antibiotics are well documented – increased resistance, the destruction of positive bacteria as well as hostile, and other unpleasant side effects such as nausea and yeast infections. Often, antibiotics will clear the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, but a small percentage of bacteria can remain dormant in the urinary tract ready to strike again when the drugs have cleared from your bloodstream.  UTI attacks like this are very common and usually much worse.  

More and more women and (increasingly more health care professionals) now advocate a more natural and holistic approach to treating and preventing urinary tract infections, especially in chronic UTI suffers.  This approach does not interfere with the body’s immune system or cause discomfort and often has positive benefits for other conditions and areas of the body. So as well as clearing a UTI the sufferer gets an overall sense of wellness and a feeling of empowerment from taking charge and getting control of a urinary tract problem.   

Prevention is always better then cure and the very best way to deal with a urinary tract infection is to stop it from happening in the first place.  This is easier than it sounds.  For most women, simple lifestyle changes can have a dramatic effect on the frequency of a UTI attack and if you are a recurrent urinary tract infection sufferer then a concrete UTI Plan is a must. This will not only help to prevent a UTI from ever happening again, but it will also teach you to recognise your own particular triggers and show you how to send in the ‘big guns’ at the first sign of an attack. 

There are several Ebooks on the market and as with all information the content varies.

Below is a review of the most popular one: 

The UTI Cure E book – $22.97 

This is our top rated ebook. It is an excellent guide to the causes, symptoms, treatments and cures for urinary tract problems. The book shows in detail how to develop a plan to keep yourself UTI free and what to do if you feel one coming one. Furthermore it has a complete guide to all the supplements, teas and alternative remedies that you need with explanations about everything. It takes a practical approach to pain relief and has an “emergency” guide at the beginning so if you are suffering now it tells you what to do immediately. It gets an extra star because of the customer service, which is really excellent and it has a full money back guarantee  

UTI’s are miserable afflictions (I know as I suffered all my life since my early teens!).  However, you can cure your urinary tract infections and prevent reinfection by taking careful steps and changing some habits, both lifestyle and diet, which will make a big difference.   

However, sometimes, no matter how good our intentions are, it’s hard to keep up a regime when life is simply just too busy.  Here at Health, Fitness and Happiness we like to promote an overall natural approach but we also understand (because we are busy people too!) that sometimes it’s just easier to have something prepared for you rather than always making sure you have various herbs and supplements in stock.  Even if you do prefer to use single herbs and minerals, it is vital that you choose a good brand, which has been tried and tested and proved safe.  That said, always read and follow any manufacturer’s instructions and if you are unsure speak to your health care practitioner. 

As part of our ongoing research and customer feedback, we have put together a list of some of UTI treatments, supplements and minerals which we have faith in and which have proved themselves effective and curing and preventing urinary tract infections.
 

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G.O.U.T. (Greater Overall Urinary Tract) – is a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, enzymes, glandular extracts, and whole foods that designed to restore and improve urinary tract function and health. Taken in capsule form once or twice daily as a dietary supplement. 

This product normally cost over $18.00 for 90 caps. We have found this product for $14.40 plus p&p from the source in the right hand column.

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UTI Care – Helps relieve the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Contains cranberry extract, silica, d-mannose and many other elements recommended in our ebook.  Taken in capsule formula, 3 X 3times a day for infection and a therapy dose of 1 capsule per day as a preventative measure. 

This is a very effective and popular product. It normally costs about $20.00 for 60 caps, but if you click on the panel opposite, you will find it for sale at $15.60 plus p&p.

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UTI Clear – Contains a unique combination of potent herbs in therapeutic dosage, UTI-Clear relieves the symptoms of Cystitis, Bladder infections and Urinary Tract Infections and helps to prevent recurring bouts. Comes as a liquid. Use a few drops at the first signs of a bladder infection. Contains BUCHU and uva ursi.

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UT Tonic - a combination formula containing three biochemic tissue salts known for their tonic effect on urinary tract and bladder health. Triple Complex UT Tonic is safe for all ages, and is safe to use during pregnancy. Taken in tablet form, dissolve 2 – 4 tablets under the tongue 4 to 6 times daily.
 

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Bladdex V Caps – promotes a healthy urinary tract. Contains a mixture of herbs and minerals  such as buchu and marshmallow root. Taken in capsule form. 2 capsules twice daily.
 

