Follow Us on Social
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
An Easy, Nutritious Path
Did you know what your skin needs changes based on the seasons? As seasons, and therefore weather, changes our skin adapts to maintain balance. These adaptations can take time, and you can support them with the proper products and ingredients!
Happy Easter! Looking to switch it up and try some new recipes this year? Here is a roundup of Easter recipes featuring some old favourites and some new additions:
This information is not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription medication. The kidneys are an amazing organ system! In Traditional Chinese Medicine they are considered, along with the adrenal glands, a master organ. They perform the critical functions of capturing and recycling nutrients and eliminating liquid acidic waste. When the kidneys fail to perform this detoxification, patients must have their blood filtered through renal dialysis. A Healing Diet - This mirrors recommendations from studies done on kidney function: Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water. Chloride is a potential carcinogen and potentially damaging to the kidneys as well as the entire body. Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. A urine pH maintained in the range of 6.5-7.4 allows your kidneys to readily eliminate acid waste. Chemical free, organic foods are the safest for kidney health. Make vegetables, fruit, raw seeds, nuts, legumes, beans, and wholegrains the mainstays of your diet. Limit red meat and sweeteners. Studies show a whole food plant based diet and the Mediterranean diet can benefit patients with chronic kidney disease. Fermented foods improve digestion and have a positive effect on pH levels. Apple cider vinegar used as a condiment or mixed in water with meals aids in assimilating nutrients, corrects pH, and dissolves calcium and acid crystal deposits. Replace salt with Herbamare for full flavour but 1/3 the sodium. The combination of whole sea salt with other herbs provides a better sodium/potassium ratio. Cook gently. High heat causes acrylamides and advanced glycation end products, both risk factor in type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Basic Supplements – to avoid common deficiencies Bio-Strath – 100% digestible whole food tonic, providing B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and cofactors. Used by more staff at Jo Anne’s than any other supplement. Buffered vitamin C during fall and winter months. A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and degeneration. Vitamin D 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000. A steroid hormone precursor that reduces inflammation and the risk of infection. Magnesium – has over 300 biochemical functions. Essential fatty acids – anti-inflammatory, help regulate blood pressure and a deficiency is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Probiotics – intermittent use to strengthen the immune system and correct pH Dietary Aids for Kidney Health - Special foods with science backed benefits: In studies ginger, garlic, and onions improved symptoms of kidney disease and increased renal function. Regular consumption could provide significant protection. Watermelon is 92% alkaline water which helps flush the urinary system of stored toxins. It supports the liver to process ammonia thus easing the strain on the kidneys. Finally, it can actually be used to dissolve kidney stones! Some people perform a watermelon fast one day a week, eating only melon wedges when hungry. Urine testing is a convenient way to monitor chemistry. The best time to check is in the morning prior to consuming food or drinks (other than water). If it’s initially difficult to achieve readings between 6.5-7.4 take 1-2 AlkaPure pH capsules upon rising. Once optimum readings are achieved, test periodically. Special Supplements for Kidneys - For an annual or biannual kidney cleanse: Astragalus – numerous studies show this herb has a protective effect on kidneys, liver, and spleen. It is also used in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and immune disorders. It has been shown to slow tumor growth and significantly extend the lives of those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation. Nettle is a wonderful cleansing herb for the kidneys. It also helps with all conditions related to inflammation, including arthritis and allergies. Burdock provides a whole body detox by increasing urine output and drawing out stored toxins. It is a natural option to use instead of prescription diuretics but consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are already on diuretics before making a change. Exercise, fresh air, deep breathing with complete exhalation all benefit the kidneys. For those days that you’re pressed for time perform the 4-minute workout by Dr Zack Bush. This easy routine performed 2-3 times boosts nitric oxide production and kidney function. See it online. Following the diet and basic supplement suggestions should have a beneficial effect on your kidneys and your overall health. One of the biggest changes you hopefully will notice is an increase in energy level. Keep a journal to track your progress. *Revised July 2023
Are seed oils bad for you? You may have seen some Social Media influencers claiming that they are. Is there any truth to this? What are the benefits of not eating seed oils? Let's find out.
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!
What is Circadian Rhythm?
Baked Pasta, better than regular!
Try out some of these delicious international food recipes, most of which you can make with ingredients from our store! There's a lot of diverse recipes in here from Japanese to Indian food!
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!