Recurrent Bladder Infections...a vicious cycle
When a woman has a bladder infection, she generally visits doctor who prescribes her a course of antibiotics. This clears the infection, but leaves her more vulnerable to future, more frequent, infections.
What is Cystitis?
There are two types of chronic bladder infections (cystitis). One is caused by bacterial infections of the bladder, which can happen for various reasons (infective cystitis). The other is due to interstitial cystitis, which results from the interplay of numerous factors, including recurrent use of antibiotics. If you have cystitis-like symptoms, but without any evidence of bacterial infection, excruciating pain, pressure in the abdomen, perineal area and thighs, constantly feel tired, and need to get up at night to void, you most likely have interstitial cystitis.
If a bacterium is found in your urine (via a dip stick test) and you have any or all of the following symptoms:
- urgent burning or painful voiding small amounts of urine
- dark, cloudy, foul-smelling urine
- lower abdomen or low back pain
- a mild fever
- blood in your urine
You have infective cystitis.
Recurrent bladder infections can be a significant problem for some women, since more than half will eventually involve the upper urinary tract i.e. the kidneys. Recurrent kidney infections can cause progressive damage resulting in scarring, and for some, kidney failure.
The body has many defenses against bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Urine flow tends to wash away bacteria; the surface of the bladder has anti-microbial properties; the pH (alkalinity) of the urine inhibits the growth of many bacteria, and the body quickly secretes white blood cells to fight bacteria and creates a mild fever, to burn off bacteria.
Making a Diagnosis
In general, a diagnosis is made by signs and symptoms and findings of bacteria (via a dipstick) in the urine. The presence of fever, chills, and lower back pain can indicate a more serious involvement of the kidneys, and a visit to your MD is advised.
Many factors are associated with an increased risk of infections, including pregnancy, sexual intercourse, homosexual activity (in males) mechanical trauma or irritation, structural abnormalities, and dysbiosis (bowel flora imbalance).
Dysbiosis
"Friendly" bacteria line our digestive tracts and help break down foods and produce B vitamins and Vitamin K for us. They co-exist with harmful bacteria, and help keep them in check. The vagina is similarly populated.
The Effect of Antibiotics
Antibiotics, the oral contraceptive pill, hormone replacement, corticosteriods, or excessive stress in our lives all have the effect of disrupting the friendly bacteria of the bowel, allowing unfriendly bacteria (E.coli) to take hold. These unfriendly bacteria secrete toxins into the bloodstream, putting a load on the immune system. This gives us less immunity to fight the infection.
The perineal area (the area around the urethra/vagina/anal openings) consists of a balanced bacterial ecosystem. If it becomes unbalanced in one area (i.e. the bowel) it also becomes unbalanced in other areas. This is why women will get vaginal yeast infections, and/or bladder infections when on these medications.
Bacteria are usually flushed out by sterile urine if you are healthy and your immune system is strong. If any bacteria do take hold, your immune system should bring on a fever to 'burn off' bacteria, stimulating white blood cells to surround and destroy them.
If your immune system is not strong, and bacteria are not quickly flushed out, bacteria stays in the bladder and multiplies quickly, resulting in infection, and inflammation.
Natural Treatments
The treatment of bladder infections involves alkalizing and disinfecting the urine, maintaining a good flow of urine to flush out bacteria, and rebalancing the ecosystem of the bowel and vagina. A preventive measure, such as avoiding the frequent use of antibiotics is also important. In the long run, antibiotics create a vicious cycle of repeated infections, allowing unfriendly bacteria to take an even greater hold.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially purified water.
- Avoid acid foods (meat, animal products, protein) and increase alkaline foods (rice, barley, vegetables, fruit).
- Avoid common food allergens (dairy, wheat, corn, eggs, soy) and refined carbohydrates (sugar, alcohol, white bread products etc.).
- At the first sign of infection, take 1000mg (1g) Vitamin C every hour, to bowel tolerance (to the point of diahorrea) Use only buffered vitamin c.
- Ensure there is enough good bacteria in your vagina and bowels by taking oral acidophilus daily, and acidophilus suppositories (vaginal) once daily for a week, and then once weekly for 6-12 months.
- When symptoms first start, drink one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water one time to help alkalize your urine.
- Drink plenty of unsweetened cranberry juice every day.
- Drink barley water, an old remedy for cystitis:
1 cup barley and 1 litre of pure water. Simmer for 30 minutes. Stand until cool. Add lemon juice, honey. Drink 3 cups daily - stops cystitis in 24 hours. - Take only showers instead of baths if you are prone to infection. Use the mildest, unscented soap; avoid getting soap on your perineum - use only water.
- Rinse the perineal area with water and a few drops of tea tree oil after each voiding and shower, and post-intercourse if this is a trigger.
- Don't use bubble baths, soaps, or shampoo your hair while in the tub. Add a cupful of baking soda or tea tree oil to bathwater to disinfect your perineum.
- Avoid scented bath oils and 'feminine hygiene' products - even baby powder. Wash your underwear with mild, unscented, uncolored soap.
- Avoid the use of antibiotics unless you have symptoms of complications or the infection has spread to your kidneys.
Herbs to Consider
Immune stimulating herbs: Echinaceae angustifolia (Echinacea), Astragalus membranaceous (Astragalus), Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Urinary Diuretics: Equisetum arvense (Horsetail), Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion leaf)
Most urinary antiseptics are safe, but a few can irritate the kidney, so all should be used only after advice from a qualified naturopath/herbalist.
Urinary antiseptics: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Uva ursi); Agathosma betulina (Buchu); Juniperus communis (juniper) (juniper should not be used where kidney disease is suspected, and never during pregnancy); Solidago virgaurea (Golden Rod); Piper methysticum (kava-kava); Serenoa serrulata (Saw palmetto).
When there are a variety of simple tools available that can be used to stop bladder infections early, antibiotics should be saved for serious cases. The main aim in treating bladder infections is to avoid them. Treat bladder infections heavily for 48 hours; if you think the infection involves the kidneys visit your MD.
