UTI Natural Cure - Naturally Treat Urinary Tract Infection Before Kidney Damage

Are you one of the millions who are searching for an effective UTI natural cure that works holistically with your body? If so, this article is for you!

About 8 to 12 million Americans will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the next year. And most of these people deal with the uncomfortable and dangerous affects, including pain and burning in the bladder and abdomen when urinating, chills and fever. And many deal with these symptoms too long and suffer from severe kidney damage that could be fatal.

The good news is that curing your UTI is very simple. And you do not need any antibiotics (in fact antibiotics could cause more harm) to heal yourself.

The Cause and Cure of the Infection

What causes urinary tract infections? In most cases, the infection is a result of bacteria, such as E coli, that get into the bladder or urinary tract. The bacteria immediately begins to multiply if the conditions are right.

Your body will typically be able to fight off the "bad" bacteria, but at certain times - when immunity is lower - the bacteria can proliferate and an infection is the result.

Typical treatments for the infections include a host of antibiotics that work to kill the bacteria. This might work if you were to become immune to the bacteria and never get an infection again. However, antibiotics also have their shortcomings because they also kill 'good' bacteria in the body. Not to mention, they also cause the bacteria to become completely resistant to antibiotics. In other words, you could be super-charging the bacteria for your next infection.

Researchers have found that people with re-occurring infections are usually people who have taken a number of antibiotics!

The good news is that you can naturally treat your UTI with simple remedies that naturally kill the E coli and flush it from your system.

Treatment Before Kidney Damage

If you notice blood in your urine, have excessive pain in your lower back or side, or have extended fever, nausea, or vomiting, contact your primary care physician immediately.

Kidney damage or failure is very serious problem stemming from this condition. Recurrent infections may cause scarring in the kidneys which can lead to high blood pressure and eventual kidney failure. Over time, they can also lead to other diseases and structural abnormalities. One common disease that is caused by recurrent infections is kidney stones.

Though you might be worried, it is important to know that you can cure yourself in hours! In fact, if you practice simple lifestyle 'good' habits, this might be your last infection.

Here are Some Ways to Prevent UTIs

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Research shows that drinking plenty of water and even cranberry juice can reduce the chances of developing UTIs. Water will flush the system. And some think cranberries contain a compound that may stop certain bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract wall.

2. Urinate often and as much as possible. Do not give the bacteria time to attach itself to the bladder's walls.

3. Wipe from front to back to prevent the intestinal E coli from entering the urinary tract.

4. Clean the genital area every day and before and after sex.

5. Add parsley to your diet. This garnish provides the urinary tract with apiol which is a volatile oil that acts as a urinary tract antiseptic. We recommend boiling one cup of water, add 1 teaspoon of parsley (fresh or dried) and allow mixture to steep for 10 minutes. Strain parsley from water and drink up!

 By Joe Barton

A Guide to Herbal Sleep Aids

Difficulty sleeping can affect many aspects of life. People who don't get the recommended amount of sleep for their age groups can have a myriad of negative affects.

Daytime crankiness, difficulty concentrating, frequent illness, depression, and accidents are all common problems associated with poor sleep habits.

For some people, getting more sleep is not as easy as going to bed earlier. If you suffer from insomnia, you know how wearisome it can be to lie in bed, unable to sleep.

Doctors can prescribe medication to help, but these medications have undesirable side effects. Stomach problems, dizziness, daytime drowsiness, difficulty awakening, accidents, and poor coordination are all common.

Not only do prescription sleep medications have negative side effects, they also don't cause healthy sleep. They cause sedation or unconsiousness--not the restful, healing sleep you need.

But you don't have to choose between sleep deprivation and unwanted medication--nature has provided us with many natural remedies for sleeplessness.

Whether you want a little help falling asleep occasionally or a long-term supplement that will help restore your body's natural sleep rhythms, you should be able to find an herbal sleep aid that will work for you.

Chamomile

Chamomile is one of nature's oldest and gentlest herbal sleep aids. It is most often drunk as a tea, which has a mild and pleasant taste. In addition to promoting calm and restfulness, chamomile is also used in cases of stomach irritation.

The benefits of chamomile works when taken occasionally, and is mild enough that it can be used daily for extended periods of time. It doesn't cause dependency, and has no side effects. It may, though, be an allergen for people who are allergic to daisies.

