Bladder Infections, Particularly Recurrent Ones Can Be Helped with Nutritional Supplements.
Bladder infections account for one of the primary reasons for doctor visits in the United States. Antibiotics usually can treat an infection but can be overused, especially if the infections become a chronic matter. It is important to take every possible step to prevent re-occurrence including getting adequate nutritional supplements. Note: In the lists below, the amounts given are for adults. Children between twelve and seventeen should reduce the amounts by three-fourths. From ages six to twelve, reduce quantities to one-half, and for younger children, cut the totals to one-fourth.
Vitamins
- Vitamin A with carotenoids. Take 25,000 IU a day. However, do not exceed 8,000 IU a day if you might be pregnant. Watch out for other sources of vitamin A in other supplements such as multivitamins so you do not get a toxic level.
- Bioflavonoids. Take 1,000 mg a day to improve the immune system and the integrity of bladder tissue.
- Vitamin B6. 50 mg a day should decrease bladder pain and fluid retention, which is one cause of problems. . When the bladder retains urine for long periods, bacteria stays in the bladder as well and can take root on the bladder walls.
- Vitamin C. Taking 500 mg every two hours up to a maximum of 5,000 mg should help acidify the urine. This has the effect of a natural antibiotic. If diarrhea develops, reduce this intake.
- Vitamin E. Help fight these recurrent problems with 200 IU, particularly if you are also taking prescription antibiotics. You should try to get the d-alpha-tocopherol form of Vitamin E.
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Minerals
- Calcium. Taking 800 to 1,000 mg a day can help lessen pain.
- Magnesium. Decrease the frequency of bladder spasms by supplementing with 400 to 800 mg of magnesium. Adequate magnesium is important to maximum the absorption of Calcium.
- Potassium. The accompanying frequent urination can result in a loss of potassium. Take 90 mg a day to replace the lost potassium.
- Zinc picolinate. 30 mg a day will help the tissues repair themselves and improve immunity against future problems.
Other Supplements
- Acidophilus or another Probiotic. Take as recommended on label to repopulate your system with healthy bacteria that are lost through antibiotics.
- Colloidal silver. Take this as directed on the label. It is a natural antibiotic and will promote healing.
- Cranberry Fruit Extract. Take one 420 mg softgel twice a day to acidity the urine.
- Garlic. Two capsules 3 times a day as an antibiotic and immune system improvement.
Disclaimer
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Reference
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, fourth edition (New York: Avery, 2006).