Cranberry is a fruit native to North America. It typically grows in bogs, and commercial production is mainly performed in Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
For ages, cranberry has been used for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. Research suggests that it prevents bacteria from adhering to host cell surface membranes. It was used by Native Americans to treat ailments of the bladder and kidneys. The cranberry was documented in the 17th century as a treatment for several ailments, including:
* Blood disorders
* Liver problems, vomiting and stomach ailments
* Loss of appetite
* Scurvy
*Cancer
Cranberry was used as an effective treatment for urinary tract infections long before antibiotics were invented. It is still recommended by physicians to be used in conjunction with a prescribed round of antibiotics for treating bladder infections.
Important Facts
Statistically, one in every five women in the United States suffers from bladder infections in her lifetime. Three percent of these women suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Approximately 11 million women each year receive medications to treat UTIs. Studies show that women with a history of bladder infections can reduce the frequency of those infections by regularly drinking cranberry juice.
There have been no significant reactions discovered between cranberry and prescription drugs. Drinking cranberry juice a minimum of three times per day during treatment of a bladder infection will increase the need to urinate. This helps your body to rid itself of the infection through ingestion and expulsion of fluids.
Pharmacology of Cranberry
The use of cranberry for medicinal purposes has been the subject of many scientific discussions. At first, it was thought that acidification of the urine assisted in creating an antibacterial effect. However, the primary reason that cranberry works so well for treating bladder infections is its prevention of bacterial adhesion to cell walls. It also prevents adherence by other gram-negative uropathogens that cause infection. Cranberry's ability to inhibit the adherence of bacteria has been shown through in vitro research.
Other Uses
One study showed that the same property in cranberry juice that prevents bladder infections also aids in dental plaque prevention. Additionally, cranberry has been discovered to be a recommended treatment for Candida (yeast) infections.
Further in vitro studies show that cranberry has an inhibiting effect on certain types of fungi. However, there are no human trials that indicate its effectiveness in treating fungal infections when used alone.
Symptoms of a Bladder Infection
The most common symptom of an oncoming bladder infection is feeling a constant, urgent need to empty the bladder. This feeling is present even when there is little or no fluid in the bladder. Other symptoms may include:
* Frequent urination
* Dysuria (burning or painful urination)
* Bladder spasms
* Cloudy urine
* Bloody urine
* Foul-smelling urine
* Mild fever
A bladder infection that has gone untreated for an extended period of time could turn into a kidney infection. This brings with it much more serious symptoms which may include fever, chills and nausea. You may also experience cloudy or bloody urine, painful urination and abdominal pain. A common telltale sign of kidney infection is back pain just above the waist.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is wise to contact your physician. Bladder infection symptoms will not go away by themselves. They will continue to worsen, and your infection will become much more serious. Treatment for bladder infections is quick and easy. The sooner you begin the better.
If you suspect that you are about to experience a bladder infection, begin a regimen of drinking cranberry juice or supplement at least three times a day and make an appointment with your doctor.
Preventing Bladder Infections
There are several precautions you can take to prevent bladder infections. Some may seem obvious or silly, but after your first infection you will think very differently. Some of these precautions include:
* Wipe from front to back after urination or a bowel movement. This prevents the spread of bacteria.
* Go to the bathroom frequently. Holding urine in the bladder for long periods of time invites an infection.
* Keep the genital area clean and dry. Avoid prolonged moisture in the area.
* Avoid frequent bubble baths. They can cause vaginal irritation.
* Try to urinate soon after sexual activity. If lubricants are used, use only those that are water-soluble.
* Underwear with a cotton crotch will aid in infection prevention as well.
Drink a lot of water throughout the day. Also, drink cranberry juice or cranberry supplement to keep the urine acidic. This will prevent natural bacteria from multiplying as frequently, thus avoiding bladder infection.
SERIOUS. Not a UTI, not a yeast infection, then WHAT could it be?! CONSTANT Uti feeling?
For about 8 months now, I’ve been suffering from what I believed to be chronic UTI’s.
Before 8 months ago, I did have some UTI’s, but I was in High school, super shy, and didn’t direct it to my parents, so they went un treated, but seemed to pass within just a few hours.
(I’m guessing they were UTI’s, feel just as they did when I was diagnosed with one)
Well 8 months ago, I got a UTI so bad, and I told my mom who had me sent to the doctor, and I returned with an antibiotic.
It didn’t work
none of them did
I’ve been back, and every single time, they said it’s UTI, give me anti biotic, and it does not work.
Well, I went back again, and told the doctor I didn’t even want an antibiotic, I wanted an explanation.
He sent my urine off for a urine culture, and as I suspected, there was NO GROWTH. meaning, no UTI. The only reason there was white blood cells was because the night before I had a yeast infection, which I treated.
so I’m going to a urologist, and to the gyno, but.
