Lise Alschuler, Naturopathic Physician

Some women develop bladder infections after sexual intercourse, the so-called ‘honeymoon cystitis.’  There are some natural ways to reduce the chances of developing bladder infections after intercourse. Drinking 8 ounces of pure cranberry juice every day helps. Pure cranberry juice contains compounds that prevent the bacteria that cause bladder infections from attaching to the bladder. Choose pure juice, rather than sweetened versions. If you find the taste bitter, dilute the juice with water.

It also helps to have a robust population of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which creates healthy bacterial colonization of the vaginal area. These bacteria form an important defense against bladder infections as their presence makes it very difficult for bacteria such as E. coli, the most common causative organism of bladder infections, to grow. Bacteria, especially Lactobacillus bacteria, can be ingested in cultured foods like yogurt and can also be taken as a daily supplement.

Another important way to reduce bladder infections is to identify and remove food allergens from the diet! Regular consumption of foods that we are allergic to, or intolerant of, creates inflammation throughout the body and impairs our immune function. For some women, removing food allergens from their diet will eradicate their urinary tract infections completely.

Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, specializes in naturopathic oncology. She co-authored Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment and Healing (Celestial Arts, 2007). Doctor Lise

Maura Twomey, Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist

Cystitis is actually more common in older women than in younger women. With age, people begin to have a yin deficiency, with less fluid in the body overall. Often, there are not enough fluids to balance heat within the body. The bladder and urethra can become dryer and hotter, and more prone to irritation as they are less able to flush themselves. With a yin deficiency, bacteria start to hang out, leading to problems. It’s important to drain the fire by building fluids. One and half to two liters of water a day is a good amount. If infected, increase the intake to help irrigate the body.

Young, sexually active women are also prone to cystitis. The act of sex can draw in bacteria from the anal area, introducing bacteria to that environment that throw it off balance. Observe basic personal hygiene, which includes wiping from front to back to avoid introducing bacteria from the intestines or anus to the vagina or urethra. Avoid wearing synthetic or tight underwear that traps bacteria and increases heat. Women prone to bladder infections should empty their bladder immediately after intercourse.

Acupuncture in combination with herbs can help relieve pain, opening energy pathways and unblocking channels. It’s important to be diagnosed by a qualified practitioner to determine what treatment or specific herbs are needed. Herbs are selected to help rid a patient of symptoms while supporting and building a healthy environment and assisting the body in healing itself.

Maura Twomey, MAOM, Lic.Ac Dipl. Ac & CH NCCAOM, practices at Center and Spring Acupuncture in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, Center and Spring Acupuncture

Elson M. Haas, MD

Women are prone to bladder infections due to the very short length of the urethra. Drinking water is one of the best ways to prevent and resolve early infections. One of my favorite sayings is, ‘Dilution is the solution to pollution.’

The most commonly known remedy is cranberry juice or cranberry extract. Choose a non-sugary juice or extract and make a drink several times a day to help purify and disinfect the bladder. I also use cranberry capsules, one to two several times daily, to see if it helps reverse the early symptoms. D-mannose is another product I use. It’s a natural sugar that reduces E. coli, the most common bladder bacterial infection. Herbal combination formulas are also popular, and may include uva ursi as a disinfectant diuretic, and marshmallow root as a tissue soother. The homeopathic remedy Cantharis, any potency 30C or below, can be used for burning.

If these do not resolve the infection, or for more intense issues, antibiotics can be used quite successfully on a short-term basis. Because many antibiotics kill off normal and needed bacteria, it’s important to replace the normal bacteria that live in the gut and vagina. Using a probiotic (healthy bacteria, such as acidophilus) product during treatment can prevent a vaginal yeast infection, which happens to some women with treatment. Take it separate from the antibiotics, and continue for at least 1 to 2 weeks after finishing the treatment.

Elson M. Haas, MD, is a practicing physician of Integrated Medicine, and Medical Director of the Preventive Medical Center of Marin in San Rafael. He is the author of numerous books. Elson Haas

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