There is a lot of buzz around Corvalen at the moment, but is it really as wonderful as people say? We get fatigue in our bodies for a number of reasons, including the fact that we are getting older. The key component is fuelling our cells with the energy that they need is an enzyme call adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The problem is that the production of ATP is limited and it depends on a simple sugar called Ribose.

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Although scientists are not certain about what causes Fybromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the symptoms of fatigue, muscle pain, disturbed sleep, anxiety and depression are experienced by many sufferers. Ribose has emerged as a simple solution to many of these problems, although it may not always work on its own. Results from users indicate that it is particularly effective at combating fatigue, which is experience by the majority of Fybromyalgia sufferers.

Corvalen D-Ribose

 The main function of ribose is to regulate the production of ATP and it is used by athletes to recharge their energy levels after endurance events or to boost their energy levels before a workout. The reason that it is taken is that the body has a limited ability to produce ATP, especially in the heart and in other muscles.

Although the benefits of D-ribose have been known for quite a while, for many years the process of making D-Ribose was complex and expensive and that meant that the cost of it was beyond the reach of most people as an energy supplement. Recently the process has been vastly improved and that is why is has become so popular recently.

We spent several weeks reviewing cases and reports of users of Corvalen D-ribose and the reports that we have found have been universally encouraging. Most concern sufferers from Fybromyalgia. While the condition is complex and it attacks different people in different ways, fatigue is the most common symptom. Sufferers who take Corvalen find that they have a lot more energy and that they do not get as tired as they did before they took it.

How Does Corvalen Work?

Just as very little is known about the causes of Fybromyalgia, there is not much direct evidence about how D-ribose helps with fatigue. Most reports suggest that it is the affect on ATP production that is behind it. People with Fybromyalgia have reduced levels of ATP and they are known to have a reduced ability to make ATP. Therefore most people conclude that D-ribose in Corvalen boosts ATP levels in the muscles and that allows people to become more active and less fatigued.

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There are other nutrients that support ATP production, including malic acid and magnesium. Sometimes these are added to a d-ribose supplement, but they can also be taken separately and that can help in some circumstances (See Usage below).

Corvalen Usage and Side Effects

One of the best things about Corvalen is that is occurs naturally in the body. That means that at normal doses that it does not produce any side effects. At high doses that body has a safe process for eliminating any excess product so no ill effects have been observed in people taking over 6 times the recommended daily dose.

Corvalen is a sugar and when I tried it, it had a malty sugar taste. Dose levels are usually 5 grams per dose taken 1-3 times per day. This is a relatively small amount of a naturally occurring substance. Many users took Corvalen for 3 days per week in the first week and then increased the dose to 3 times every day for a month. They were then able to reduce the dose and still maintain the benefits. The main benefits seem to take about 2 weeks to take hold. Similarly, users who stopped taking Corvalen returned to previous pain and fatigue levels after two weeks.

Many people with Fybromyalgia report that their sleep is affected by the condition. They also report that taking Corvalen d-ribose really helps then to get normal levels of sleep. However if you are taking high doses (50 gms +) the you should avoid taking any Corvalen after 5pm as it can over-stimulate the body and affect your sleep.

Some users report putting on weight when taking it while others feel that they have a suppressed appetite. D-ribose does not act like glucose in raising blood sugar levels. It does the opposite, although the effect soon goes away. So for most people you could watch your nutrition levels, but it should not lead to you gaining weight at the doses that we are talking about.

Magnesium can cause diarrhea at some doses so a supplement with added Magnesium could cause this affect. If you want to avoid this, simply take the Magnesium separately and regulate the dose to suit your body.

Verdict On Corvalen

All of the cases and letters that we have reviewed find that Corvalen gives a great energy boost to sufferers of Fybromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It has no side-effects and is not that expensive to buy, so we would fully recommend Corvalen D-ribose.

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Over the years I have used a lot of flora probiotics from a lot of sources because I take my health seriously. Time and experience has led me to a number of things to look out for before I jump in and buy a new formulation. For the last six weeks I have been on Flora Probiotics and Flora Source and this is a review of how I got on with both of them. At the basic level these products are not that different. They offer a range of probiotics at a reasonable level per capsule to be useful in the gut.