I won’t be able to get there for a few days, so.
ANYONE have ANY idea?
Why does it feel like I have a UTI? I have no pains, just the feeling that I have to go, and it slightly burns (not when I go, but while i have the feeling). I can ignore it, if I try.
And when I take azo, I get INCREDIBLE back pains, obviously my kidneys.
*ALSO*
I have had sex. I’m pretty damn sure my partners (only 2.) have been clean, and I went back and asked them both. My first partner was a few years ago, so. I’m sure symptoms would have come up if it was an STD or something.
You need to be aware that there is a condition called interstitial cystitis which replicates having a uti all of the time. Your symptoms totally sound like this disease. You are doing the right thing to see a urologist because this is a very painful condition and I knew someone quite well that suffered from it. Please refer to the following website for more help and information: http://www.ichelp.org.
hope this helps..
Constant UTI and yeast infection
I’ve been on 3 different antibiotics in 2 months for UTIs (not showing many symptoms thankfully) and 2 seperate creams plus a 1 dose pill for yeast infections with no luck. Is there anything I can do at home for a yeast infection that might work better than these expensive creams? And what can I do to prevent constant UTIs?
Oh wow, yeah the constant anti-biotics were not a good thing, definitely sounds like Candida.
As far as the UTI, you are going to need to eliminate Candida and boost your immune system up to prevent them. Cranberry is very helpful as it washes away urinary tract infections as well you NEED to start using probiotics.
This is good bacteria that will ensure you stop getting infections and your body badly needs now that you’ve been on so many anti-biotics.
As well you must try D-Mannose it is a natural supplement that prevents bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract wall. Effectively ending infections of this nature.
There are many things you need to start doing and addressing if you are suffering from a yeast infection. To start, do the following:
1. Wear loose clothing and undergarments, oxygen kills yeast, going commando and wearing nothing down there if possible is even better.
2. Get some unsweetened yogurt and rub it onto a tampon, insert the tampon and do this continually until the yeast infection is gone.
3. Cut out any and all sugar, alcohol and yeast from your diet. All three will promote the infection further.
4. Start drinking cranberry juice, pure not from concentrate with no added sugar, I know this goes against the no sugar thing but the acid content in the cranberries will alter the PH balance of your vagina and cause the yeast to die off.
5. If you can tolerate it, use a raw garlic clove and apply it to the infection, this may burn so dilute it with some olive or coconut oil, both of which can also help eliminate the yeast, especially the coconut.
6. You can also try taking some vitamin B3, many women find their infections resolve quicker when they are taking 300mg/per day.
7. Take a probiotic with at least 50 billion live cells per pill, this is key in redistributing good bacteria throughout your body, and effectively end the yeast infection.
8. Lastly if all else fails, begin adding 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a bath. Only fill the tub up high enough to submerge your genital area. Stay in the tub for 20-30 minutes at a time.
Hope this helps, the yogurt is the key really, by putting good bacteria directly on the area you will eliminate it quickly. Make sure it is unsweetened and ideally keep an eye out for a variation called Kefir which has even more beneficial bacteria in it to snuff out the infection.
When all is said and done I would suggest you research Candida and take a test to determine if you are suffering from it, as anyone who gets yeast infections has Candida, it’s just a matter of how bad it is.
Constant Yeast Infections….HELP!?
Alright, to start off I got a UTI back in July, took the medicine and it took care of it. A week or so later I got a yeast infection. So I went back to my doctor and he gave me diflucan, which usually works. A week went by and the diflucan didn’t even seem to effect it. So, I went back to my doctor and was given the same thing, only a higher dosage then before. And again, it didn’t work. I’ve tried monistat, eating yogurt, and drink cranberry juice but nothing seems to do anything. I’m also using Azo yeast to help the itching. My main question is can I do anything to get rid of it for good?? My boyfriends mom told me after every 7 years your Ph changes and your body becomes different…I just want some help
Use another drug – diflucan is not a good drug for yeast anymore, the yeast has grown too resistant to it. And the one and three day treatments for yeast don’t work well either. Speak to your doctor (or clinic) and ask for a seven day treatment with something else.
Don’t take advice from your BF’s mom – she’s not right about that at all. A change of pH would kill you.
E – how does cracking your neck change blood sugar? Oh, right…it doesn’t. Moot point. Chronic high blood sugar is only an issue in terms of diabetics when it comes to yeast. But I forgot, you would crack the neck for diabetes as well. Why do diabetics get yeast? Isn’t that a germ. Hmmmm. C’mon, say it – yeast infections are caused by a germ, I know you want to….
Totally disregard the “hole in one (hio) chiro” – they don’t believe disease is caused by microbes.
Yes, really.
Good Luck
Yeast Infection/Constant Urge to Urinate but not UTI?