Experts are not sure how chamomile works to induce sleep. US Pharmacist reports that apigenin, a flavonoid in chamomile, may help to promote sleep, but that other components are probably also involved.

Valerian

Valerian is a root that has long been used as an herbal sleep aid. It has a characteristic smell, like old socks, which comes from isovaleric acid. Valerian can be used to help occasional sleeplessness, but is also particularly helpful taken long-term.

Many studies have shown valerian root to be an extremely safe and effective way to promote sleep. Patients who take valerian report that they feel less anxious and nervous, and have better rest at night.

Clearly, there are many benefits of valerian, and it causes none of the negative effects on concentration and alertness that prescription medications, thereby making it an excellent choice for people who suffer from chronic insomnia. Very high doses may cause certain side effects such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces at night. It is sometimes called the "sleep hormone" because it is so important to healthy sleep. People who are blind, who suffer from jet lag, or who live in places with extended sunlight hours may have trouble sleeping because their bodies do not produce enough melatonin.

Patients looking for a short-term sleep solution may be helped by taking melatonin supplements, as will persons whose natural wake/sleep cycles have been disturbed. Melatonin is also helpful to people who are trying to wean themselves off of sleep medications.

SAMe

SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) is an amino acid derivative, and is found normally in the body. It is typically used as an antidepressant, but is also commonly used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome or as an herbal sleep aid. Its actions in the body help to promote healthy sleep cycles, especially when taken daily for several weeks.

Mario Kyriazis, M.D, author of The Anti-Aging Plan (Element, 2000) explains that SAMe helps to promote sleep by increasing serotonin, a nerotransmitter important to sleep and mood. SAMe also works with the hormone melatonin to harmonize the body's natural day/night rhythms. SAMe is extremely safe, with no known serious side effects. Minor possible side effects in high dosages may include nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor to seratonin. Low seratonin levels can cause irritability, anxiety, and sleeplessness, so adding more tryptophan to your diet can help you relax and will promote healthier sleep patterns.

Many foods naturally contain tryptophan. Increasing the amount of turkey, cottage cheese, peanuts, soy, brown rice, or milk in your diet will help your body to manufacture seratonin. Tryptophan supplements are also available.

Choosing your supplement

With all of the natural and herbal sleep aids available, it can seem tough to choose one. The choices don't have to be overwhelming, though.

Some supplements are meant to be used only occasionally, while others work better when used long-term. Many supplements have additional benefits, so it's often easy to pick one supplement to meet several needs. Naturopathic physicians, dieticians, and herbalists can help you choose the best herbal sleep aid for you.

By Dan Ho

Morning Sickness - Essential Oils and Other Suggestions to Ease the Queasiness

The nausea and vomiting of early pregnancy were topics written as early as 2000 BC by the Egyptians. Morning Sickness is one of the most disagreeable effects of pregnancy. The feeling of nausea, even without episodes of vomiting, is often experienced during the first three months of pregnancy, and with heightened symptoms during the third month. The pathological condition of hyperemesis gravidarum is more serious and may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid replacement. 

 

The cause is unknown. Some think it can possibly be a vitamin B-6 deficiency or a low blood sugar level, or hormones running amuck. Others reason that nausea is an outcome of the placenta situating itself within the uterus during the first trimester.   If you are the person suffering, you probably don't care what causes it. You just want relief. 

 

For quick relief of morning sickness, you can inhale Peppermint (Mentha piperita) or Spearmint (Mentha spicata) essential oil. This can bring immediate relief. 

 

You can also dilute a few drops of peppermint, spearmint, Melissa (Melissa officinalis) or Lemon (Citrus limon) with a like number of drops (half and half) of vegetable oil or lotion. Use this blend to massage 1-3 drops behind each ear (over the mastoid), or over the solar plexus area. 

 

You could also use one or a combination of any of these oils dropping a total of 4-5 drops in a basin of around 2 cups of warm water, swishing a cotton washcloth around in the water, wringing it out, and using the cloth as a compress over the stomach. The easiest way, of course, is to take a quick whiff of the essential oil directly from the bottle.