<=== Buy Flora Source Probiotic Here ===>

Flora Source multi contains 16 probiotics and has 32 billion CFUs per capsule. While good mixes of probiotics should be backed up by research, I generally like to look for a range of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria as some of both are needed to bring the full range of benefits that I look for in a good Probiotic supplement. These benefits include:

• good digestion
• rapid food transit
• body detox
• good stool texture
• no gas, pain or other problems

 If you want more details on the make-up of probiotic pills there is more at the end of this article (not everyone wants the details).

The current formulation of the flora probiotic has been changed recently. I did come across some reviews that did seem a bit out of date. The new product formulas have an addition called bif relief. This is claimed to keep the digestive system moving faster, avoiding constipation. Bifobacteria have been shown to work on the large intestine and to speed up the transit of body waste.

What Does Flora Source Probiotic Cost?

All these Flora probiotic products are made and sold by Nutri-Health around the world. These are prices from their US site.

60 capsules of Flora Probiotic Multisource        – $39.00

2.1 Oz of Probiotic powder                                - $39.95

Shipping is free if you spend more than $50.00, so I usually buy 3 sets at a time. The other reason that I do this is that their shipping can be slow. Here is a link to a 3 product volume discount page.

They have a Healthy Lifestyle Savings plan – if you sign up for regular purchases you get a good discount on the products and free shipping. I haven’t tried that, but the prices look good. If you order something, they will make you a few offers before you get to the shopping cart, but stick with it because the products are worth it. They have a 60 day guarantee, so if you are unhappy you can send it back.

How Effective Is This Flora Probiotic?

First, my own experience. I don’t generally have severe stomach problems, but I am prone to constipation and some gas even though this is mild compared to some people. I found the flora multi-probiotic capsules to be very effective in keeping me regular. I have taken some in the past that were stronger flora probiotics, but they were not any more effective, so for the price I found them to be pretty good value – they are mid-range price and work well. You will find cheaper deals on the market, but many will not work as well.

I have also been looking at the experiences of other people before I bought the product and I found that almost everyone who expressed an opinion was positive about flora probiotics. Any issues were about price, discounts and shipping, but I could not find anyone that said that it did not help them.

What Is In Flora Source?

The ingredients are as follows:

Bifidobacteria – work in the large intestine to aid detoxification and to maintain a good digestive transit (keeps things moving).

• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bifidobacterium breve
• Bifidobacterium lactis (infantis)
• Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
• Bifidobacterium longum

Lactobaccillii – work in the small intestine to aid digestion on nutrient absorption.

• Lactobaccillis acidophilus
• Lactobaccillis brevis
• Lactobaccillis bulgaricus
• Lactobaccillis casei
• Lactobaccillis gasseri
• Lactobaccillis paracasei
• Lactobaccillis plantarum
• Lactobaccillis rhamnosus
• Lactobaccillis salivarius

Others

• Lactococcus lactis
• Streptococcos thermophilus
• Short chain fructo oligosaccharide (scFOS)

Some claims are made for this last ingredient which I do not believe are supported by the evidence. By adding it some claim that it helps to nourish and strengthen the flora source probiotics. Not only is the FOS probably not available in sufficient quantity to be effective, but it can also cause stomach gas. Alignate would be a far better choice of prebiotic.

Usage Guide For Flora Probiotics

The knowledge that we have now about probiotics is hugely advanced on what we knew ten or even five years ago, so forget what you heard before. Pick a good multi probiotic product like flora source that has a good number of CFUs – 32 billion colony forming units is fine. Probitics have been shown to be beneficial at a range of CFU and different strains work at different CFU levels, so it is not possible to give one acceptable number for a multi-probiotic formula.

Remember that that is the number viable flora probiotic ingredients that were in the capsule when it was manufactured. The capsules are then packed in nitrogen and in dry conditions that will enable them to do well at room temperature for a few weeks. Once you open them, keep them in the fridge no matter what claims are made for them. This applies to all probiotics.