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Ultimate Urinary Cleanse – Ultimate Urinary Cleanse is an herbal formulation to cleanse and tone the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys; promote healthy flora throughout the entire urinary tract; and strengthen immune response. Comes in capsule form and contains several of the recommended herbs. 1 capsule twice daily. This product normally sells for over $11.00 for 60 caps. We have found a source for $9.19 in the left hand column.

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So there you have it – some of our recommendations for keeping your urinary tract in the best possible health and for keeping nasty infections from recurring, all at very competitive prices. It’s entirely a matter of choice – some people prefer to take all the herbs and supplements as single treatments, whilst others like the convenience of an ‘all in one’ mixture.  Either way, now you have some idea what’s involved in terms of cost, dosage and effectiveness.

UTI Garlic Recipes

A Good UTI Soup Recipe - Garlic Soup with Parsley Pesto

Ingredients: For the garlic soup

1 large potato, peeled, chopped and diced
2 bulbs  garlic, separated into cloves, peeled
¼ pint hot chicken stock (can substitute vegetable stock)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp chopped fresh chives, to garnish

For the Parsley Pesto:

2 tbsp olive oil
handful fresh parsley
1 tbsp whole almonds
salt and freshly ground black pepper
squeeze lemon juice

Method:

For the garlic soup, place the potato, garlic cloves and hot stock into a pan and bring to the boil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Blend with a hand blender until smooth. For the parsley pesto, place all the parsley pesto ingredients into a small food processor and blend until smooth. To serve, pour the soup into a bowl, swirl in a spoonful of the parsley pesto and garnish with the chives.

Delicious!

GARLIC BUTTER

• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup soft butter
• 2 Tbs. fresh parsley, finely minced

Salt and pepper to taste.

Set the unpeeled cloves in the boiling water. Bring to a boil, and boil 5 minutes. Drain, peel, and rinse the cloves under cold water. Return to the boiling water, and allow the water to boil up once more. Drain the garlic again, and with the salt and pepper, pound it to a smooth paste in the bottom of a small bowl.
Beat the butter into the garlic. Use 1 teaspoon with broiled or boiled fish, with hamburgers, steaks, or boiled potatoes.

WHAT CAUSES A BLADDER INFECTION

Causes for urinary tract infections vary depending on the type of bacteria, any underlying diseases, lifestyle habits and bathroom habits.  Essentially, a urinary tract infection is always caused by some form of bacteria entering the urethra , multiplying and thriving where it can in the urinary tract system. However, the reasons why  bacteria enters, manages to breed and causes a bladder infection differ, depending on the individual.

Women are more prone to bladder infections than men and at several points in a women’s life, she is even more at risk than normal.  Women are more likely to get a urinary tract infection when they have a new sex partner, are pregnant or have certain illnesses that obstruct complete emptying of the bladder. Post-menopausal women tend to get urinary tract infections more frequently due to the changes that their bodies have experienced. Frequently, the infection develops when bacteria first multiply in the external genital area, then move up into the urinary tract and cause a bladder infection.

Some of the more common causes of bladder infections include:

• Pregnancy
• Sexual Position – studies show that women who have vaginal sex from behind can suffer from more urinary tract infections.
• Incomplete Bladder Emptying – normally indicates an obstruction often caused by prostate enlargement in men.
• Holding on – not going to the bathroom when you need to can cause bladder infections
• Vesico-ureteric reflux – Some children are born with this condition, in which urine flows back into the ureters or kidneys during urination.
• A Foreign Body – i.e. a catheter, nephrostomy tube (kidney tube) and other such medical practices may increase the likelihood of infection.
• Diabetes
• A tumor in the urinary tract
• Stones in the urinary tract

People who suffer from any underlying condition that can cause a bladder infection are also at more risk. Diseases that suppress the immune system (e.g., HIV) and debilitating diseases (e.g., cancer, sickle cell anemia) increase the risk of urinary tract infections and complications.

However, it is fair to say that a lot of uncomplicated bladder infections can be prevented by taking a common sense approach to personal habits and by identifying your particular urinary tract infection ‘trigger’ (if you are a recurrent sufferer). Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out bacteria effectively and washing your genital area before and after sex prevents nasty bacteria from being pushed into the urethra during sex – one of the major causes of a bladder infection.

There are many preventative measures which can be taken, alongside a few minor dietary changes which will help your body fight off a urinary tract infection at the outset.  As we said, the cause of a bladder infection is not just the bacteria, but the ability of the bacteria to take hold and multiply, so it’s up to you to take the necessary steps, stop doing the things that cause your bladder infection and get control of the problem once and for all. 

