The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Vitamin C
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 07/16/2013
★★★★★
I have a history of recurring uti's so when I felt one coming on 6 days ago, I came straight to Earthclinic. My symtpoms were urgency. Burning urethra and tenderness in the bladder, although I rarely have burning upon urination. I read all the yea's for the ACV and I know that most bacteria doesn't like the acidity, so I gave it a shot. This is what I took:
1) 2 tablespoons of ACV with the "mother" mixed in with some water. I would down this like a shot and then chase it with a glass of water. I did this every 3 hours or so during the day. I noticed immediate relief of the burning sensation and the urgency would improve.. Also, it's a diuretic so I could void easier.
2) 5,000 mg of Vitamin C a couple times a day. It's also good to take a dose right before bedtime to keep the urine acidic during the night. I crushed the tablets with a garlic press and put them in a glass with a pinch of baking soda. Mix a little water so it fizzes and drink it like a shot. Follow with a full glass of water. I had around 12,000-15,000 mg a day.
3) I also take oregano oil pills and turmeric on a daily basis, so I continued this as well. Although, honestly, I think the biggest help was taking the ACV and Vitamin C to change my pH.
I did this for 4 days. You have to listen to your body... If I felt like it was too much, I would skip a dose or two. Also, you have to drink water until your eyeballs are swimming, literally. Flush all that bad crap out!
I went and got a dipstick test yesterday and it was clean!!! My Dr. said to keep doing what I was doing (I had told her about the ACV and mega-dosing Vitamin C) She said they change the pH of the urine and the bacteria can't thrive in it.
I'm still taking vitamin C, around 5,000 a day for a few days, to make sure the infection is gone and starting back on my probiotics. I do feel lots better and hope this can help someone!!!
D-Mannose
Posted by Gentle Reader (Graceland, Tn) on 07/02/2013
Could you indicate, if you can, how often you were instructed to put the probiotic in the vaginal cavity and was there a specific strain or brand that was used?
Cranberry
Posted by Shell (San Diego, Ca) on 06/26/2013
★★★★★
I had recurring bladder infections for years. After the last one -14 years ago--I began taking cranberry capsules as a PREVENTATIVE. I just take one in a.m. and one in the p.m. I take 3 if I'm going to have sex. You can also take d-mannose as a preventative. Urinating before and after sex is always good to do.
Remedies for Recurrent UTI
Posted by Kathy (The Usa) on 06/22/2013
I use witch hazel.
Remedies for Recurrent UTI
Posted by Merrykaylady (Tempe, Az, Usa) on 06/21/2013
★★★★★
free ---from uti and bladder infection at last!!!i have been dealing with this a long time= years... here is what i did and it worked by trial and error.
first of all i don't think you can ever be completely cured but you can help yourself a lot doing the following right when it starts. if this is chronic for you... you will know when it starts as i have. i hardly ever have a problem now by following these things.
@@@@ i recommend something that no one talks about---correct wiping. ladies even tho you are wiping correctly---be sure to buy some wet cloths so you can properly clean yourself after a b. m. if any bacteria is left on the outside it can work it's way to the front. this is critical and so easy to include in your daily habits. no one ever mentions this and it is so important.
@@@@ buy (now) slippery elm herbs and when your uti starts take two at night every night until you feel better. slippery elm will draw bacteria out of that area. it is true if you are having a colon toxic build up, and don't know it, bacteria can work it's way to the bladder hence uti.
@@@@ buy hibiscus herbs.... not just any though--it must be gaia and take as directed. increase if need be as i did. i went through three bottles of this and now i'm 95% cured. same as with slippery elm.
@@@@ keep your bladder flushed out with water and lemon or just water. drink two glasses upon rising in the morning to flush impurities out.... then one or two glasses before retiring.
@@@@ buy uva ursi extract and take 30 drops day and night.
@@@@ during the day do not hold your pee.... get rid of those impurities asap.