These active components have to be delivered through to the intestines where they work and that means getting through the acid bath that is the stomach. Good capsules protect the flora probiotics until they are delivered to their destination and for that reason I prefer them to probiotic powder.

I noticed improvements in my digestive health within a week and this seems to be a common thread in other discussion that I have come across on flora source probiotics, so you should see results in this timeframe.

Natural food sources of prebiotics include onions, tomatoes, bananas, asparagus, and rye bread. I generally try to find at least one of these source foods per day to help things along.

Avoiding Any Side-Effects of Probiotics

Most people avoid them, but if you do get any side effects from any probiotic, you can try the following:

Reduce the dosage – try taking one pill instead of two per day

Drink lots of water – sometimes a side-effect is a by-product of detoxification and water will help this detox process by flushing the body of impurities.

Keep with the program – I take probitics regularly and I get a lot from them. If you are not used to taking them, give them a few days to work before you give up on them. Most people find it is worth the wait.

This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and it is not intended to cure or treat any disease.

Unwanted hair! It is the bane of every woman’s beauty regime and increasingly, it is important for men too, to keep their bodily hair under control and to trim and tweeze until they are smooth skinned. I am a qualified beauty therapist and the one thing all my clients are searching for is a product which will rid them of unwanted body and facial hair once and for all and I believe I may have found it using a kalo hair gel .  There are several methods of hair removal, some claiming to be more permanent than others. For example electrolysis works by killing off the hair germ cells but you have to catch them in the correct growth phase and it is quite painful and can cause bad scarring. Like Kalo hair inhibitor, laser treatment is not necessarily permanent although it is long lasting. However, it is hugely expensive and it is not always that successful , especially around the bikini line and on difficult facial hair problems. Waxing is still, by far the most popular hair removal  treatment.   It leaves a beautifully clean and smooth finish but there are two main drawbacks:

1. The length of time between waxes can be a little as 1 week
2. Ingrown hairs, especially around the bikini line area

Waxing literally pulls the hair out by the roots in large strips leaving an empty hair follicle. However, the hair germs cells are still active and keep on reproducing,  so  hair re growth naturally occurs.  I have found that by using Kalo hair inhibitor as an after wax treatment the hair grows back much more slowly and it is a great deal finer when it does. Over a period of a few months, typically around 4, the hair growth ceases altogether in many clients and only a very limited maintenance programme is needed. It is important to point out that kalo hair inhibitor works best on the smaller, but more difficult, areas of the body such as the chin, upper lip and bikini line. It also works well on the abdomen, arms and underarms, feet and toes and eyebrows. Several male clients have reported success in decreasing the hair growth on their hands also.

The thing most of my clients love about the kalo hair method is the fact that they are using a completely natural product and all the ingredients used in it are fully FDA approved. Furthermore, it is not simply some snake oil product wrapped up to look good, it has been through proper clinical trials and the results are not at all in doubt. There have been approximately seven years of study which confirm the inhibiting effects of kalo hair. The active ingredients are bio-enzymatic plant enzymes which work at the follicle site to discourage re growth. Combined plant enzymes appear to work on every aspect of the hair shaft and surrounding double helix sulfa bond. Two of the botanicals work on the keratin; one unwinds the tightly wound keratin while the other breaks apart the cell structure inside the hair shaft. The exterior of the hair shaft which is composed of cystine is worked on by a third botanical. The fourth botanical works directly on the sulfa bond to reduce it, thereby eliminating cystine to cystine growth spurts which occur only in the presence of its catalyst, the double helix sulfa bond at the follicle site. The effect thereby eliminates the regrowth of hair, prevents ingrown hair and smoothes out razor bumps. Kalo hair inhibitor also contains fragrance green tea, a natural antioxidant in its pure form which has clinically been proven to protect the skin from environmental damage 100% greater than the available vitamin C creams.

Importantly, a whopping 95% of individuals studied showed complete stoppage of hair growth when maintenance is reached. Usage on body areas have produced no known side effects and may be used on sensitive individuals

Kalo hair inhibitor has been subject to topical dermal studies for contact sensitization and also for any reaction between skin and sunlight. Results confirm that this Kalo hair product is not expected to cause any known side effects or reactions. However, some caution is advised if the spray is applied to skin which is already irritated, perhaps by shaving too closely or using other products such as chemical peels which irritate the skin.