Urinary Tract Infections and Your Body’s pH

Several researchers and authors have concluded that for people who suffer from more than one bladder infection, it is worth taking a look at your body pH and attempting to control it’s acidity. With this in mind, here is an article on body pH and how to control it.

What is pH?

pH is the abbreviation for potential hydrogen.  The pH of any solution is the measure of its hydrogen-ion concentration.  The higher the pH reading, the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is.  The lower the pH reading, the more acidic and oxygen deprived the fluid is.  The pH range is from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral.  Anything above 7.0 is alkaline, anything below 7.0 is considered acidic.

The pH scale is from   0 – 14

Human blood stays in a very narrow pH range right around ( 7.35 – 7.45 ).  Below or above this range means symptoms and disease.  If blood pH moves too much below 6.8 or above 7.8, cells stop functioning and the patient dies.  The ideal pH for blood is 7.4. The pH scale is logarithmic, so a solutions with a pH of 4 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 5 and 100 times more acidic than a pH of 6.

How does this affect the body?

Research has shown that when people become ill, particularly with degenerative disease, that their bodies are always too acidic. In particular, the cells in the body and the fluid that they bath in, lack oxygen. This lack of oxygen inhibits their normal biochemical processes. It also limits the bodies potential to heal itself.

Fact:  If your body’s pH is not balanced, you cannot effectively assimilate vitamins, minerals and food supplements.  Also, mucus on the small intestine can block your body from vitamin and mineral absorption.  Learn how to cleanse the Small Intestine… Click here

Virtually all degenerative diseases, including cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, kidney and gall stones, and tooth decay are associated with excess acidity in the body. While the body does have a homeostatic mechanism which maintains a constant pH 7.4 in the blood, this mechanism works by depositing and withdrawing acid and alkaline minerals from other locations including the bones, soft tissues, body fluids and saliva. Therefore, the pH of these other tissues can fluctuate greatly. The pH of saliva offers us a window through which we can see the overall pH balance in our bodies. If your body’s pH is not balanced, you cannot effectively assimilate vitamins, minerals and food supplements.  Your body pH affects everything.

How do I test my body pH?

Here is a simple test that you can perform. First thing in the morning, fill your mouth with saliva and then swallow it. DO this twice to ensure that the saliva is clean. The third time put your saliva onto some pH paper. If you want to do the test during the day, you must wait for 2 hours after a meal.

The pH paper should come with a color chart. Compare your paper color to the chart to find out your pH level. Blue means alkaline and more acid saliva will produce orange, red, or yellow colors, depending on how strong the acidity is. You can get pH paper from a range of sources, including drug stores.

While generally more acidic than blood, salivary pH mirrors the blood as long as you have not just eaten. It tells us what minerals and toxins the body is retaining.  Salivary pH is a fair indicator of the health of the extra-cellular fluids and their alkaline mineral reserves.

The optimal pH for saliva is 6.4 to 6.8. A reading lower than 6.4 is indicative of insufficient alkaline reserves. You can repeat the test after two hours to confirm the result.

So how does this happen?

An acidic pH (acidosis) can be the result of an acid forming diet, or from too much emotional stress, toxic overload, or immune reactions. The body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals.  If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur.

The result is a decrease the body’s ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, a decrease in the energy production in the cells, a decrease it’s ability to repair damaged cells, a decrease it’s ability to detoxify heavy metals, and makes you more susceptible to fatigue and illness.

What can I do to correct it?

The two established mechanisms to correct and acidic body pH are diet and relaxation.

Diet

Eat more alkalising food. Note that I did not say alkaline food. The acidity of the food is not important. What is important is it’s effect on the body. For example, lemons are acidic, but the have an alkalising effect on the body when eaten and so will help restore your pH levels to normal.

Strongly acid foods to avoid include meat, fish and soft drinks.

Fruits, berries, dairy foods and vegetables are alkaline, especially green leafy veg, broccoli and spinach. Other examples include: almonds, apples, apricots, buckwheat, cabbage, cantaloupe, celery, carrots, cucumbers, dates, poached eggs, figs, grapefruit, honey, lettuce, millet, mineral water, parsley, raisins, peaches, pineapple, soy products, sprouted seeds, cooked spinach, and turnips.

Alkaline mineral supplements can also be useful, especially the salts of potassium. Potassium Bicarbonate is probably the most common and widely available.