What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection affecting any part of the urinary tract including the bladder, kidneys, ureters (tube that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder) and urethra (tube that empties urine from the bladder). Infection occurs when bacteria attack the bladder or urethra. Urinary tract infections are also known as cystitis and bladder infections

Who can get Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)?

Women, the elderly and those with diabetes are more likely to get urinary tract infections. A survey in Prevention magazine found that nearly 50% of women had gotten a UTI at some point. Men over 50 years old who suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostates) can also get urinary tract infections. Children especially boys less than a year old and girls of around 3 years also tend to get urinary tract infections since this is the toilet training period.

What causes urinary tract infections?

Women are especially prone to getting UTIs since the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Older men with enlarged prostates are also at risk. The following are some of the factors that can cause UTIs

• Loss of bowel control
• Catheterization
• Kidney stones
• Inability to move
• Menopause
• Narrowed urethra
• Insufficient fluid intake
• Pregnancy
• Enlarged prostate (BPH)
• Sexual intercourse especially with multiple partners
• Using a diaphragm for birth control

What are the symptoms of urinary tract infections?

• Blood in the urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Nausea, fever and chills
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Need to urinate at night
• Cloudy or foul smelling urine
• Pain in the side
• Pain or pressure in the pelvis
• Painful intercourse
• Pain in the penis
• Confusion and dementia

How are urinary tract infections diagnosed and treated?

A urine sample is taken for urinalysis. In children, ultrasound of the kidneys or xray during urination may be taken. Your doctor may prescribe treatment in the form of antibiotics

What are some natural remedies for treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections?

• Drink plenty of water - 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses a day for young, healthy people, 10 eight-ounce glasses for those over age 50 and 12 eight-ounce glasses for active people over 60.
  
  
• Contrast sitz baths where you soak in a in a shallow hot bath for three to five minutes, then sit in a basin of cold water for 30 seconds. Repeat this sequence three times, finishing with cold water. As an alternative, you can also alternate hot and cold compresses to the pelvic area once or twice a day.
  
  
• Juice of cranberry and blueberry are considered beneficial. This should be the unsweetened version - best if made at home.
  
  
• Other herbs considered good for treating UTIs are Uva Ursi, Goldenseal, Marshmallow root, Buchu, Corn silk, horsetail
  
  
• A herbal ayurvedic formulation called Cystone is also effective in maintaining urinary tract health. Cystone contains herbs such as Didymocarpus pedicellata considered in Ayurveda to protect against renal stress, Saxifraga ligulata considered to be the best ayurvedic herb for dissolving uric acid and stones, Indian madder which helps prevent urinary infections, Cyperus scariosus which has diuretic, anti-pyretic and antimicrobial properties, Prickly chaff flower used in Ayurveda for obstetrics and gynecology purposes, Onosma bracteatum has cooling, soothing and diuretic properties, Vernonia Cinerea helps remedy dysuria or painful urination as per traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine

More information on cystone, cystone action, ayurvedic ingredients in cystone

References:

Himalaya Herbals Company



Products for Urinary Tract and Kidney Health

Cystone
Maintains health of the urinary tract and kidneys

Himplasia
Helps maintain prostate health & urinary tract health

Punarnava
Maintains health of the urinary tract, kidneys & liver