Prevent urinary tract infections for Women

(NaturalNews) More than 50 percent of women experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetimes, and despite the drugs doled out by Big Pharma, as many as 50 percent of those women experience a recurrence within one year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The cause of urinary tract infection in nearly 95 percent of women are bacteria like E. coli, mycoplasma and chlamydia that multiply at the opening of their urethras and then make their way to the bladder. Initial infections and recurrences can be prevented naturally with herbal support and simple lifestyle modifications.

A urinary tract infection in women may cause pain or burning during urination, lower abdominal cramps or pain, nausea, blood or pus in urine, frequent urination and pain during sexual intercourse. Antibiotics are the conventional treatment for UTIs. However, conventional treatments only suppress the bacteria that causes most UTIs. Women can develop a new UTI from the same bacteria, typically within six to 12 months. They are also vulnerable to infection from a different bacteria.

Cranberry

Cranberry can help prevent urinary tract infection in women, but contrary to popular belief, cranberries do not demonstrate an ability to treat existing infections. A study published in the British Medical Journal in June 2001 found that only 16 percent of women who drank cranberry juice daily suffered a recurrence of UTI within six months, only half that of women in the control group.

Cranberries contain a substance called proanthocyanidins that prevents E. coli from attaching to the bladder's inner walls, according to the University of New Mexico. Blueberries may provide the same benefits.

Goldenseal and barberry

Goldenseal may also stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. According to the University of New Mexico, goldenseal contains an alkaloid called bererine that behaves similarly to proanthocyanidins. Goldenseal also contains the chemical berberine that can fight UTIs and bladder infectionsby killingE. coli and other bacteria. The supplement barberry is also a source of berberine.

Berberine kills bacteria that cause yeast infections and diarrhea, according to the UMMC. It may also activate white blood cells so they can better combat infections, resulting in a stronger immune system. Berberine may be used internally and externally; some people use it as a perineal wash after intercourse to prevent UTIs.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle modifications can be beneficial for prevention despite the varying causes of urinary tract infection; these may be particularly important for women who get infections frequently. Cleaning the genital area and urinating before sexual intercourse can lower the chances of a UTI. Urinating after intercourse and whenever needed may prevent infections as well. Showers are better than baths for preventing infection. A diaphragm that fits well can help prevent UTIs. Avoid using scented douches and hygiene sprays. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises drinking at least six to eights glasses of filtered water every day and exercising for 30 minutes five days per week. The University of New Mexico recommends avoiding smoking, alcohol, coffee and spicy foods

Avoid Infections

1. Wash your hands
This may sound obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many of us don't wash our hands regularly enough.

Make sure you always wash regularly with soap and warm water - some experts say each wash should last as long as it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice.

Don't worry about antibacterial soaps - regular soap will work just fine.

Soap and water don't actually kill bacteria or viruses, but instead create a slippery surface so that organisms just slide off - and that's all you need.

2. Use disposable tissues
Carry round a pack of tissues with you for wiping your nose - and then throw each one away after using it.

Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing and then wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards.

3. Stay at home if you get ill
If you do get flu-like symptoms, then stay at home. Dragging yourself into work will only spread the infection further.

4. Clean up after yourself
When you use the bathroom or kitchen, make sure you clean up properly to stop infections spreading to the next person who comes along.

5. Avoid sharing
Whether at home or work, try not to share bowls, cups or cutlery and make sure it's all washed in soap and hot water after use.

What about face masks?
There are lots of pictures of Mexicans wearing blue face masks in an effort to stop the swine flu spreading - but do they actually do any good?

Experts believe that by and large face masks are not necessary and can actually make people think they're better protected than they really are.

Dr Ronald Cutler from Queen Mary, University of London says: 'I think masks give people a false sense of security...Masks are obviously just covering one part of the body so your hands and clothes could all have the virus on and when you take them off you will infect yourself.'

Live a long life

Longevity seems to be the health buzzword these days, and for good reason. Americans in particular are obsessed with staying youthful, but it’s often the villagers living in remote parts of the world who seem to have exceptional health and live to be over one hundred years of age. As Westerners we want to know what these people do every day to increase their lifespan. The truth lies in living simply, having good friends and eating right. The following tips are from centenarians around the world who have found a fountain of youth in their very own backyard.

Eat simply The majority of centenarians in the world live by modest means. This translates directly to their diets, which are plant-based, consisting of a variety of legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Modest living means modest eating and even fasting from time to time. Eating less in general is simply good practice. “Hara hachi bu” is a reminder used by Okinawans, meaning eat until you are 80 percent full. The old adage, eat like a king by day and a pauper by night is one the wise ones around the world adhere to. Practice eating a large breakfast, a moderate sized lunch and a light dinner.

Get active Staying active is every bit as important as having healthy eating habits, but it’s not the sort of intense gym activity we’re accustomed to these days. Find something you enjoy; whether it’s taking your dog on long walks in the park or tending to your vegetable garden, these types of low intensity physical activities are actually more beneficial in the long run.

Find purpose In addition to eating habits and moderate exercise, having a life purpose is at the top of the longevity list. Centenarians across the globe are happy people who have reason to get up in the morning. Think about your life purpose. Make a personal mission statement. Another way to keep curiosity in peak condition is to keep learning. Perhaps you’d like to learn Italian or take a flamenco class. A key to long life is never losing your childlike curiosity.

Reduce stress While most of us aren’t living in a quaint, peaceful village in Sardinia or a brisk mountain town of Ecuador, we do have the tools to create quiet places for ourselves and greatly reduce the stresses of modern-day living. Yoga and meditation are great practices that can be done privately or in group settings. Deep breathing techniques, adequate amounts of clean drinking water, restorative sleep and laughter are great ways to relieve stress. Schedule time with friends and family who make you laugh or read a book that tickles your funny bone. Journaling or painting, or simply making a point to resist rushing through the day are all ways of promoting good relaxation.

Have a social network Having strong emotional ties with friends and family protects us from isolation, depression and even mental illness. For human beings, love and intimacy are as essential as food and water. Spend more time cultivating connections with your parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, friends, coworkers and neighbors. It takes a village to create a long happy life.

Believe Your spirituality and personal faith are secret elixirs in your life. Faith allows us to find inner peace, accept life as it is and come to terms with the disparity between expectation and reality.

Butt out Smoking is a surefire step to the morgue. If you do smoke, seek help to quit!

life changing health tips

1. Breathe as if you're divine

"When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God. When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world."

2. Go inward

"The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life."

3. Connect to something greater then yourself

"The supreme adventure in a man’s life is his journey back to his Creator. To reach the goal he needs well developed and co-ordinated functioning of his body, senses, mind, reason and Self."

4. Health is the gateway to spiritual well-being

"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open."

5. Strive for truth

"If you take up any noble line and stick to it, you can reach the ultimate. Be inspired, but not proud. Do not aim low; you will miss the mark. Aim high; you will be on the threshold of bliss."

6. Embrace change

"Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they're meant to be."

7. Be willing to evolve

"Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self-realization. Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul."

8. Examine who you are

"The whole thrust of yogic philosophical and scientific inquiry has therefore been to examine the nature of being, with a view to learning to respond to the stresses of life without so many tremors and troubles."

9. Be patient with your practice

"It took me whole decades to appreciate the depth and true value of yoga."

10. Discover your path

"Illuminated emancipation, freedom, unalloyed and untainted bliss await you, but you have to choose to embark on the Inward Journey to discover it."