These are simple things to do and not very complicated. If you need to email me please feel free to do so. I have been wanting to post this for a long time but couldn't remember the website... I'm so happy I did my human duty for everyone... I really hope I have helped those that are in pain----as I said I am free---95% free and I am overjoyed over that! I just keep my eye on it with the above plan. God bless everyone.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Cena (Glendale, Az) on 06/03/2013
To the person who commented saying they drank a whole tablespoon of baking soda, that's probably what messed you up. The recommended dose is one TEASPOON baking soda per one CUP of water. I lowered it myself to an 1/8 of a teaspoon and 2 tablespoons of ACV in the tallest glass I had full of filtered water. I did this twice a day and it cured me of my bloody urine within 24 hours and I barley notice anything anymore when I pee. I think one more day and i'll be good as new. Thank God for this site!
Alkaline Diet
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/06/2013
I read that magnesium citrate also alkaliinizes the body. I found that it heals muscle atrophy. Ted also said in here somewhere that it is the one form of magnesium that goes directly into the muscle tissue. My muscles have responded nicely and also removing the lines in my brow and forehead. I have found I need less progesterone cream, since the mag is bringing my body into balance. No more vaginal atrophy. I also had the prolapsed bladder and recently found that coating the vaginal cavity inside with wicth hazel when ever I notice the bladder down.... Re apply the witch hazel with my finger. HOPE THIS HELPS FOR MUSCLE, VAGINAL ATROPHY AND PROLAPSED BLADDER (CYSTOCELE).
If you can't pee drink cranberry juice to get the flow going.
Citric Acid Supplements
Posted by Megan (Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada) on 04/22/2013
Wondering. Have any of you ladies tried magnesium citrate or calcium citrate to help treat this? How did it work for you? How much did you take? I just read that one theory is that oxalate in your diet builds up and when excreted in urine it may cause pain/irritation/discomfort over time and that these supplements inhibit the growth of oxalate crystals. Any thoughts? Anyone tried? I've put myself on so much stuff it's getting expensive any advice would be good. Thanks!!!!
Link to Drinking City Water
Posted by Kathy (the USA) on 04/04/2013
GRAMMA_elaine, Sorry... Your post sounded as if it was a current problem. I used to get frequent bladder "flare-ups"/infections and I was just trying to offer what I learned contributed to mine. Constipation seemed to contribute also.
Link to Drinking City Water
Posted by Gramma_elaine (New Brighton, Minnesota, Usa) on 04/03/2013
Kathy, I did so much reading about bladder infections and I did not use colored TP and I do not think anything on my hands would have caused it either. I rinse all of my laundry twice and use only a very small amount of laundry detergent, just enough so the water has a slight slippery feel to it. It has been about 15 years since my last full blown infection, and the only thing I am doing differently is the drinking water. IF I have the feeling that one was starting, I did this remedy: 1 tsp. baking soda in glass of purified water, once a day for three days. This remedy works really well.
Link to Drinking City Water
Posted by Kathy (the USA) on 04/03/2013
When you would drink city water were you in a place that used colored or a different brand of toilet paper? Just a thought due to the trouble I used to have. If you used any kind of hand lotion, that could be transferred to the tp before you use it... That was another discovery of mine. Over the years I also learned not to use fabric softener and to be sure any detergent is thoroughly rinsed out of underwear. When the rise water is not clear, rinse again.
Link to Drinking City Water
Posted by Gramma_elaine (New Brighton, Minnesota, Usa) on 04/03/2013
I get a bladder infection every time I drink city water. I think it is an allergy to either the chlorine or the fluoride. Try drinking purified water and see if that helps prevent bladder infections. My doctors never would acknowledge this fact and just kept giving me antibiotics and I finally had bladder repair surgery, which I would never do again.
Coconut Milk
Posted by Kimberly (Boston, Ma, Usa) on 03/25/2013
★★★★★
What a wonderful website! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Earth clinic.
