25 replies to this topic

[mcferguson]

A couple of months ago a para co-worker recommended I use grapefruit seed extract and d-mannose pills to ward off UTIs. He mixes 15 drops of grapefruit seed extract with 8 ounces of water daily and takes d-mannose daily. He says this has worked the best for him over the last 25 years. I tried it for about 2 weeks, but the grapefruit seed extract is nasty tasting and d-mannose a little costly, so I changed up things a bit.

I take a 500mg vitamin C tablet and a 300mg cranberry extract pill each morning along with 500mL of water. In the evenings, I take a 300mg cranberry extract pill and a 15mg ditropan. During the day I drink at least 1L of water. This works pretty well, although there are times when I get cloudy urine. At those times, I take the grapefruit seed extract and d-mannose.

Just two days ago I had very cloudy urnine at my 5pm cath (so cloudy that experience taught me that I would need an antibiotic). I took the grapefruit seed extract (15 drops mixed with 2-3 ounces of water) and d-mannose. Five hours later at my 10pm cath, my urine was crystal clear! I was surprised at how dramatically it worked. I hope this keeps working because I finally think I have my bladder under control.

Grapefruit seed extract tastes terrible, so I drink it in 2 gulps and then follow up with a glass of water and something to eat (normally candy, as I feel I've earned a reward just by drinking the stuff).

[StillFingers]

mcferguson, on 13 December 2011 - 08:04 PM, said:

A couple of months ago a para co-worker recommended I use grapefruit seed extract and d-mannose pills to ward off UTIs. He mixes 15 drops of grapefruit seed extract with 8 ounces of water daily and takes d-mannose daily. He says this has worked the best for him over the last 25 years. I tried it for about 2 weeks, but the grapefruit seed extract is nasty tasting and d-mannose a little costly, so I changed up things a bit.

I take a 500mg vitamin C tablet and a 300mg cranberry extract pill each morning along with 500mL of water. In the evenings, I take a 300mg cranberry extract pill and a 15mg ditropan. During the day I drink at least 1L of water. This works pretty well, although there are times when I get cloudy urine. At those times, I take the grapefruit seed extract and d-mannose.

Just two days ago I had very cloudy urnine at my 5pm cath (so cloudy that experience taught me that I would need an antibiotic). I took the grapefruit seed extract (15 drops mixed with 2-3 ounces of water) and d-mannose. Five hours later at my 10pm cath, my urine was crystal clear! I was surprised at how dramatically it worked. I hope this keeps working because I finally think I have my bladder under control.

Grapefruit seed extract tastes terrible, so I drink it in 2 gulps and then follow up with a glass of water and something to eat (normally candy, as I feel I've earned a reward just by drinking the stuff).

Very interesting...I'll give this a go...thnx for the post!

Update: Just ordered both the liquid and capsule forms of the grapefruit seed extract from Now Foods, the same supplement company I get my cranberry pills from...I'll post my results/experience with these two supplements; the d-mannose and ditro I'll wait on.

Edited by StillFingers, 13 December 2011 - 11:10 PM.

[Zack]

We all always have UTIs in the form of bacteria growing in our bladder. It's when the bacteria is over 100,000 parts per Billion that Doctors call it a UTI. And when we usual feel it's affecting us.
I haven't had I UTI that needed to be treated, that is one that my immune system wasn't able to fight off without Antibiotics in over 10 years!
I contribute not having a UTI in that long to Not taking antibiotics until it's Absolutely needed. As in having a High temputure, along with other symptom that made it unbearable or necessary to need an antibiotic. I also drink water like a Fish. I need to watch out that my large water intake doesn't lower my electrolytes.

I believe my immune system is stronger now that I'm an older SCI, who's put off antibiotics until I had no choice but to take them.

That's my food for thought.

[goose]

I agree with Zach about the antibotics...only take them when you have a fever along with the other systoms.

I've been taking D-Mannose for years and can tell a big difference. I tend to self regulate the amounts as I see needed. I've taken the cranberry pills but never could see any real difference with them. I also drink lots of water and weak green tea....lots!

My D-Mannose is $27 a bottle with 120 pills.

[Zack]

Since 1996 I've been drinking 6 to 8 cups of Green Tea every day! I didn't like it at first, and Now I'm addicted to it. No anything in it..
I did drink a Half Gallon or Ocean Spray Cranberry juice a day, back in 1991 I believe it was. 10 months of drinking all that Cranberry Juice and I ended up with an infection that needed IV antibiotics. I never drank it again after that.

[Christy]

goose, on 14 December 2011 - 04:29 AM, said:

I agree with Zach about the antibotics...only take them when you have a fever along with the other systoms.

I've been taking D-Mannose for years and can tell a big difference. I tend to self regulate the amounts as I see needed. I've taken the cranberry pills but never could see any real difference with them. I also drink lots of water and weak green tea....lots!

My D-Mannose is $27 a bottle with 120 pills.

