Dr Gott: Uti Responds To Vinegar Therapy
Tue., May 20, 2008
Dear Dr. Gott: I used to have frequent, painful urinary-tract infections.
It was suggested in the Cleveland Ostomy News from the Cleveland Ostomy Association that drinking a small amount of vinegar daily could prevent urinary-tract infections. I have been drinking about a tablespoon mixed with water every day for about a year and have not had a single infection. I prefer wine vinegar over apple cider vinegar because it has a milder flavor. I have also heard that Alka-Seltzer can cure a urinary-tract infection but have not had to try this thanks to the vinegar. I hope this helps some of your readers.
Dear Reader: I have received several letters indicating vinegar as a good urinary-tract infection preventive. This is most likely due to its acidity.
You do not say whether you have had testing to find out why you are having so many infections. However, I assume that since you are receiving the Cleveland Ostomy News pamphlet, that you have a colostomy . If this is the case, UTIs are common and particularly difficult to treat.
I have not heard of the Alka-Seltzer remedy and cannot imagine how it could cure an infection. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria and require antibiotics for treatment. Alka-Seltzer is an over-the-counter medication for stomach upset. If any of my readers have had experience using this remedy, please let me know whether it was a success or not.
As for the TUMS, they are great source of calcium, which can, in theory, block cramps.
Uti Basics You Need To Know
UTIs are frequent illnesses that occur when bacteria enter the urethra and infect the urinary system. It usually enters through the skin or rectum. Infections can appear in various areas of the urinary tract, but the most frequently it attacks the bladder. We call it bladder infection .
UTI is another kidney infection . They are less prevalent than bladder infections, but they are more dangerous. Its important to remember that UTIs are caused by a variety of germs, not just one strain.
One strain may respond better to acid, while another may respond better to base. Furthermore, your pH level may influence what works and what doesnt.
When To See A Doctor
If you experience any of the symptoms we have talked about earlier, without thinking about anything , go to the doctor. You can use Alka Seltzer for interstitial cystitis. It will give you instant relief. However, it is a non-prescribed method.
Most doctors wont even suggest this medication to you. If you are one of those persons who has already been Alka Seltzer for some time and has been experiencing side effects, then you should see a doctor.
If you are experiencing frequent nausea along with recurrent stomach pain, then it is not UTI. In medical terms we call it Reyes Syndrome. This is a series of health conditions. It causes your brain and liver to swell up. So, there is no alternative to prescribed medicines for this instance.
People with diabetes, previous heart, liver, kidney disease should always be worried about taking any medicines. Their prescribed meds may interact with them and cause reactions. So, if you are one of those people who is taking medication and also experiencing UTI should consult with your physician before taking Alka- Seltzer.
Recommended Reading: What Causes Continuous Bladder Infections
Science Based Home Remedies For Uti That Work
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First of all, Im not advocating that you should use home remedies for UTI treatment if you have access to antibiotics. UTIs could be dangerous & life-threatening if you do not treat them right. But what if you are trapped in a cabin in the woods with no immediate access to a pharmacy, and forgot your D-Mannose at home?
In this post, Ill review only home remedies for UTI that are readily available in most households and emergency kits. If youd rather read about natural bladder supplements or UTI over the counter products available in most pharmacies, then follow the links.
What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor Before I Take Alka
For all patients taking Alka-Seltzer :
- If you are allergic to Alka-Seltzer any part of Alka-Seltzer or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Asthma, bleeding problems, nose polyps, or nose irritation.
- If you are taking other drugs for any of these health problems: Arthritis, diabetes, or gout.
- If you are taking another drug that has the same drug in it.
- If you are taking any other NSAID.
- If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take Alka-Seltzer if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy. You may also need to avoid Alka-Seltzer at other times during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor to see when you need to avoid taking Alka-Seltzer during pregnancy.
- If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
Children:
- If your child has or is getting better from flu signs, chickenpox, or other viral infections.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Alka-Seltzer .
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Alka-Seltzer with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
Read Also: Men’s Overactive Bladder Treatment
How Do I Store And/or Throw Out Alka
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from heat.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Is Alka Seltzer Good For Stomach
Alka Seltzer is a medication used for the treatment of pain and discomfort caused by excessive stomach acid. Among the conditions that Alka Seltzer aims to relieve are heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion. This medication is actually an antacid, and it works by reducing the amount of acid present in the stomach.
Recommended Reading: Foods To Prevent Bladder Cancer Recurrence
Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda
21 User Reviews
When I was together with my daughter’s father I would get frequent urinary tract infections, especially after sex. I read here about the apple cider vinegar and baking soda remedy. So I tried it and it worked every time I needed it! I mixed 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and just 1/4 tsp baking soda in a tall glass of water and would drink it as I felt comfortable, sometimes just sipping throughout the day or other times drinking a lot at once if I was thirsty. It’s actually not an unpleasant drink in those proportions! It would always get rid of the urgency to pee within like, 30 minutes. Thank you so much!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Apple cider vinegar/baking soda saves the day.
This did the trick!! I’m so amazed.
I woke up to burning and only able to produce a few drops–but the urgency was high. Sigh. Tried the apple cider vinegar and baking soda, plus about 30 minutes…no more burning and open the flood gates I’m making water again!! Took some again later and will continue for a few days. I added in some cranberry juice in my daily diet just in case, and have increased my water intake as well for a proper flushing of my pipes. So far so good.– Thanks Earth Clinic… you continue to be my first ” go to” for advice.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking SodaApple Cider Vinegar and Baking SodaApple Cider Vinegar and Baking SodaApple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Amazing! Thanks.