Generally speaking and indeed in my own experience, best results are achieved if you strip the follicle from the hair bed using waxing or sugaring. Kalo hair inhibitor works mainly at the follicle site. Shaving and depilatories may be used to remove the hair but the results will take longer as the hair is still in the follicle and it is therefore partially blocked and the product cannot fully penetrate. Some people, who have very course and thick hair shafts, find that shaving simply does not work with the kalo hair product and that the hair needs to be removed completely from the follicle using waxing or sugaring, electrolysis or even laser surgery.

Apart from the obvious advantage of kalo hair inhibitor, a key benefit of the product is that is actively discourages the appearance of ingrown hairs. Anyone who has ever suffered from these knows that they are as painful as they are unsightly and they are an unfortunate by product of most types of hair removal treatments. Ingrown hairs are caused when the follicle becomes distorted and hair does not grow fully up the hair shaft but veers off and becomes buried under the skin instead. The follicle can then become infected and a huge pimple or sometimes even a boil can erupt causing discomfort and embarrassment especially around the facial area. Using kalo hair inhibitor will help to banish the risk of ingrown hairs as it works to discourage the hair germ cells from reproducing full stop.

In my own professional opinion kalo hair inhibitor is most effective in the areas where many females find hair an embarrassment, for example, the chin and upper lip, other parts of the face, including unsightly sideburns and the pubic area. I have found that almost from first application, hair grows back more slowly and a good deal weaker and this increases with each application. On average, most of my clients using this kalo hair product have found that hair growth ceases completely between 1 and 4 months.  Kalo hair inhibitor can be used anywhere on the body without skin reactions and it is excellent at preventing ingrown hairs. Furthermore, it leaves the skin baby silky soft and smooth and well protected from the environment as discussed earlier. 

Kalo hair inhibitor comes in a gel 2oz plastic bottle with pump costing in or around $30. However, there are great deals to be had, especially if you buy 3 or more at a time and if you are only treating small areas like your chin, upper lip or bikini line these will last a long time. As a professional, I highly recommend kalo hair inhibitor. It is safe, easy to use and highly effective and a great deal more economical than paying for expensive laser treatment or for regular waxing treatments.

Please note that the kalo hair products are for topical hair growth inhibition and should be used daily. Not for ophthalmic, oral or intravaginal use.

The HFH beauty team

Hair Essentials for Hair Growth

Hair Essentials for hair growth is a herbal based natural remedy for hair thinning, baldness and weak hair growth. Two years ago I lost a lot of hair due to illness. I was pretty self-conscious about it and for a while not much else mattered to me. When you have hair you never think about it, but it is amazing how much it can influence how you feel about yourself when you start to loose it. After spending a lot of time searching for product I came across Hair Essentials and I was impressed with what it did for me, so I created this site to tell others about the product.

 <=== Get Hair Essentials For Hair Growth here ===>

What is Hair Essentials for hair growth?

Hair Essentials for hair growth is a hair growth promoter consisting of a combination of 20 herbs and nutrients. Both male and female users of Hair Essentials report that it has helped to thicken existing hair, stimulate re-growth in follicles that have stopped producing hair and reduce the greying effect. A bottle of the product contains 90 capsules which is about a months supply. You take three tablets once a day, in the morning or the evening. The tablets are quite large but if you have problems swallowing them, you can open the capsule and mix the ingredients in a drink or with honey. The manufacturers say that this makes no difference to the effectiveness of the ingredients.

How Does It Work?

There are many reasons why people lose hair, but there is one mechanism in the body. Hairs grow in a part of a hair follicle called the dermal papilla. To support the growth of hair cells, the papilla draws nutrients from the blood capillaries in the scalp. The papilla has receptors for bio-chemicals called androgens. One such androgen is called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which is formed when the male hormone testosterone reacts with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. If you have a lot of DHT in your scalp, it finds its way to the papilla, it shrinks the hair follicle and it prevents that transfer of nutrients that support healthy hair growth.