Hey goose. How many pills do you usually do a day? I might need to try it

[goose]

Christy, on 14 December 2011 - 05:48 AM, said:

goose, on 14 December 2011 - 04:29 AM, said:

I agree with Zach about the antibotics...only take them when you have a fever along with the other systoms.

I've been taking D-Mannose for years and can tell a big difference. I tend to self regulate the amounts as I see needed. I've taken the cranberry pills but never could see any real difference with them. I also drink lots of water and weak green tea....lots!

My D-Mannose is $27 a bottle with 120 pills.

Hey goose. How many pills do you usually do a day? I might need to try it

I vary the amount. If I feel ok, I may take 2 in the am and 2 in the pm. If things start to burn or look cloudy, I'll up it to 3 or 4 twice a day until I'm better which is usually in just a day or two. One bottle will last 3 to 5 weeks. I've learned to drink bottle water everywhere I go. I never drink from another city . I drink purified water at home too.

I get my D-Mannose from Progressive Labs in Texas and they give me a 25% discount. They are usually $36 a bottle.

[goose]

Zack, on 14 December 2011 - 04:49 AM, said:

Since 1996 I've been drinking 6 to 8 cups of Green Tea every day! I didn't like it at first, and Now I'm addicted to it. No anything in it..
I did drink a Half Gallon or Ocean Spray Cranberry juice a day, back in 1991 I believe it was. 10 months of drinking all that Cranberry Juice and I ended up with an infection that needed IV antibiotics. I never drank it again after that.

Hey Zack, we should get together for a cup or 2 of green tea. I like mine straight too...no sugar or honey! I drink it hot in the winter and cold during the summer. I too drink at least that many cups...I'm kinda addicted too. I like Lipton green tea with orange, mango and passion fruit flavor. What kind do you prefer? You know that's the year I started drinking it too...

Edited by goose, 15 December 2011 - 03:52 AM.

[Zack]

goose, on 15 December 2011 - 03:50 AM, said:

Zack, on 14 December 2011 - 04:49 AM, said:

Since 1996 I've been drinking 6 to 8 cups of Green Tea every day! I didn't like it at first, and Now I'm addicted to it. No anything in it..
I did drink a Half Gallon or Ocean Spray Cranberry juice a day, back in 1991 I believe it was. 10 months of drinking all that Cranberry Juice and I ended up with an infection that needed IV antibiotics. I never drank it again after that.

Hey Zack, we should get together for a cup or 2 of green tea. I like mine straight too...no sugar or honey! I drink it hot in the winter and cold during the summer. I too drink at least that many cups...I'm kinda addicted too. I like Lipton green tea with orange, mango and passion fruit flavor. What kind do you prefer? You know that's the year I started drinking it too...

Say when! I prefer Salada Green Tea hot all year round. Now I'm drinking Lipton cause they were out of Salada. Is this called jacking a thread? We better start a Green Tea Post!

Sorry !

[StillFingers]

Green tea drinker here also, veg head from way back. My immune system is pretty messed up since 08's major health struggle and the gift of MRSA from the hospital I vacationed at for near 6 months...they pumped me full of vancomicine n other major antibiotics, it kept me alive, but at a high price. The d-mannose, what is it, how does it work, does it have any side affects...I'm gonna research it, always interested in non-med/antibiotic remedies...cool thread...thnx folks!

[Zack]

StillFingers, on 15 December 2011 - 08:16 AM, said:

. The d-mannose, what is it, how does it work, does it have any side affects...I'm gonna research it, always interested in non-med/antibiotic remedies...cool thread...thnx folks!

Another Good Antioxidant is 1 Raw Clove of Garlic a Day! It wasn't easy getting used to, although about 8 years ago I managed to do it.

[catmint]

Zack, on 15 December 2011 - 08:30 AM, said:

StillFingers, on 15 December 2011 - 08:16 AM, said:

. The d-mannose, what is it, how does it work, does it have any side affects...I'm gonna research it, always interested in non-med/antibiotic remedies...cool thread...thnx folks!

Another Good Antioxidant is 1 Raw Clove of Garlic a Day! It wasn't easy getting used to, although about 8 years ago I managed to do it.

I know someone who takes raw garlic daily, but that is for circulatory issues. Is this for UTIs or just your general health?

[Zack]

The Raw Garlic was just for general health. I didn't have any need to take it. Its healthy! I thought why Not?

[greybeard]

I read somewhere that garlic is one of the fastest substances to be absorbed by the body. Apparently it can be detected on the soles of your feet only a few seconds after you eat some. Love it - it keeps people away . Also I drink green tea. Drink virtually nothing else. Not for heath reasons, just prefer it.

[Christy]

goose, on 14 December 2011 - 06:36 AM, said:

Christy, on 14 December 2011 - 05:48 AM, said:

goose, on 14 December 2011 - 04:29 AM, said:

I agree with Zach about the antibotics...only take them when you have a fever along with the other systoms.