I have suffered from severe uti's for years. Unfortunately, I'm one of the people who is asymptomatic until the infection is quite severe. It begins with urgency and discomfort while urinating and progresses within a couple of hours to bright red urine and extreme pain. This has caused several emergency room visits over the years and a lot of antibiotics. I have tried cranberry juice, the supplements and cranberry extract, however, none of these worked for me.
Last night when I, once again, woke up with symptoms, I was already calculating if I could hold out the six hours until my doctor's office opened in the morning. Because I was unable to sleep at all(visiting the bathroom every 10 mins), I began to peruse the web and came across this site where I read about others who had cured severe uti's with coconut oil and coconut milk. Desperate to avoid another emergency room visit, I went to the 24-hour supermarket. They didn't have coconut oil, but they did have coconut milk. I bought the full fat one thinking there would be more oil in that. At home I added ice and chugged one can down around 2am. Within an hour I began to feel the symptoms letting up. I fell asleep and when I woke up at 8am the symptoms were all but gone. I drank another can today and lots of fluids, but I am feeling fine: no fever, no pain, no urgency, nothing! I will probably continue to drink the coconut milk for a couple more days to make sure it doesn't come back.
I am truly amazed. It feels like a miracle.
Baking Soda
Posted by Paula (Monterey, Ca, Usa) on 03/19/2013
I too had numerous urinary tract infections and lots of antibiotics for them, before I learned to both avoid them in the first place and cure them early on.
To prevent them:
- I wear nothing but cotton undies (silk or other natural materials might work too, but absolutely no polyester/synthetics).
- Never wash lady parts with soap or other substances, only clean water.
To cure them when I feel one coming:
- Drink a tall glass of water, or two. Or three.
- Absolutely do not consume anything sugary. Sugar feeds the UTI and makes it much worse. So soda does not count as water, it is anti-water here.
- I mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a tall glass of water (12 oz?), just stir it with a spoon and drink as much as I can. It tastes so vile I have to force it down, but this coctail has not failed me once since I found it. I have nipped every UTI (which come rarely now anyway) in the bud with extra water and the baking soda drink, but more advanced cases may require repeated doses.
Plantain Tea
Posted by Ky Mama (Clinton, Ky) on 02/21/2013
★★★★★
I woke up in the night with terrible pain that I knew from previous experience was a bladder infection. Usually I take cranberry, but someone had recently told me about using Plantain Tea, so I tried it instead. I boiled water, poured it over a T. of plantain leaves, steeped for 15 minutes, and strained. I sweetened with a couple of drops of Stevia. I drank about 4 cups of it that day and felt fine by night. I had several cups a day for several more days to be sure. I also make sure to drink a half a gallon of water a day.
Urinate After Sex
Posted by Georgis (Eastern, Sd) on 02/21/2013
★★★★★
I used to get UTI after intercourse then I read somewhere if you go urinate afterwards this cleans the pathway. Ever since I read this I have not had an UTI.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Kiks (London, Uk) on 01/24/2013
★★★★★
Diet can definitely be a factor. I had chronic "infections" but no bacteria was being picked up in the urine tests. As I was also suffering with stomach problems I cut out gluten and within a few days felt like a new person! I found out I'm severely intolerant to gluten, and eating any irritates my bladder within an hour (along with my stomach).
Interestingly some children wet the bed when they eat gluten--it's all related!
Acidophilus
Posted by Meg (Somewhere, Tx) on 01/07/2013
In response to this thread about bladder infections occuring after intercourse, I think I stumbled onto one of the best kept secrets ever. Sometime during menopause I started using coconut oil as a lubricant. It's cheap, unscented and as an anti-bacterial agent it prevents UTI's. Perfect! Slather it on ladies - this is one tip you won't forget.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Sasha (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 12/10/2012
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda cleared my UTI infection. I had two urine tests done before I started taking it and it showed that I had a UTI. Went here on earth clinic to search up remedies and started taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with 1/4 baking soda in a full glass of water. I did this 2 times a day after meals... I wanted to do it 3 times but I didnt want to drink after 6 pm (because I would be urinating all night). I did this remedy for 4 days. I went to another doctor to take a urine test and they called me to tell me that my test came back negative! Which means my urine was normal! Oh my god, I was so happy!! So it really does work! I'll keep you updated because I still had an appointment so see a Urologist so i'm going to double check one more time with him which is good. So please, try this remedy - it is AMAZING. Thank you earth clinic!
