Urinary Tract Infections
What Is It?
The urinary tract (urethra) is the tube that runs from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. In the female, this is a small aperture in front of the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra runs the length of the penis and out through the opening in the glands.
Urinary tract infections can be extremely painful and cause great difficulty and pain on micturition (passing urine). If left untreated, they can lead to kidney and bladder infections.
Cause and Effect
Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that live in the digestive system. In women, the genitals are very close to the anus, so bacteria can spread to the urethra after emptying the bowel, especially if soiled toilet paper touches the vaginal area. www.medicalnewstoday.com
Other possible causes are diabetes, sexual intercourse, poor personal care and a suppressed immune system.
Conventional medical treatment is antibiotics but what we eat and drink on a daily basis can play an important role in keeping the urinary tract healthy.
Juice Pharmacy Recommendations:
What to Avoid
Scented products - Avoid perfumed products like vaginal sprays, soaps, talcum powder, and opt for sanitary towels rather than tampons.
What to Include
A diet high in raw fruits, vegetables and healthy fats will promote a healthy immune system. A 2011 study on probiotics has found that introducing good bacteria may prevent recurring UTIs. www.livescience.com
Cinnamon - Studies have been carried out on cinnamon, in particular an ingredient called transcinamaldehyde (sigma) contained within the cinnamon that has been found to prevent UTIs of catheterised patients. www.livestrong.com
Cranberries - A blended juice of cranberry, apple, pineapple with optional banana is an excellent treatment for kidney and bladder infections. The cranberry contains quininic acid, or quinine and helps to lift toxins from the kidneys, bladder and also the testicles and prostate. Add blueberries and passion fruit juice as optional extras if available and to sweeten the cranberry, which can be quite tart from the fresh berries. There have been many clinical studies on the benefits of cranberries and blueberries, both of which have been found to contain an anti E-coli adhesion activity. www.europepmc.org, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Herbal teas - With a wide range available, herbal teas such as cranberry, cinnamon, ginger, and the herb marshmallow will help soothe irritation.
Herbs - Marshmallow can help soothe irritation; saw palmetto is especially useful in males; and valerian is said to have been prescribed in ancient Greece, specifically for UTIs.
Onion - Add raw onion and garlic to your salads, as these are thought to possess antimicrobial activity and are therefore able to kill bacteria. When eating a cooked meal, add a small side salad of green leaves, sliced onion and garlic.
Water - Drink lots of fluid, preferably mineral water which will help flush out bacteria.
The Juice Recipes
Shot: The Ginger Shot - taken from Jason Vale's Super Juice Me! 28-Day Juice Plan
3cm Ginger
1 Small or ½ Large Apple
Simply juice the ingredients and knock back!
Juice: Cranberry, Apple & Pineapple
1 Small Handful of Cranberries
2 Apples
¼ Pineapple
Juice all the ingredients and serve over ice.
Disclaimer
Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, or a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.