So, I started out with a bad yeast infection about 3 weeks ago and self treated it with monistat 3 day. It seemed to go away for about a week and then returned. I then went to see the gyno and she told me I still had some yeast and prescribed me this cream called clotrimazole with betamethasone. It seemed to get better for a few days and then returned once again. Also, on top of it, I developed the feeling like I had to pee constantly and got no relief so I went to my gen. dr. & treated me for a UTI. Still no relief. I then took Diflucan and it went away for about 2 days and now it’s back. I’m so frustrated because it’s not going away. I started Oral Contraceptives in April and I’m pretty sure thats whats causing this. I never had any of these problems before I started them. Can anyone please give me advice or tell me what they think it might/could be? I really need relief, it’s very upsetting that I’m not feeling better.
God, the possiblities are endless…
Currently, at 26 weeks pregnant, I can honestly say that I feel your pain. I’ve never had problems with UTI’s, yeast infections, or anything of the sort, but in the past three months, I’ve had a bladder infection, a UTI, a yeast infection (that just won’t go away…) and- oh yes, this is lovely- kidney stones.
While pregnant women are more susceptible to these lovely little pests, my odds were increased ten-fold (goody for me…) because- *gasp*- I had developed gestational diabetes.
This is something that you may want to go and get tested for. Diabetes sufferers are so much more prone to infection than the “normal folks”- including the good ol’ yeast infections, UTI’s, and bladder infections. Yay!
Oral contraceptives have many known side effects- but bladder/urinary problems are not one of them. However, if I may be so bold to point out, having unprotected sex greatly increases your chances of getting such an infection. (is there no escaping from condoms?) My husband and I thought that once we got married and decided to have a family- we were home free! Not. My sister, who has had problems with UTI’s and yeast infections in the past, was quick to point out this little tidbit of info.
For now: drink plenty of cranberry juice to flush out the ol’ kidneys. Make an appointment to see a medical doctor (not the gyno), and ask to be tested for diabetes, and to run some blood work (i.e. CBCs) to check for active infection in the body. In my opinion, medical doctors tend to look at the body overall- whereas gynos are more focused on one, ahem, area. If you don’t feel like your regular general doctor (the one who treated you for the UTI) is hearing you or doing enough about your “going” problem, ask for a referral to a urinary specialist.
Also, remember to finish ALL meds that the doctor prescribes- otherwise, you’re just making it harder for your body to fight off future infections of the sort. Eat properly, and get your 6-8 glasses of water a day. Wipe from front to back, wear cotton underwear, and avoid using body washes and gels on your “area”, as many contain fragrances and dyes that can irritate the area and/or cause bacterial growth. (I’m sure you’re familiar with all of these… but, I thought I’d just throw them in there, just in case…)
Edit: Acidopholus (my spelling sucks here, but close enough), as mentioned from the above poster, is a very good bacterial enzyme indeed. It is found in many dairy products, including yougurt. You can also buy special milk in many grocery stores (Sweet Acidopholus Milk) that is fortified with this enzyme. Great for yeast infections, not very helpful for UTI’s and bladder issues. Also, and I’m afraid someone will mention this later, so I will go ahead and warn you: Whatever you do, please do not put yougurt into your vagina. You laugh, but it’s one of those “old folks remedies” that was disproven years ago. Loading your girl with yougurt will only make things worse- and make it harder for your doc to run proper testing…
Im going crazy over these constant yeast infections!!! Anyone have any great prevention ideas?
I have been plagued with yeast infections for about two years now. it seems as if I get one every month. Iam on birth control (which may contribute) and currently Im on antibiotics for a UTI. Im also taking AZO yeast everyday. I have been taking them for two months and it seemed to be working but Im getting the symptoms again (burning,tender vulva and painfull sex, and little discharge). I have been tested for diabetes, hiv, and everything else that would cause a person to be consistently getting them and they come back negative. should I up my dosage of AZO yeast when taking biotics or do I need a stronger supplement?-thanks
Tia, I am in a very similar situation to you! I know how annoying chronic yeast infections can be. I used to get them every month (generally after my period) and over the counter medications would burn me and were so expensive! My aunt also suffered from chronic yeast infections and she recommended using Boric Acid powder and putting them into empty pill capsules and inserting them into the vagina. I started using a capsule at night whenever I felt itchy and normally after two nights, my yeast infection is gone. You can use Boric Acid for up to two weeks. I also use boric acid after my period just as a preventative measure.
Go to the pharmacy and ask for boric acid (in powder form) and empty pill capsules. Just fill the capsules with some of the powder and insert whenever you have an infection (or want to prevent one). The boric acid itself is super cheap. I paid $4 for large bottle which has lasted me almost a year so far.
Here is an article which explains some of the effectiveness rates of boric acid in clinical trials.
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsqtoz/a/yeast_infection.htm
I have no idea what causes them but they sure do suck! I hope this works for you.