If you're suffering from chronic bladder infections (ie. UTIs) that continue to return no matter how much water you drink or what kind of antibiotics you take, this article is for you. One of the most dangerous medical conditions that can occur is antibiotic resistance and for those with chronic bladder infections, this is a common issue.
But this doesn't have to be your reality. Doctors unfortunately are not aware of the multitude of natural antibiotics that can prevent bladder infections. There are several that work, and it's up to you to try them to see which one works best. We are not medical experts, but these suggestions come from real people living with paralysis and we hope their suggestions are of help.
Cinnamon
There are several varieties of cinnamon, but Ceylon cinnamon is the type of cinnamon you'll want to purchase as it contains a myriad of health benefits, including bacterial-killing properties. There are a variety of ways you can ingest cinnamon, from putting it in your morning coffee to stirring it into warm water, or in a pill form. And you'll want to take about 1 tablespoon per day. The cinnamon coats your bladder, making it difficult for bacteria to take root.
Oil of Oregano
Oil of oregano is another natural ingredient that can help treat bladder infections, especially if it's an E. Coli-based infection, as it has been proven in studies to be highly effective with this kind of bacteria. Doctors recommend mixing a 500 mg dosage with some water or coconut oil and taking it four times a day. This is not however something you should take long-term. Oil of oregano is best used when a bladder infection is present, and not as a prevention method because it is quite strong. Also, make sure you purchase oil or oregano that has a high “carvacrol” content, as this is where the oregano gets its healthy properties from.
D-Mannose
A highly common natural prevention method for bladder infections that doctors will actually prescribe is D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is similar to glucose, is found in several fruits, and can occur naturally in the body. Some people with spinal cord injuries who have chronic bladder infections have found that taking D-Mannose daily helps prevent bladder infections. It comes in either a capsule or a powder and you will need to take around 2 g daily to use it to prevent bladder infections.
Raw Garlic
People have been using raw garlic for centuries to treat a multitude of infections in the body, so it should come as no surprise that raw garlic can treat and prevent bladder infections. There have been recent studies that have supported the health benefits of raw garlic showing that it truly can kill several kinds of strains of pathogenic bacteria associated with urinary tract infections. Typically, it is recommended to take around one clove of day for UTI prevention. You may get garlic breath, but if it works, it is a great way to keep yourself healthy.
Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules
Another natural antibiotic that humans have been using for centuries is apple cider vinegar, and it can help prevent bladder infections. While apple cider vinegar capsules can’t treat full-blown bladder infections, they can prevent them. The theory is that the acid in the apple cider vinegar helps balance your bladder’s pH levels, as bacteria love non-acidic spaces.
No Processed Sugar
For many, doing something as simple as limiting processed sugar from their diet has been massively effective when it comes to limiting how often they get bladder infections. Many believe that processed sugar causes bladder infections since bacteria thrive when around processed sugar.
Cranberries
Cranberries are a tried and true method for bladder infections in the world of spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, many do not see the health benefits that others experience from ingesting cranberries, but for the right person drinking cranberry juice on a daily basis or taking cranberry capsules can be highly effective in preventing bladder infections/UTIs. Make sure that the cranberry juice you drink is low in sugar.
Lemon Essential Oil
A less popular natural antibiotic used to prevent bladder infections is lemon essential oil. There have been studies that have shown that lemongrass oil in particular can fight bacterial infections and kill some harmful pathogens. It’s recommended to take 3 to 5 drops of lemon essential oil under the tongue each day to prevent bladder infections.
Vitamin C
There have been recent studies that have shown that Vitamin C is effective in preventing bladder infections if taken in high doses, typically around 100 mg daily. The large amounts of vitamin C help limit the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine.
Just like taking mental health medication or a new birth control pill, you will need to try a variety of the aforementioned natural methods to see which one works best or if at all (some may not work and that is ok). We above all hope that this article has opened your mind to the natural world of UTI prevention.
