UTI Diary: Cranberry Juice Therapy

I have been praising the great benefits of Orovo here in this blog. It's actually recommended by Oprah herself. But more than the celebrity endorsement, Orovo is great because it's organic. Its ingredients came from natural herbs and it won't harm your system by leaving artificial chemicals.

Since I can not afford an Orovo detox which is so above my usual budget, I have to settle for home bred therapies in getting rid of body toxins, especially bad bacteria that causes UTI. One way to do this is to drink cranberry juice every day. Cranberry has many beneficial vitamins and other elements needed by th body to function well. The tannins and flavonoids in cranberry also help in fighting aging. They are good antioxidants to replenish in the human body.

More than the anti-aging benefits, cranberry significantly reduces the onset of UTI by preventing the E. coli bacteria from sticking to the uterine walls. If they are there they will surely be unstuck in a minute. Cranberry's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal benefits also help fight the development of dental plaque, gum disease and kidney stone formation.

I am going to buy cranberry juice and start the therapy right away. I will take note of changes in this diary. I have already begun a water therapy and so far it worked in inducing urination. The more urine I release, the better for my body.

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UTI Diary 2

I wish I have a Chumby or a Garmin GPS to entertain myself. I have been spending too much time alone in my room lately. I have stopped going out with friends to bars and restos. I can not avoid bingeing or drinking alcohol when I'm with them. Even in my adulthood I can still barely resist peer pressure. I know if I wanted to really stop my excesses I have to avoid being exposed to temptation.

I have begun drinking lots of healthy fluids lately to cope with my recent UTI scare. The pain in my lower abdomen hasn't returned, but it doesn't mean everything's okay. I know I will have to change some of my bad eating and drinking habits. So now I'm only drinking lots of water, fruit juices, and coconut juice. The last one is said to be good for UTI.

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UTI Diary 1

Five days ago, in the early hours of a Friday morn, I suddenly woke up with an acute pain on my lower belly. Previous to that I have already been experiencing a nagging pain on my lower back at the right. My first thought was that my appendix burst. But that possibility was immediately eliminated since I could still get up and walk about. Plus the center of pain isn't at my side but in front near where my bladder is supposed to be.

I immediately sent a message to my sis, asking what the symptoms of appendicitis are exactly. I also wanted to confirm if I could be suffering from UTI or urinary tract infection. After a few minutes my sis replied that it could be I'm suffering from UTI and my ureters were swelling at that moment. It was a relief to know I need not go to the hospital right away.

But my relief, of course, is not complete. I know I will have to watch what I eat or drink from now on. I have to avoid eating sodium-laden foods, and stop drinking alcohol, so that my infection will not be aggravated. I will have to drink more fluids, especially water and fruit juices to help clean my body of toxins and fight the infection.

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Organic Skin Care and Arometherapy

Good makeup is hard to buy. That's the bottomline. They are not hard to find. Revlon, Clinique, Max Factor... the big brands have always been the best to deliver. But when it comes to safety... Who do you turn to?

Reports of lead in lipsticks have alarmed many consumers. Lead can cause cancer and using a product with lead (despite having minute amounts of it) everyday can still be bad for one's health. Hence, the rise in use of organic cosmetic and beauty products.

Organic skin care products are mostly made from natural ingredients and use synthetics in small portions to lengthen the product's shelf life. However, these synthetics are not as dangerous as lead or any other chemical.

Organics can now be found sold in cosmetic counters and even online. One can order their favorite product with specific ingredients actively producing their desired results. Lavender, chamomile, green tea... these natural ingredients come from herbs and plant oils that we usually find in gardens and in the wild.

Lead in Lipstick?

The reports of famous brands of lipsticks containing lead is alarming. Actual studies done have proven one third tested contained more lead than what was allowed by the US FDA.

Lead in lipstick is worse than lead in foundations. Lipstick is often ingested and accumulation of the chemical can lead to development of cancer, and even infertility issues as well (including among men who kiss lips laden with lead-filled lipstick). To avoid these, use natural makeup which contain mineral pigments and organic plant extracts and oils that are gentle and healing. Organic makeup does not contain synthetic materials, artificial fragrances or petro-chemicals that even those with sensitive skin and allergies can wear it.

The Nose Knows

If you're like me whose sense of smell is an influential factor for maintaining good health, then aromatherapy is perfect for us.

To calm my senses and lessen stress, I often use scented candles to spread fragrance in my room. The pleasant odors together with soft music can ease the chaos from my mind and relax my body.

Use lavender to improve sleep, chamomile to ease stress, and citronella to protect you from mosquitoes. Also use vanilla for a sensual air.

When choosing perfumes and colognes, choose the water-based or the oil-based over those with alcohol. Water-based ones are good for sensitive skin, while oil-based fragrances are for long-term use and you risk having the scent stick to your clothes despite the many washings. So choose carefully.

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New Resolution: Go Natural!

Everything these days is geared towards instant results, instant remedies and instant gratification. People don't have patience anymore to spend time and wait things out. You may be asking what my point is. Well, when it come to risking our futures trading in organic and natural solutiuons for fast synthetic remedies, I am very concerned.

I was thinking of how often I use toners and astringents on my face and still I get all these breakouts. It hasn't blown to full on acne yet. I don't think it will, but I'm concerned that using these facial cleansers too often may not be the answer. And I haven't started on facial scrubs yet.

So now I have decided, Screw facial products. I'm going natural for a while. Clean my face with a mild soap (Ivory) and warm water. Pat it gently instead of rubbing it. Apply moisturizer more often, and use makeup less frequently. Also I must sleep more often and drink water more. Water and sleep helps in cellular growth and can improve one's health, including skin care.

