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"Can Herbal Supplements Help"
Urinary tract infections are the
most common health problem among women. Infection occurs when a
micro-organism invades the bladder or the urethra, which carries
urine from the bladder and out of the body. The result is burning
or pain during urination, the urge to urinate frequently, lower
back pain and sometimes blood in the urine. Though they’re much
more common in women, men can also develop urinary tract
infections—especially those over age 50, who may have enlarged
prostates. Proper hygiene and drinking lots of fluids are both
essential for preventing urinary tract infections.
In most cases, bacteria first begin growing in the urethra. An
infection limited to the urethra is called urethritis. From there
bacteria often move on to the bladder, causing a bladder infection
(cystitis). If the infection is not treated promptly, bacteria may
then go up the ureters to infect the kidneys. The most common
bacterial culprit is Escherichia coli (E. coli). Although they are
normal inhabitants of the colon, they can gain entry into the
bladder and multiply. These bacteria are responsible for over 80 %
of UTIs in adults. UTIs are more common in women which may be
because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, giving E.
coli bacteria easier access.
Besides E. coli, the bacteria staphylococcus saphrophyticus is
responsible for up to 20 % of urinary tract infections in sexually
active women. Other microorganisms called chlamydia trachomatis
and mycoplasma hominis can be sexually transmitted, and infections
require treatment of both partners.
Risk factors
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Poor hygiene
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Sexual intercourse
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Menopause - lower estrogen levels cause
thinning of the urinary tract
-
Urinary catheterization
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Suppressed immune system - e.g. diabetes
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Kidney stones - obstructs flow of urine
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Any condition that prevents complete
bladder emptying
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Use of diaphragm as birth control.
How are UTIs diagnosed?
Assessment usually begins by collecting a mid-stream urine sample. It
involves cleaning the area around the urethral opening, beginning
urination, and then collecting urine only from the middle of the stream.
This urine sample is then analyzed for the level of bacteria-killing
white blood cells (leukocytes). An abnormally high number of leukocytes
in the urine may mean there is a UTI.
A culture and sensitivity may be performed to determine the type of
bacteria that's causing the problem so to specifically target the
specific bacteria.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are:
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frequent urge to urinate
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burning, painful feeling during urination
-
pass a small amount of urine
-
Fatigue
-
Urine may look cloudy, milky or even reddish
If these symptoms are present, the
infection may have reached the kidneys and a doctor should be
consulted:
Natural
Treatments for a UTI
Renoxyl, which contains a range of
beneficial herbs for the urinary tract supports optimal kidney function
and helps with the regulation of water and electrolyte losses, and
peripheral circulation. Because the kidneys are a vital part of the
body’s detoxification system, improved function may have wide-ranging
benefits. Some of the major herbs include buchu and cornsilk.
Uroplex, a formula developed by Professor
Zhou Jie Ming, who is a traditional Chinese medical expert and a 14th
generation Chinese herbalist developed the product based on an existing
traditional folk herbal formula which has been used for more than 50
years. According to pharmaceutical studies, Uroplex has broad spectrum
antibiotic activities, obvious antibacterial action, is
anti-inflammatory, helps to reduce swelling, and is diuretic and
analgesic. It increases the body’s defensive mechanism, and protects
against free radicals. The product has won outstanding technical and
medical prizes in China. It is a nationally protected product, with a
national registration number, which is the highest standard in Chinese
medicine registration in the Peoples Republic of China.
If you are interested in using Uroplex call our office on 02 47349010 (Australia). |