Probiotic Suppository
Posted by Sheila (Boise, Id) on 12/03/2012
★★★★★
I was feeling that 'twinge' of a UTI coming and I didn't want to take an antibiotic, or cranberry anything (cranberry can make things worse for some women due to an intolerance to d-mannose). I found someone's blog who wrote about the pH level of the vagina, with recommendations on staying healthy; one recommendation being the use of a probiotic suppository.
I tried drinking diluted ACV, but it wasn't catching on fast enough, so after rushing to the healthfood store I administered the recommended probiotic supplement as a vaginal suppository. After 30 minutes I wasn't sure if it was working, but after an hour the 'twinge' was gone as well as most of my stress. A vegetarian gel cap takes longer to dissolve, unless there is sufficient stomach acid.
For the first 3 hours, one capsule every hour, or each time after urinating. I'm using one capsule every 2 hours now. Drinking water. I also took a capsule orally figuring it wouldn't hurt to have one in the digestive system. The suppository was enough to nip the UTI in the bud, and urgent care office was avoided.
Be well, Sheila
Himalayan Salt
Posted by Nicola (Wexford, Ireland) on 11/13/2012
★★★★★
I tried your remedy of 1 tsp of this pink rock salt in water and it worked and then I forgot to post up my YEA until now! Thank You so much Earth Clinic- I was going to go to the Doctor the next morning because the pain was getting to bad to bear, and I don't do anti-biotics but last time I had a UTI I tried all the other remedies and they made it feel better for a few hours but just wouldn't make it go. Anyway after the salt I woke up and the pain was gone- there was still a funny feeling when I peed, but I knew it was getting better. As I knew that the salt had worked I took another tsp in water that morning as a precaution and to wipe it out- as anyone who has had a UTI knows- you will do anything to relieve the pain- but thank you this time it wasn't antibiotics!! I will use this remedy next time. It was magic- I no longer live in fear of a UTI!! Nicola
Alkaline Diet
Posted by Mystikat (Lv, Usa) on 11/04/2012
★★★★★
Been having a terrible time with the UTI symptoms and same as everybody else doctors try one thing and then another. Finally found a good doctor who took a lab test for kidney, did not show anything major, just a slightly elevated creatinine, not considered anything to worry about. I give all the credit to the doctor for at least focusing on the cause of the problem. I read all about kidneys on my own, came across renal tubular acidosis (does not show a high BUN or creatinine) and the explanation and cure is very simple and it is highly treatable--just raise the pH to 7.5, but for awhile go on an 80%/20% alkaline to acid forming foods diet. After achieving proper balance maintain 60/40 alkalinity. Important thing, potassium citrate very important to work with calcium and to prevent kidney stones which can cause burning like uti. Only about a week and feeling much better. Hope this helps along with the other alkalizing remedies etc. people say are helping them.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Heather (Edmond, Ok) on 11/01/2012
★★★★★
I've suffered from UTI issues for most of my adult life. I've followed every suggestion from my doctor and other women & I just believe it's something i'm just prone to. I've spent my time, money & energy back and forth from the doctor getting antibiotics that also have harsh side effect for me. I even had a hospital stay due to one that got out of hand & gave me a massive kidney infection. A couple of years ago, I started seeing a doctor that also gave me alternative options to help prevent infections. First I tried the cranberry capsules, it helped speed up my healing, but it was always in conjuction to antibiotics. I tried taking them as a preventative, but this didn't seem to work for me. What did work was Uva Ursi. Now, the minute I feel the urgency, pain & low fever I do the following (only use the following at the first signs of an bladder infection - do not use with kidney infections):
1 500mg Uva Ursi 3x per day (Capsules any health food store)
1 1000mg Vitamin C 2x per day (if you can get one of those immune system boosters that you dissolve in water - that works the easiest. But minimum, Vit C)
Water, Water, Water - I will carry a bottle of water with me throughout the day & just keep drinking so I go to the bath room as much as possible.
