Has anyone ever seen this 'Home Remedies' email, and does it work?

I eat a high-protein (50-100 g/da for muscle growth. I'm only 105 lbs.), high-calcium diet. (1000 mg/da, + 1000 mg supplement, for bone health as mine are weak as per my bone doc's advice.) I do eat a lot fruit and veggies also, but stay away from starch-based carbs.

Consequently, I have had several UTIs since my injury. I've also had two kidney infections and passed three kidney stones. I got this home remedy email a few months back and thought that I'd try it the next time I felt something coming on. It's basically just ASA, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Today I felt something coming on and drank the stuff. It's wretched, but the discomfort is gone. Curious if anyone knows if there's truth to this or if I'm just experience the disillusioned effects of a placebo?

Here's the email:

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-even though the product was never advertised for this use.

High protein diets can be really hard on the kidneys. I myself eat a high protein diet (about 40-60g and I weigh about the same as you) because I am really active and work out hard regularly. I also eat carbs though, even starch based ones because, as I said, I work out hard and need that energy/calories.

Anyway, I wouldn't risk trying home remedies for UTIs. They (UTIs) can be deadly and should be treated with antibiotics. I would try preventative home remedies maybe but not home remedies to treat them. By the time you sense one coming on, it's probably time to head over to the doctor. Do you take probiotics? I found that since I started taking acidophilus, I rarely get UTIs (and I also use single-use catheters). That's interesting about the alka seltzer though. Never heard of it.

i have been told by a number of different people that a beer or two when you feel one coming on really helps flush the system well

The alka seltzer deal sounds almost too good to be true,,, but unless the manufacturer is the one pushing it, I don't see the profit in it for anyone else. Plus, the stuff is cheap. Why not???

I'm currently on a low dose regimen of Microbid, daily,, so I have had no symptoms to speak of. Occasional darker output, but no fever,, so I probably wouldn't be a fair trial. I hope someone else, here, tries it,,, then tells us about it.

Okay,, who's gonna be the guinea pig???
ed

My doctor advised bicarb when the first twinges of an infection are felt.

You can buy empty gel tabs that you can fill with powder thus eliminating the taste.

I am a T-12 and this is my 25th year. I have found that the beer trick is very much worth the time. I am not a drinker, so the taste is not something that I like, but if it is cold can get down at least 1/2 to whole bottle. I was told long time ago that many of these other produts rid your body of things things that it has built up, that you need. I am also having to do igh protein right now and it seems to be hard on my body. I have always been very active, but right now down due to a place I hit during transfer on my butt. Hard to get it to heal. Has been since April now. Have great would care drs, but this is a very slow wound with no depth at all. Why oh why? This will drive a sane person crazy!! I should be working. Have a new book out, God Knew I Loved Pizza (reason for name hidden in contect) so if you want o ck me out you can go to the web site. Any suggestions?? I have the greast in medical products, thanks to friends in the right places and a wonderful husband. Julie

not heard of that one, but do know drinking cranberry juice or eating cranberries helps prevent the risk of uti's in the first place

a glass of water with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey, when you first get that "somethings not right" feeling, and once a day for 2 or 3 days.

It tastes revolting, but works for me

A couple of things City Girl... you should probably be taking Vitamin D supplements to aid your bones. In your climate you don't get enough sunshine so need extra Vit D to aid your calcium intake. I live in sunny Australia but have to have supplements over winter as I am indoors too much in my chair...I hate going out when it's rainy or cold. Look up Vitamin D deficiency on the web, it's quite common.

Next, the UTI's. I take high dose Vitamin C twice daily, I have a supra pubic catheter and never get UTI's. I also take high dose cranberry in big tablet form (when I remember), the juice is too sugary and not enough cranberry concentrate in it.

I think that 'Ural' sachets probably have a similar effect to Alkazeltsa. Ural is a urinary alkiliniser we get here, I don't know if you have that. So, it seems fair that it would help. Anyway just having a big drink of water (or beer) will help to flush you when you get a hint.

Hope this helps.