I've been taking D-Mannose for years and can tell a big difference. I tend to self regulate the amounts as I see needed. I've taken the cranberry pills but never could see any real difference with them. I also drink lots of water and weak green tea....lots!

My D-Mannose is $27 a bottle with 120 pills.

Hey goose. How many pills do you usually do a day? I might need to try it

I vary the amount. If I feel ok, I may take 2 in the am and 2 in the pm. If things start to burn or look cloudy, I'll up it to 3 or 4 twice a day until I'm better which is usually in just a day or two. One bottle will last 3 to 5 weeks. I've learned to drink bottle water everywhere I go. I never drink from another city . I drink purified water at home too.

I get my D-Mannose from Progressive Labs in Texas and they give me a 25% discount. They are usually $36 a bottle.

Ok thanks. I need to do something.. these UTIs wont stay away! Btw what part of GA are you in?

[Nicus]

If you don't like the bad taste I use Tibb Renotone (google) natural pills no side effects in almost a years use. No UTI's in 7 month's.

Good
Inexpensive

Bad
Not available in all countries.

[KK*]

I have a Suprapubic Cathater and an elderly nurse advised me to do a flush, 12:1 ratio of water and vinegar. It really seems to work very well.

[mcferguson]

As an update on this grapefruit seed extract thing...

I did get a UTI in mid-January using the technique of drinking the grapefruit seed extract only whenever I saw cloudy urine. One day the bacteria population just exploded and the extract did not clear it up, so I had to go on an antibiotic. After that UTI was cleared up, I tried something a little different.

I take one grapfruit seed extract pill (125 mg) in the morning and one in the evening, and when I see cloudy urine, I drink the liquid. This seems to be working. I have had to drink the liquid a couple of times in the last three months and no UTIs.

The last couple of weeks I have changed my cathing schedule by removing my 2am cath during the week and not following one on the weekends. Previously, I think I would have gotten a UTI by doing that, but no adverse affects so far. Maybe my body has figured something out recently, maybe taking the pills consisently have built up my body's immunity to the bacteria , I don't know. Maybe I just jinxed myself by posting this and I'll get one tomorrow...

[greybeard]

Please clarify which liquid you mention.

[mcferguson]

greybeard, on 30 April 2012 - 01:01 PM, said:

Please clarify which liquid you mention.

Apologies... The liquid is the liquid grapefruit seed extract mixed with water - 15 drops mixed with 2-3 ounces of water.

[SequinScandal]

Wow thank you for this tip I am going to order this stuff right away. I always have problems with UTI's and haven't had much luck with keeping them under control.

[munkypoop]

If you are on any medication for bladder spasms or medication for the bladder, grapefruit juice cancels out the medication. So does grape juice

[greybeard]

mcferguson, on 30 April 2012 - 06:37 PM, said:

greybeard, on 30 April 2012 - 01:01 PM, said:

Please clarify which liquid you mention.

Apologies... The liquid is the liquid grapefruit seed extract mixed with water - 15 drops mixed with 2-3 ounces of water.

I'm SO glad you said that. I thought you were drinking your own cloudy urine!!!

Edited by greybeard, 30 April 2012 - 09:26 PM.

[mcferguson]

 greybeard, on 30 April 2012 - 09:26 PM, said:

 mcferguson, on 30 April 2012 - 06:37 PM, said:

 greybeard, on 30 April 2012 - 01:01 PM, said:

Please clarify which liquid you mention.

Apologies... The liquid is the liquid grapefruit seed extract mixed with water - 15 drops mixed with 2-3 ounces of water.

I'm SO glad you said that. I thought you were drinking your own cloudy urine!!!

No, I only drink it when its clear.

Check this out from Shirley's Wellness Cafe:

Urine Therapy (Uropathy) - Your Body's Own Best Medicine, A Powerul Infection Fighter
You may think that when it comes to alternative health therapies you've heard it all. But there is one natural therapy you've probably never heard of ---even though its one of the most powerful, most researched and most medically proven natural cures ever discovered. Multiple sclerosis, colitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, hepatitis, hyperactivity, pancreatic insufficiency, psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, herpes, mononucleosis, adrenal failure, allergies and so many other ailments have been relieved through use of this therapy. After you overcome your initial gag response (I know I had one), you will realize that something big is going on, and if you are searching for health, this is an area to investigate. There are numerous reports and double blind studies which go back to the turn of the century supporting the efficacy of using urine for health.

[qbounce]

Whatever you do McF, DON'T try to convince me of the benefits! I'm a little squeamish.

[mcferguson]

 qbounce, on 01 May 2012 - 03:56 PM, said:

Whatever you do McF, DON'T try to convince me of the benefits! I'm a little squeamish.

I'll let this lady do the convincing for me:



Ya know, those of us who use cath kits have an advantage 'cause we have containers for this refreshing beverage with us at all times!