Bananas - eat a couple a day
Online there is alot of information on uva ursi - it flushes your kidneys & acts as an antiseptic. It also comes in the form of a tea, but i've only done the capsules. DO NOT TAKE IT IF YOUR INFECTION IS ALREADY CAUSING LOWER BACK PAIN OR YOU SUSPECT YOU ALREADY HAVE A KIDNEY INFECTION - GO TO THE DOCTOR. This supplement can be toxic if over done. Look at the back of the bottle & follow the directions exactly.
Vitamin C will help boost your immune system to help knock out the infection.
Water will help flush out the infection and bacteria causing the infection, plus help the uva ursi do it's job. The bananas will help resupply your body with potassium. I understand uva ursi can cause potassium deficiency. So keep up foods rich in potassium to avoid this. I've done this for 6 months now & it's worked!! I was going to the doctor at least every other month with UTI issues, now I'm feel great.
Baking Soda
Posted by Silver Star (Palo Alto, Ca) on 10/03/2012
★★★★★
CURED... I was getting UTIs all the time until about 5 years ago. then I discovered the baking soda remedy. I'm sure the alkaline diet is a much healthier way to go but I needed an instant remedy and haven't had a UTI in 5 years. All I did was take a few pinches of baking soda (Very Alkalizing!!! ) with a glass of water every 2 hours for the first day or two (not while I slept of course), then when the pain went away I took a few pinches with water as I felt any tiny bit of pain. Baking soda made me retain water while I was taking it and I would be careful if I had high blood pressure. Those are the only issues I know of so I'm a huge supporter!! I was so tired of antibiotics!!!
D-Mannose
Posted by Dewchild (Matthews, Nc, United States) on 09/14/2012
★★★★★
I have been a long time "lurker" on Earth Clinic. I first came to the site when I started having frequent UTIs, (monthly for a year) and the doctors were unable to help. I tried it all. Apple Cider, Vitamin C, Cranberry, Water. You name it. I went to two different Urologists, that basically gave me a refillable Rx for antibiotic and sent me on my way. During this time, I continued to get yeast infections, as well - from the antibiotic use. It seemed like there was a link to the yeast infection and the UTI, but my general practicioner ignored me when I mentioned it. Finally the third Dr. I saw was a Uro-Gynocologist. He had me take probiotic on a regular basis internally and also to open a probiotic capsule and put the probiotic in my vaginal cavity, so that I could restore the good bacteria there. His theory was that the antibiotics had killed all of the good bacteria in my vaginal area and by replacing it with probiotics (actually putting the probiotics in there), the good bacteria could start to flouish and kill off any bad bacteria before it made it into my bladder.
He also gave me an antibiotic. I threw the antibiotic away and used the D-Mannose instead. I did the probiotic internally and the infections never came back. It's been over a year since then, but I wanted to come and share my story in case it could help someone else.
In retrospect, I don't think I had frequent UTIs. I think I had a UTI, that never went away. I was probably resistant to all of those antibiotics and the D-Mannose did the trick. It was like a miracle for me. I haven't had an infection since, but if I do start to feel like one might be coming on, I take a dose of D-Mannose and drink lots of water! Big thanks to the Earth Clinic for helping with the healing!
Chinese Herbs
Posted by Bour0245 (Greenwood, Nova Scotia) on 09/11/2012
I was wondering if you could tell me the name of the chinese capsules or tell me the name of the store you got them from.