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Natural Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection

Harvest of Cranberry Fruits.
Image via WikipediaAlthough I am not officially diagnosed with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) I still observe some preventive measure to avoid developing it. Some friends of mine have it. Even my sister has it. Mostly the sufferers are women, but I know of a guy friend who had it since college. He's been hospitalized because of UTI.

UTI is caused by bacteria and affects not only the bladder but also the kidneys and otehr areas of the urinary tract as well. It is more common among women, but men can have it, too. Common symptoms of UTI include frequent urination and pain during urination.

There are many natural remedies for UTI. As a complementary therapy with medication, patients can use the following organic remedies for better prevention and treatment of UTI:

* According to a MayoClinic.com article, there has been some convincing evidence that cranberry juice and cranberry supplements can prevent UTI development. However, there is no substantial proof that it is effective as a treatment alternative. Using it as an adjunct therapy, however, lends better chances of recovery for UTI patients. Cranberry seems to work by preventing bacteria from sticking to cells that line the bladder.

* Echinacea is a North American wildflower used by Native Indians to fight winter chills. Along with the Orgegon grape root or goldenseal, it fights bacterial and viral infections, and stimulates white bloood cell activity which strengthens the immune system in fighting infections. It's highly reliable in curing common cold and sore throat infections. Consume at least two capsules three times a day of Echinacea and Oregon grape root or goldenseal to fight the infection.

* At the first sign of symptoms, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in an eight-ounce glass of water. Baking soda in your system raises the acid-base balance of the acidic urine and can be very helpful on the first signs of urinary tract infection. And then drink lots of water to increase urine flow and flush out the E. coli bacteria that cling to the walls of the urinary tract.

* There are many exotic herbs that also fight bacterial infection. One such example is the Indian gokhru which is a diuretic among other uses. The extracts from its fruit and leaves promote anti-bacterial activity.

From an article at Total Health Care, we are advised to create a cocktail of 'Gokhru' with barley water. Crush the fruits of the plant or the plant itself, and tie it all up into a tiny bundle covered in cloth. Immerse this bundle in barley water and boil for a few minutes. The essence of 'Gokhru' mixes into the barley water and creates an excellent beverage to help increase urine flow. For a simple concoction, soak a few dry Gokhru fruits in water overnight and drink the infusion in the morning to help increase urination. The fruits contain essential oil, resins and nitrates.

* Buchu is a South African low shrub whose leaves are harvested for its urinary tract antiseptic actions due to the presence of monoterpene disophenol, buchu's primary volatile oil component with antibacterial properties. It was originally used by South Africans to cure stomach and bladder problems.

* The blue brinjal or the eggplant also has diuretic properties to increase urine flow. Boil a few leaves in water and drink the concoction concentrate in doses of one ounce twice a day.

* Increased urine flow can also be achieved by boiling coriander seeds in water and drinking the juice produced. Since carrots is a relative of coriander, carrot seeds can be used to decrease the swelling of the body due to kidney disease (edema). It also helps improve urination.

* In acute cases try having 1/2 tsp of tincture every hour. Severe infection needs severe measures. Blend equal parts of pipsissewa, buchu, echinacea, and uva ursi tinctures. Have 20 drops of this blended mixture every two hours for first two days and later 1 tsp four times a day, till you have completely recovered. Have a soothing tea such as marshmallow root to counter the strong antiseptic effect of urva ursi.

* Avoid the most notorious bladder irritants such as citrus, tomatoes, aged cheeses, chocolate, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

If you want to find a natural remedy for urinary tract infection you can also try using the D Mannose Powder UTI Slip. It has D Mannose sugars that stick to E. coli bacteria and prevents them from sticking to the urinary tract walls. The E. coli are then rinsed away through normal urination.

Using D Mannose for urinary tract infection treatment is safe. The D Mannose sugar is naturally found in the body in small amounts. Taking D-Mannose UTI Slip will increase production of the sugars and coat the walls of the urinary tract. This will keep the E. coli from remaining inside the urinary tract and will be flushed out in the urine flow.

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Skin Irritations and Skin Diseases

Image via WikipediaThese days we see shampoos and conditioners, bath soaps and hair powders being sold online, not for human use, but for dogs. Yes, dogs. They even have weight loss pills for the overweight (or overfed) canines.

However, it's not true that dogs can pass on scabies to humans. Dogs are infected by a different type of scabies mite. If your pet has mange the mite can get under your skin and cause itching and skin irritation, but it dies after a few days and does not lay eggs. Unless your pet is treated the mites will continue to bite you and cause skin irritation.

The wrong kind of scabies mite, however, that infects humans is called the itch mite, or the Sarcoptes scabiei. It thrives in congested areas where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people. Places such as hospitals, crowded prisons, and nursing homes are prone to scabies infestation.

The female scabies mite causes itching and redness on the skin when it burrows and lays eggs underneath. Because of the continued scratching due to itching, the skin breaks and develops a bacterial infection. This itching is more intense at night because the mites are nocturnal creatures and move around often that time.

Other symptoms include pimple-like irritations, burrows or rash of the skin, especially the webbing between the fingers; the skin folds on the wrist, elbow, or knee; the penis, the breast, or shoulder blades.

Infestation is spread through prolonged contact (a hug is not enough). Scabies can be spread between sexual partners and household members. Or through sharing of clothes, towels and beddings.

Scabies can be cured through the use of creams or ointments containing gamma benzene hexachloride or benzyl benzoate. To disinfect, all clothing and bedding of the victim and his household should be disinfected.

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