Posts Tagged ‘menopause remedies’
Bladder Infections
Cystitis and other urinary tract infections occur more commonly during and after menopause because the urethra and bladder, which are located next to the vagina, contain similar estrogen-sensitive tissues, and these become thin as well. When organ walls are thinned they more easily become irritated and susceptible to infection. You should suspect a urinary infection if you begin to need frequent trips to the toilet, or you feel pressure in your bladder to urinate even when you don’t have to or are not able to. Once urination is painful, the infection has established itself and you will need antibiotics. Not all doctors agree that HT or similar menopause remedies can prevent infections but some feel that a natural form of estrogen, such as estriol or estradiol, and even a natural progesterone cream used vaginally, is worth a try.
Natural strategies
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (called bearberry, kinnikinnick and uva ursi) is an evergreen shrub that has long been popular for fighting urinary tract infections. It can be taken in teas, tinctures, capsules and extracts.
The recommended dose is 500 mg liquid extract, four times a day for one week. To effectively fight a urinary tract infection with uva ursi, your urine must be alkaline. You may be able to help maintain an alkaline pH by consuming plenty of dairy products and non-citrus fruits. By the same token, don’t take uva-ursi with substances that acidify the urine, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and vitamin C supplements.
Unless you are taking uva-ursi, a high dose of vitamin C can help you fight the infection. Taking one quarter tsp of the powdered form every hour while symptoms are acute can help.
Ways To Prevent Bladder Infections:
Make sure you urinate after sexual intercourse and, when you feel the urge, to void as soon as possible, and certainly within an hour
Wear underwear with a cotton crotch to minimize moisture retention.
Avoid tight jeans and other tight trousers and tights; these can hold in heat and moisture.
Stop using douches, hot tubs, whirlpool baths and highly chlorinated pools.
Don’t use colored toilet paper or bath products that are perfumed.
Drink unsweetened cranberry juice; it can maintain the pH balance of your urine.
Don’t use tampons or a diaphragm and particularly a diaphragm with a spermicide.
Eat yogurt frequently