Combat Bladder Infections with Vitamins and Over the Counter Products

The bladder is the repository for most of the body's fluid waste before being passed. These fluids wastes contain contaminants that we take in daily through the ingesting of foods, fluids and through the respiratory system. With today's environmental factors is it any wonder that bladder problems are becoming more prevalent in today's society?

The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Any part of your urinary tract can be become infected but bladder infections are the most common urinary tract infections.

Bacteria can reach the bladder more easily in women because the urethra in women is shorter than in men so the bacteria have a shorter distance to travel.

Two non-invasive medical tests are commonly used to detect bladder problem. The first is testing for antibodies in the urine. If antibodies are found then the human body is in the process of fighting some type of problem.

The second test is looking at cells that have been exfoliated in the urine. If the cells are abnormal in size, shape, color or other abnormalities then furthering testing in the medical laboratory will be required.

Possible signs of a bladder infection are the following.

Cloudy Urination is one way to identify a bladder infection when no other symptoms are present. The color of ones urine does give great insight into the internal condition of the urinary track.

A sharp, knife-like pains in your back or groin. You could possibly have a bladder infection, kidney stone or another serious problem.

Fever with a backache. You may have a kidney disease called pyelonephritis.

Urge to urinate just after using the restroom and when you do you only urinate small amounts. Could be a bladder infection called cystitis, bladder irritation called interstitial cystitis, or from a kidney stone.

In some cases, women also complain of a feeling of not emptying the bladder and heaviness in the lower abdomen.

If blood is present in your urine it could be from a bladder infection, trauma, kidney stone, or a bleeding disorder.

A painful or burning sensation with urination could be a sign of a bladder infection or possible kidney stones.

In males the need to urinate more often than normal, or have problems starting the urine stream, or wake many times at night to urinate could be caused by problems with the prostate gland.

Needing to urinate but not being able to.

Leaking a little urine. Some women report this symptom after childbirth and may be caused from a weakness in the bladder due to childbirth or ageing. This weakness is called stress incontinence.

Urine that smells bad. Some vitamins, or foods, and over the counter products will also produce a strong odor of the urine, most notable vitamin B.

If your doctor thinks you have a bladder infection he or she may prescribe an antibiotic that will turn you urine a bright orange, so don't be alarmed by the color.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with bladder infections such as Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, L-cysteine, Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin A, and Cranberry Juice.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

L-cysteine is another immune system stimulant but should always be taken in conjunction with Vitamin C to reduce the risk of developing stone formation in the kidneys and bladder.

Vitamin E accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Zinc also has a profound influence on the body's ability to resist disease.

Vitamin A is an important immune system stimulant. DR. Nauss reported a reduced T-cell immune response in patients with a Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of cancers of the lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and prostate. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Cranberry Juice may also help prevent kidney and bladder infections. If you are taking COUMADIN then check with your doctor before using cranberry.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.