Bladder Infections
It is best to avoid antibiotics especially the broad spectrum type if possible. Unfortunately the broad spectrum antibiotics kill off many bacteria but can create antibiotic resistant breed. This can cause recurrent bladder infections that can not be cured with an antibiotic.
There is an alternative remedy. It includes flushing out the bladder with water, drinking cranberry or blueberry juice (this helps stop the bacteria from stickling to the bladder walls), taking magnesium citrate and taking vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
If drinking cranberry or blueberry juice, use the unsweetened type (sugar can depress the immune system). Drink about 24 ounces a day in 3 8 ounce servings. If you don’t like the juice or can’t find an unsweetened brand, you can take dehydrated extracts in capsule or tablet form.
One doctor recommends that you drink 64 ounces of water a day to flush out the bladder. Magnesium Citrate creates alkaline urine which makes it difficult for the bacteria to survive. The recommended dose is in the 300 to 400 milligram range each day until the infection clears up. It is also recommended that you take a daily dose of 1,000 to 4,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 300 to 600 milligrams of bioflavonoids. It is also recommended that you take 50,000 International units of vitamin A.
Of course, this should be done with the supervision of your doctor or health care provider. Vitamin A at this level can be toxic over a period of time. It is advised that you not take the vitamin A for longer than a week.