jo anne's place logo

Urinary Tract Infection - Cystitis

This information is not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels for contraindications and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription drugs. This information is based on recommendations from natural health care professionals, and customer experience for over 40 years at Jo Anne's Place.


Identify and Eliminate the Cause


While UTI's can be caused by foreign objects and certain medications, the most common cause is E. coli contamination from the intestinal tract. For most people, the immune system protects them from infection, but susceptible individuals have to take more extra care.


  • Wear natural cotton undergarments. Synthetics don’t “breathe” which can promote bacterial growth.
     
  • Virtually every public surface exposes you to E. Coli.  Wash your hands when you get home.

  • Any surface that comes in contact with the anus should be disinfected with a natural disinfectant. 

  • Bacteria can be transmitted during sexual relations.  Empty the bladder after and drink lots of water to flush the bladder.  Speak to your partner and encourage careful hygiene on his/her part.

  • Always wipe front to back. 


A Healing Diet


  • Drink 7-10 filtered of spring water.  Chlorine destroys healthy flora.

  • Eat a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming.  Very important for bladder health.

  • Organic foods are the safest way to nourish yourself – a wise investment!

  • Make vegetables, fruits, raw seeds and nuts, beans, legumes, and whole grains the mainstays of your diet.  Eat wheat only if sprouted.

  • Eat heavy protein no later than lunch for better digestion of amino acids.

  • Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut and nondairy kefir help to correct the pH of the body, improve nutrient absorption, and support healthy bacterial flora.

  • Raw garlic helps prevent and treat UTI's and  boosts the immune system.

  • Have 2 tsp apple cider vinegar in room temperature water with meals to improve digestion, correct pH, and combat bacteria.

  • Avoid refined sugar, processed and deep fried food and alcohol. 


Basic Supplements


  • Bio-Strath –Fermentation allows for complete absorption of nutrients, including B vitamins, has an alkaline effect, and is easy on the bladder.

  • Vitamin D – 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000 IU - a steroid precursor, infection fighter, boosts immunity.

  • Magnesium before bed alkalizes the system and calms an irritable bladder.

  • Omega 3 fatty acids – modulates inflammation.

  • Probiotics daily – strengthen immune function and prevent infection.

  • Vitamin C is recommended during cold weather.  Calcium ascorbate or Ester C are easy on the bladder.


Treatment Options - Short Term Use for Infection


  • D-mannose – When taken in appropriate dosages, d-mannose spills into the bladder coating E. coli bacteria so it can not adhere to the walls of the bladder.  The bacteria are then flushed out of the bladder during urination.

  • Goldenseal – between meals - antibacterial and antifungal, strengthens the walls of the bladder, known as the king of the mucous membranes.

  • Homeopathic cantharis can be helpful in alleviating symptoms during recovery.

  • If infection is a chronic problem E.coli may have set up house on bladder walls and created a protective biofilm.  Take serrapeptase 2 times daily on an empty stomach (upon rising and just before bed) for 2 weeks then reduce to once a day until the bottle is finished.



Prevention


  • Marshmallow tea – has a soothing effect and prevents infection.

  • Use goldenseal intermittently to strengthen the bladder and prevent infection.

  • Aloe vera is a source of d-mannose which discourages bacterial overgrowth and promotes tissue healing.


  • Sunshine, fresh air and exercise keep the blood stream oxygenated and lungs clear,  important for a strong immune system.  Breathe deeply, exhale thoroughly.


In Traditional Chinese Medicine, kidney problems are associated with fear. We offer this as food for thought. Many homeopathic remedies are specific to fears and phobias.  Jo Anne’s Place staff can offer suggestions.


Keep a journal to track your progress.

