Bladder home infection remedy.
Effective, Natural Ways to Plush Out Bladder Infections.

The standard response of a conventional doctor to a bladder infection (cystitis) is to get out a shotgun.

A "shotgun" drug, that is-a broad-spectrum antibiotic that kills off just about every type of bacteria in your body. And yes, the drug usually does clear up the infection, which is typically caused by Escherichia coli bacteria that have migrated up your urinary tract into the bladder. It rids you of the main symptom: burning, painful, frequent urination.

Unfortunately, the fittest E. coli can survive and develop into an antibiotic-resistant breed that causes recurrent bladder infections that the drug can't cure. In other words, the "solution" may bring about an even worse problem.

"Antibiotics must be given in some cases of bladder infections, particularly if there is a high fever," says Steven J. Bock, MD., a family practitioner, acupuncturist, and codirector of the Center for Progressive Medicine in Rhinebeck, New York. He says that in many cases, however, you can successfully treat a bladder infection without antibiotics-by using a powerful array of alternative home remedies.

CRANBERRY OR BLUEBERRY: An Off-the- Wall Remedy
A component of cranberry and blueberry juice stops E. coli bacteria from sticking to bladder walls, thus helping to heal the infection quickly, Dr. Bock says. A benefit is that the juices don't work by acidifying the urine, he says, which is good because alkaline urine (the chemical opposite of acid) is more beneficial for beating bladder infections.
He recommends drinking 24 ounces of unsweetened juice a day in three 8-ounce servings. Sugar depresses the immune system, so don't use sweetened brands.
You can also take dehydrated extracts of cranberries or blueberries in capsule or tablet form, says Dr. Bock. Follow the dosage recommendations on the label.

WATER: Flush Out the Bladder
While you're drinking that cranberry or blueberry juice, you should also drink lots of water to flush out the bladder and rid it of the infection, says Dr. Bock. He recommends 64 ounces a day.

MAGNESIUM CITRATE: Banish the Bacteria
This nutritional supplement creates alkaline urine, which makes it harder for E. coli to survive, says Dr. Bock. He recommends taking 300 to 400 milligrams a day of this supplement for as long as you have the, infection.

VITAMINS AND BIOFIAVONOIDS: Strengthen the Mucosal Surfaces
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and bioflavonoids strengthen the inner surface of the bladder, making it harder for the bacteria to stick, Dr. Bock says. To beat the infection, he recommends a daily dose of 1,000 to 4,000 milligrams of vitamin C, 300 to 600 milligrams of bioflavonoids, and 50,000 international units of vitamin A (taken under medical supervision). Be aware, however, that although high doses of vitamin A are very effective in helping to beat bladder infections, they are also toxic over a long period of time. Take this level of vitamin A for no longer than a week, Dr. Bock says.

ZINC: Power Up the Immune System
The mineral zinc strengthens the immune system, helping it fight off the infection, says Dr. Bock. He recommends 30 milligrams a day during the infection.

HERBS: A Powerful Combination
A combination of four herbs can help beat bladder infections, Dr. Bock says. He recommends uva-ursi, which helps kill bacteria in the urine; couch grass, which cleanses and soothes the bladder; dandelion, a diuretic that increases the flow of urine to help flush out bacteria; and echinacea, which strengthens the immune system. Combine 1 ounce of a tincture of each herb in a bottle, then take % teaspoon of the mixture three times a day, he says.

HOMEOPATHY: A Remedy for "Honeymoon Cystitis"
If you develop honeymoon cystitis-a bladder infection that occurs after frequent intercourse-the homeopathic remedy Staphysagria can help clear it up, says Dr. Bock. Follow the dosage recommendations on the label.

PROBIOTICS: When You Must Take Antibiotics
Sometimes, taking antibiotics is the only way to beat a bladder infection, says Dr. Bock. Unfortunately, these drugs also kill the "friendly" bacteria that populate your digestive tract and perform many necessary functions.
To replace the good bacteria, take a probiotic supplement while you're taking antibiotics, Dr. Bock says. It should include the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Follow the dosage recommendations on the label.


GET A NEW SLANT ON BLADDER INFECTIONS.
A slant board is a cushioned board positioned at an incline of 30 degrees or so, on which you lie with your feet at the top and your head at the bottom. Massaging your bladder area while in this position can help relieve a bladder infection, says Nedra Downing, D.O., an osteopathic physician who practices alternative medicine in Clarkston, Michigan.

"Just lie on a slant board and start rubbing your tummy just above the pubic bone:' she says. The massage takes weight off the bladder and improves bladder circulation. It also stimulates urine flow, often allowing residual, bacteria-ridden urine to be excreted. Do the massage for 10 to 15 minutes once a day.