What Is The Fastest Way To Cure A Uti
Read Also: Bladder Infection And Back Pain
Homeopathic Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
I want to tell you something that happened to a dear friend of mine that had chronic urinary tract infections . This story has been told over and over again and has helped so many people that I just cannot not tell you about it. This may mark the first time that I wrote a story that wasnt about recipes or crafts. It feels strange to write about this but if it can help just one person, its all worth it to me.
Disclaimer: First, I want to tell you that I am not a doctor. I am not a homeopathic doctor. Im not even in the medical field in any way. This is simply a story that I felt the need to share to help other people. Consult your own specialist for treatment options to fit your own needs because everyone is different.
My dear friend had a UTI for 6 months off and on. Shes in the medical field herself so she wasnt open to hearing anything about natural ways of fixing her issue.
I didnt see her everyday but one day she came to my house and looked like she was in extreme pain and she didnt look to be herself. I remember me forcing her to tell me whats wrong even though she didnt want to talk about it.
She explained to me that she had been off and on antibiotics for 6 months for a UTI that wouldnt go away. She described it as such a deep pain that it was like razor blades were cutting her insides and throbbing that wouldnt stop.
How Is This Medicine Best Taken
Use Alka-Seltzer as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
- Dissolve in 1/2 cup of water. Drink after the tablets have dissolved all the way.
- Do not swallow it whole.
- Rinse cup with more water and drink.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take Alka-Seltzer on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times Alka-Seltzer is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
Recommended Reading: Can The Bladder Lining Heal Itself
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Uti
Apple cider vinegar is the vinegar safe to drink? The amount of apple cider vinegar needed is not large, so you can drink small amounts, though it is unlikely to remedy UTIs or other tract-related problems with the spirit. Most experts recommend diluted apple cider vinegar for only 1 tablespoon on tap in between courses.
What Are Some Other Side Effects Of Alka
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Also Check: Can You Live Without A Bladder
What Are The Treatments For Inflammation Of The Urethra
Fact Checked
The urethra is a narrow tube that carries urine out of the body. It also carries semen in men. Bacteria, viruses or fungi can cause an infection of the lining of the urethra, also known as urethritis, characterized by burning and painful urination along with unusual discharge from the vagina or the penis 1. The goal of treatment is to improve the symptoms and cure the infection. All the sexual partners of the patient should also be treated. With accurate diagnosis and treatment, the condition can be cured completely.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
What Can Immediately Help A Uti
Also Check: Where Is Your Bladder Woman
How Can I Get Instant Relief From A Uti
How To Make Plantain Tea For A Uti
- Add 3 generous Tablespoons of dried plantain leaf to a quart jar.
- Boil 1 quart of water.
- Pour the water over the tea.
- Let the tea steep for 30-60 minutes or overnight.
- Strain out the leaves.
Warning
Hello all on this thread,
Let me just sound a warning on the dangers of lower tract infections. Self treatment is good to consider but …
IF the urine is cut off completely or nearly completely and you feel that urine is backing up…enough to start becoming painful…DO NOT play around with this condition…quickly you need an emergency room for a catheter. As much as many of us on this site would try to avoid standard medical treatments, do not mess around with a condition that can be potentially life threatening. If the urethra becomes largely closed then urine backs up and if not dealt with can cause organ failure and death.
In a male, one might have dealt with numerous UTIs over the years, but if the Prostate becomes infected, for instance, then in hours the urethra can be closed down because the urethra runs through the prostate. You might think at the outset, Oh, another UTI…no problem just take my favorite anti viral and its gone, but in another hour the bacterial infection has shut off the urine flow…complete urinary blockage…
Can you say “emergency”? In a mere three hours you can be doubled over in pain…get to an ER fast.
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Warning
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Also Check: Why Does My Bladder Hurt When I Pee
Home Remedies For Uti: Warning
Use these proven home remedies and watch your symptoms disappear or at least decrease. Remember, the earlier you act, the better! Also, please remember that if your symptoms go away completely you should still take a test to confirm full recovery.
And if you start feeling unwell and your symptoms do not go away, then drop everything, and go straight to the ER.
Another important warning: before using any home remedies for UTI treatment consider your medical history as well as known allergies. If you are pregnant or dealing with a UTI in kids or elderly, do not experiment with home remedies. If you are a male who has a UTI, your case would also be considered a complicated UTI and you should not postpone your visit to a doctor.
Also, the doses discussed below are based on anecdotal evidence and experience of others most of them have never been tested in clinical trials. Therefore, act at your own risk.
When you are experiencing a UTI, several things happen in your bladder: bacteria start to multiply increasingly fast, as the result, your body responds with an inflammation and pain.
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Uti
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a good preventative measure for an infection developing from bacteria. The vinegar in apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that is effective in reducing the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Urinary tract infections are commonly caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Lose Control Of Your Bladder
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood vomit that looks like coffee grounds blood in the urine black, red, or tarry stools bleeding from the gums abnormal vaginal bleeding bruises without a cause or that get bigger or bleeding you cannot stop.
- Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Feeling confused.