Good health happens by design, not by accident


*Updated February 2023

Rebecca holding green smoothie in a glass cup with a straw
By April Allen February 20, 2025
Celebrate the luck of the Irish with these festive, healthier St. Patrick's Day recipes! We've added some brand new recipes to the list for 2025 - Slainte!
By April Allen February 20, 2025
Who run the world? Girls! March is Women's History Month, and March 8th is International Women’s Day. What better time than this to lift up the women around us! Because of the entrepreneurial courage of our founder Jo Anne & the continued efforts of our now owners & team (which is over 80% women), we have been serving Peterborough & The Kawarthas for almost 50 years! We are thankful not only for the amazing women in our team, but for the meaningful connections we have made with so many inspiring women in our community. It is important to us to continue fostering an environment where women feel safe, supported & inspired. We are excited to look to the future and continue to evolve to meet the needs of our community.
By April Allen February 13, 2025
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in something sweet, and this Avocado Chocolate Mousse is a rich, creamy, and guilt-free way to do it! Made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened, this luscious dessert is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with healthy fats —so you can treat yourself (or someone special) without compromise. Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one or enjoying a little self-care, this silky-smooth mousse is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make , leaving you more time to savour the moment. Makes about 4 servings.
By Jonathan Tessier February 6, 2025
Why Buy Canadian? While tariff's have been paused for the time being, we still think it is a great time to highlight some of the amazing Canadian products in our store and talk about some of the benefits they have over American items.
By Jonathan Tessier February 5, 2025
Spicy Coconut Vegetable Stir F ry
By April Allen February 2, 2025
Struggling to find unique Valentine's Day gifts?
By April Allen January 30, 2025
Your body is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a vital role in your overall health. These tiny communities—your microbiome—exist in different areas, including your gut, mouth, lungs, skin, and, for women, the vaginal flora. When balanced, it supports digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation. But when disrupted by factors like poor diet, stress, or environmental factors, it can contribute to a range of health issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to nourish and support these essential microbiomes to help you feel your best from the inside out. And we'll discuss how they're all interconnected.
By April Allen January 28, 2025
Keep scrolling for some fun, festive, and functional Valentine's Day drinks!
A clock in the middle with an assortment of food underneath and the text
By Jonathan Tessier January 28, 2025
What is Chrononutrition? Chrononutrition is the science of how food, metabolism, meal timing, and your body clock interact. More research is currently needed, but for now, scientists are trying to understand how your body responds to food at different times of the day. They are interested in whether these factors influence metabolic health and the risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes. How it effects your body We usually eat our largest meal toward the end of the day. So, chrononutrition researchers are trying to understand whether it's better to eat earlier in the day or later at night. In one study , a group of scientists followed 420 people on a 20-week weight-loss plan. The researchers split the groups into those who ate their main meal earlier and those who ate it later. They found that participants who ate their main meal earlier in the day lost more weight than the late eaters, even though both groups consumed similar amounts of food. Blood Sugar Levels When your body breaks down a meal, sugars enter your blood as glucose. Your body responds to this rise in blood sugar by releasing insulin. Scientists have shown that our body’s ability to control blood sugar varies across the day. On average, blood glucose responses appear to be better in the morning than in the afternoon . Fat Like glucose levels, after eating, levels of fat in the blood rise. However, they rise and fall much slower than blood glucose, taking hours to return to normal. Evidence suggests that our blood fat levels also change throughout the day. For instance, a study on healthy men found that their blood fat levels were higher after lunch than after breakfast — even though the two meals were identical. Avoid Late-Night Meals Avoiding late-night meals is an important part of chrononutrition. The body has a hormonal response any time you eat anything. If you eat late at night, when you're not using much energy, you'll increase your hunger and appetite. What’s more, late-night eating is linked to impaired metabolic function. In the evening, blood glucose levels are high and since you're not moving around as much, it stays that way. By eating during the day time, you can lower nighttime blood sugar levels. How to Get Your Eating Schedule on Track It can be hard to avoid a late-night meal, but if you're snacking before bed or eating late, it will impact your health. Luckily, it's easy to get yourself back on track. First things first, you should be practicing a healthy sleep cycle and try to go to bed at the same time everyday, since your eating habits often revolve around that. Try to make a schedule for mealtimes and stick to it. Try to eat breakfast later in the morning and have dinner earlier, if possible. If you sleep from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., have breakfast an hour after waking—sometime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.. If you have to eat later than usual, try to make it healthy. High carbohydrate and fatty foods are not ideal for late-night meals so try to go for protein if you can. Conclusion The time of day that you eat has an impact on your health, but as long as you maintain a strict meal schedule and avoid eating at night you should be fine. If you do need to eat later than usual, try to make sure it's a healthy snack. It doesn't take a lot of work, just perseverance to stick to your schedule. By maintaining a consistent meal routine and making healthier choices, you'll be setting yourself up for better health and well-being. Keep at it, and your body will thank you!
Two jugs of Natural Cleansing Laundry Detergent with the text
By Jonathan Tessier January 28, 2025
Why Choose Natural?
More Posts
Share by: