Banish UTIs and cystitis from your life
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be a burning issue for both men and women but complementary therapy with herbs can be helpful
The urinary tract is the body’s system for eliminating liquid waste and it’s not just the bit – the urethra – that carries the fluid from the bladder to the loo, although this is the section that often gives the first warning (urethritis). The whole tract also includes the kidneys, which is why infections must be taken seriously.
While men are lucky in that their urinary ‘tackle’ is distanced from their anus and so – put prettily! – does not suffer close proximity to bowel evacuations, men do still get UTIs, but may confuse the condition with prostate problems. Urinary frequency (the urge to go to the loo over-often) is one of early signs of both prostatitis and UTI. Both problems need medical tests including the isolation of the bacteria involved, but often doctors are reluctant to do this, instead prescribing a blanket antibiotic, which often leads to other related problems.
Women tend to get UTIs more frequently and the problem more quickly spreads to the bladder (cystitis) due to their anatomy. An eminent Prof of Urogynaecology at St George’s Med School in London, Dr Stuart Stanton believes that incomplete emptying of the bladder is a major cause of cystitis: “If you have a ‘stagnant’ pool of urine [in the bladder] and bacteria succeed in getting to it, they will multiply” – a kind of breeding ground, if you like. In 80 per cent of cases, E.Coli is responsible, but Staphylococcus and Chlamydia can also cause cystitis. And, ladies – if you think about it – how frequently do you defer going to the loo for whatever reason, especially here in Cyprus? That’s the first preventative action we can all easily include in our daily life: take time for the important processes of elimination, don’t rush.
Other preventative measures include drinking two litres of water each day and avoiding caffeine; fragranced body washes and coloured toilet tissue can also cause problems. Sugar is a major culprit as it encourages bacterial/yeast growth while also raising stomach acidity. UTIs can be discouraged by keeping the system alkaline when possible: i.e. eating lots of vegetables and fish and cutting out all convenience foods.
In my experience, the more recurrent the UTI, the shorter the time gap between the initial stinging and the eventual gut-wrenching pain. Many sufferers have a day or three ‘warning’, some get only hours. I would never suggest that UTIs can be controlled without antibiotic intervention, but I do recommend that tests are done to isolate E Coli or, in some cases, yeast/fungus. Then swiftly add supportive herbal helpers.
First, a probiotic supplement like HealthBac to replace the ‘good bacteria’ killed by the antibiotic. Then ‘belt and braces’, a protocol of OregaPlus – a high-powered, slow-release oregano capsule that targets the lower intestine – and/or Olive Leaf Extract to deal the death blow to whatever caused the outbreak. So often antibiotics only alleviate the symptoms having driven the bad guys into temporary hiding. Cranberry has been researched as beneficial against E-Coli, making the membrane walls so slippery that the bug can’t get a ‘foothold’; the very best of these is NAH&S Cranflush. All the above available from Tigon UK on 00 44 1664 485001 or www.oliveleaf.co.uk.
Another excellent preventative herb is Uva Ursi, which is a bladder-specific anti-inflammatory. There are versions in local pharmacies; two to look for are A Vogel Uva Ursi Complex (www.avogel.co.uk) and Uvacin (www.medicherb.co.uk). Ayurvedic herbs are also useful: Cystone contains nine traditional compounds to strengthen the urinary tract (stockists from [email protected]). Finally, find antiseptic BioNatural Olive Leaf liquid in local pharmacies: call 77777727 for stockists.
Are there things I should avoid in deodarants?
Your comments last issue on sunscreens/carcinogens were fascinating. I’ve heard some deodorants also cause cell damage and allergic skin reactions. Any advice?
Mrs PH, Xylofagou
Again, you’re right, I’m afraid. Recent studies found high levels of aluminium in the removed breast tissues of post mastectomy cancer patients. Aluminium is used in many traditional anti-perspirants as it blocks the sweat glands and prevents perspiration; the modern, safer, version is zinc ricineolate which works by ‘fixing’ the odours produced by bacteria reacting with perspiration so that they cannot be released.
Although Cancer Research UK says there is no link between aluminium and breast cancer, I’ve long thought there’s no point in taking any risks when aluminium-free alternatives are available. Neals Yard, Green People and Pitrok all make ‘natural’ products; find them in health stores or on-line. ‘Parfum’, an ingredient listed in most ‘body sprays’, encompasses a vast spectrum of chemicals that are also toxic in long term use.
A further breast cancer risk was highlighted by Marijke Vogel in her book The Earth On Which We Live and that is, underwired bras. The theory is that the underwiring may also be metal-based and, realistically, touches the breast adjacent to the underarm lymph nodes which act as receptacles for free radicals. Further thought suggests that overflow from the lymph nodes might then be caught by the breast tissue. This is speculative, but why take the risk?
Green People brand from Barbara at [email protected] who will Akis it to customers outside her distribution area of Nicosia and Limassol.
Nikki’s column appears every four weeks. Please address your questions to [email protected] PO Box 21144, Nicosia. Tel: 22818585