Hair Essentials for hair growth is a combination of herbs and nutrients. Many of the herbs are used to reduce the levels of DHT in the scalp, halting the effect that is has on hair follicles. The vitamins and minerals in the remedy are added to allow hair to grow more healthily and easily. People in the early stages of hair loss or thinning will usually get good results from Hair Essentials. If you have follicles that have not been producing hair for some time, then it may take more time to see results or it may not work for you.

Does It Work For Men?

Many of the Hair Essentials for hair growth reports that you come across are from women, even though men do suffer from more hair loss, but don’t be put off by this. There are a lot of great reports of success from men with the product around if you search for them. One of the issues with hair loss is that it has many causes, but in men the most common cause is male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). The way Hair Essentials for hair growth targets DHT is effective in reducing the effect of male pattern baldness and it can even reverse it in some cases.

There are other reasons why men lose their hair and Hair Essentials may help to reduce those effects as well, but unfortunately it will not work for everyone. Looking at all the experiences of users that we have collected, most people report noticing some effect after two weeks and they say that after two months that you can reduce the dosage. There is not trial data to support this – it is just the typical experience of users of the product.

If you find that the product does not work for you there is a 90 day, no quibble guarantee on the product so that you can return any that you don’t use.

Does It Work For Women?

Common causes of hair thinning and hair loss in women include:

•  Hormonal imbalances, including during the menopause/perimenopause
• Stress
• Thyroid disorders
• Alopecia areata
• Female pattern baldness’ or hereditary balding
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Immune system problems
• Allergic reactions
• Infections
• Surgery
• Side effects of some medications

In all of these situations, Hair Essentials may help to thicken or re-grow hair. Most of the reviews that we have found in our research are from female users and that vast majority speak about getting good results over a range of different hair types. Unfortunately, given the range of causes for this problem, the product will not work for everyone.

What Is In Hair Essentials?

Herbs and extracts

• Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) (berry): Studies have shown that Saw Palmetto inhibits the product of DHT by reducing 5 alpha reductase levels.
• Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea corylifolia) (fruit): Opens capillaries in the scalp, increasing blood flow and promoting hair growth in follicles.
• Horsetail Extract (Equisetum spp.) (herb) (7% Silica): The silica content of Horsetail is regularly used to promote the healthy growth of hair and nails.
• Borage Seed Oil (GLA fatty acid): GLA helps reduce inflammation within the hair follicles that can lead to damage and hair loss.
• White Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis) (leaf) (80% Polyphenols): Antioxidant properties help hair to grow in stronger and healthier.
• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) (seed): Contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier.
• Flax Seed Oil (Omega-3 fatty acid): Regulates oil production, maintaining a healthy scalp and vigorous hair follicles.
• Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) (seed): Increases the absorption of nutrients, improving the effectiveness of the remedy.
• Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu; Polygonum multiflorum) (root): Reverses the graying of hair.
• Han Lian Cao (Eclipta prostrata) (herb): Another traditional remedy for graying, this herb also promotes overall hair health.

Nutrients

•  Vitamin A (as beta-carotene):
• Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate):
• Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol succinate):
• Biotin:
• Iodine (from Kelp):
• Zinc (as amino acid chelate):
• Selenium (as amino acid chelate):

 Bio chemicals

• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane):
• Collagen Type II (hyaluronic acid and chondroitin complex):
• L-Cysteine:
• L-Methionine:

Is Hair Essentials Safe?

Having reviewed hundreds of reports from users, we have not found any issues relating to side effects. However, users should be aware of the following:

This is a formulation for adults and it should not be taken by anyone under 18 years of age.

Saw Palmetto is known to have a similar effect to some hormones, so you should consult your doctor if you have had a hormone related cancer or if you are at risk of it.

You should also consult your doctor before taking Hair Essentials of you are taking any medication, including birth control pills.

The product is not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.

If you are taking Hair Essentials and you have any adverse reactions, you should stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

• 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.

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 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.

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  

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.

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.