 

I must suggest here that these oils should be used with caution, and with your doctor's knowledge during pregnancy. Do not use any essential oil internally or in large amounts during pregnancy. Although we know of no ill effects, this caution is submitted mostly because you should not take chances with anything when you are pregnant. When using essential oils, I suggest that you be very conservative, always using less rather than more.  You may want to use less rather than more just because your sense of smell is so sensitive at this time. Use ONLY the purest therapeutic grade oils. This is very important. If impure or adulterated oils are used, you can only make the problem worse. 

 

The safest place to apply essential oils is to the bottom of your feet. Pay special attention to the reflexology point for the stomach: the area on the bottom of the foot, in the middle of the foot on the inside in line with the big toe. The acupressure point to relieve nausea is on the inside of the arm, just above the wrist in line with the long finger.

 

As it's name suggests, Morning Sickness frequently appears in the morning, usually as you get out of bed, but it can be present throughout the day. The old standby remedy is to keep low-sodium crackers by your bedside, and before you get out of bed, eat a cracker, to waylay the nausea. This is the first line of defense. 

 

Other than Essential Oils, here are a few suggestions of things you can try while you are waiting for the second trimester to arrive: Eat frequent small meals and drink lots of fluids. Most women find it easier to emphasize liquids over solids during this time. Stick to bland foods. This is not a time to try out that new Mexican or Thai restaurant. Avoid fatty, heavy food. If there is an odor that bothers you, try to avoid it. Stay away from alcohol, tobacco, coffee and black tea. 

 

Avoid sudden moves, especially while in bed. Don't sit up too suddenly. Get up slow and easy. It helps to do positive things, and taking a walk with exercise and fresh air may make you feel better. And keep you mouth fresh by brushing your teeth often. There is a strong correlation between taste and smell. 

 

I invite you to my web-page to learn more about essential oils. 

 

This article is written for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical problems. The advice and care of a physician is recommended for your health concerns. Aromatherapy is intended as complementary care with health care providers, not as an alternative to care. By Judy Lausch

11 Effects of Caffeine on The Body

Caffeine is big business. There are new coffee shops popping up all over the place. You can't go far without running into a Starbucks. "Let's get together for coffee. Time for a coffee break. Coffee pot goes off before my feet hit the floor. Travel mugs for sipping coffee on your way to work. I'll just have this chocolate bar to pick me up this afternoon." Caffeine - It's everywhere! It's everywhere!
Many people have grown so accustomed to having their morning coffee or soda that they don't even consider the damaging effects caffeine has on the body. On the contrary, most will tell you that they NEED their jolt to get them moving in the morning or to keep them upright throughout the day. Caffeine is present not only in coffee, but also tea, soda, chocolates and in certain pain relievers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen. It is also sometimes used in combination with an antihistamine to overcome the drowsiness caused by the antihistamine.
If you don't think it's addicting, try going off caffeine, cold turkey. See if you don't have a headache for two to nine days.
That's caffeine withdrawal! You don't need to be a coffeeholic to experience negative physical symptoms. Even as little as one to two cups a day can negatively affect you.
You may be experiencing a number of physical ailments that could be caused solely from caffeine. The most common side effects of caffeine include dizziness, headache, irritability, muscle tension, nausea, nervousness, stuffy nose, unusual tiredness and jitters.
Too much (overdose) of caffeine can give you all sorts of grief such as stomach pain agitation, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, seizures, dehydration, faster breathing rate, fast heartbeat, fever, frequent urination, increased sensitivity to touch or pain, irritability, muscle trembling or twitching, vomiting, sometimes with blood, fibrocystic breast disease, ringing or other sounds in ears, seeing flashes of "zig-zag" lights, and trouble in sleeping. If you are diabetic or insulin resistant, caffeine causes your body to produce more insulin and
you don't want that. Caffeine makes all aspects of a menstrual cycle worse. Isn't that bad enough some months?
The next time you experience any of the above symptoms, try cutting back on caffeine. That may be all it takes to take care of the problem. Reduce caffeine intake gradually to prevent any symptoms of withdrawal. Cut back on your intake or combine a mixture of caffeinated and decaffeinated beverages until you're totally weaned off. People can, and do, survive ridding their bodies of all caffeine. And they're feeling much better for it!
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark