H2O Magazine

The bladder is the repository for most of the body’s fluid wastes before passed. These fluids contain many of the known carcinogens that we take in daily through the ingesting highly refined and processed foods. It is no surprise that the between 1971 and 1974 the number of bladder cancers reported more than doubled according the American Cancer Society.

Cigarette Smokers are twice susceptible

The incidence of bladder cancer in smokers is approximately twice that of non-smokers. Biological data suggest that genetic factors in activating and detoxifying enzymes may play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to bladder cancer. Further, this is in combination with specific environmental factors such as cigarette smoking and other airborne pollutants.

Hard to diagnose

Many bladder problems are hard to diagnose due to factors such as size or localization. A great majority of carcinomas of the urinary bladder are either undetectable with standard imaging techniques, or cannot be definitively differentiated from non-malignant carcinomas.

Bladder infections are the most common urinary tract infections, however; any part of your urinary tract can be become infected. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.

Women have more bladder infections than men do. This is because the urethra is shorter in women. Bacteria can reach the bladder more easily in women because bacteria have a shorter distance to travel.

Bladder cancer detection

Two non-invasive medical tests commonly used to detect bladder problem. The first is testing for antibodies in the urine. If antibodies found, then the human body is in the process of fighting some type of problem. The second test is looking at cells exfoliated in the urine. If the cells are abnormal in size, shape, color or other abnormalities then furthering testing in the medical laboratory required.

How to identify the infection

Possible signs of a bladder infection are the following,

• Cloudy Urination is one way to identify a bladder infection when no other symptoms are present. The color of ones urine does give great insight into the internal condition of the urinary track.
• If you have a sharp, stabbing like pains in your back or groin, you could possibly have a bladder infection, kidney stone or another serious problem. Further, fever with a backache may indicate that one may have kidney disease called pyelonephritis.
• Urge to urinate just after using the restroom and when you do you only urinate small amounts. Could be a bladder infection called cystitis, bladder irritation called interstitial cystitis, or from a kidney stone.
• In some cases, women also complain of a feeling of not emptying the bladder and heaviness in the lower abdomen.
• If blood is present in ones urine, it could be from a bladder infection, trauma, kidney stone, or a bleeding disorder.
• A painful or burning sensation with urination could be a sign of a bladder infection or possible kidney stones.
• In males, the need to urinate more often than normal, have problems starting the urine stream, or wake many times at night to urinate caused by problems with the prostate gland.
• Needing to urinate but not being able to.
• Leaking a little urine; some women report this symptom after childbirth and, perhaps, caused from a weakness in the bladder due to childbirth or ageing. This weakness called stress incontinence.
• Urine that smells bad. Some vitamins, or foods, and over the counter products produce a strong odor of the urine, most notable vitamin B.

If your doctor thinks you have a bladder infection he or she may prescribe an antibiotic that will turn you urine a bright orange, so do not be alarmed by the color.

Suggested Remedies

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with treating Bladder Infections such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, L-cysteine, Vitamin E, Zinc and Cranberry Juice.

Vitamin C can reduce the risk of developing urinary bladder cancer in smokers and drinkers.

Vitamin A is an important immune system stimulant. Dr. Nauss reported a reduced T-cell immune response in patients with a Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of cancers of the lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and prostate. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

L-cysteine is another immune system stimulant but one should take it in conjunction with Vitamin C to reduce the risk of developing stone formation in the kidneys and bladder.

Vitamin E accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Zinc also has a profound influence on the body’s ability to resist disease.

Cranberry Juice may also help prevent kidney and bladder infections. If you are taking COUMADIN then check with your doctor before using cranberry.

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Disclaimer: this Article is nutritional in nature and not construed as medical advice.

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