Cloudy urine in and of itself is usually nothing serious as it typically follows a heavy meal or a large consumption of milk. It is also associated with slight dehydration and isn’t particularly important unless it is accompanied by other symptoms; in which case the cloudy urine could indicate the presence of bacteria in the urine.
The symptoms of a bladder infection may include cloudy urine but generally there are other symptoms as well such as burning during urination, pain or pressure around the bladder, and urgency.
Bladder infections are quite common and are not considered serious unless it worsens to the point that the infection begins to spread to the kidneys. Then it can become a serious matter. However, some people experience bladder infections on a regular basis. This is mainly due to the depletion of friendly bacteria caused from an overuse of antibiotics.
Friendly bacteria aren’t as aggressive as infection-causing bacteria and habitual use of antibiotics can deplete a body’s beneficial bacteria. Once the course of antibiotics has been taken, the infection can return.
Those who experience frequent bladder infections know that while cloudy urine may be one of the first symptoms it’s always accompanied by pain and discomfort. And likely as not, they know their antibiotics are not helping them, otherwise the infection wouldn’t keep coming back. However, there are other options for treating a bladder infection.
Rather than taking antibiotics that destroy friendly bacteria, there are natural treatments which allow your body’s friendly bacteria to repopulate. Yogurt is a good way to help increase your friendly bacteria.
The most common causes of bladder infection involve things that sometimes can’t be helped such holding urine in the bladder too long. In today’s fast-paced society frequent bathroom stops are not always an option. Sex is another cause, which is why anyone prone to bladder infection should bathe after sex.
Keeping the bladder flushed is the best treatment for bladder infection which will help eliminate cloudy urine and ease the burning associated with the infection. Cranberry juice is very effective in fighting bladder infections as is apple cider vinegar. Two or three ounces twice a day for about three days can go a long way in treating a bladder infection.
Green tea has also been proven to have bacteria-fighting ingredients that can not only help fight an existing infection but can also help prevent further infections. It can also be mixed with cranberry juice for added taste and potency.
Homebrewed tea is much more effective than a commercial tea in a bottle. One small green tea bag seeped in boiling water for a minute or two is all one needs to get the benefits of this potent tea. Drink it hot or mix it with cold cranberry juice.
In summary, cloudy urine alone is nothing to worry about but if symptoms such as pain around the bladder and frequent urge to go are also present, it’s a pretty good indication of a bladder infection.
It is important to consult your physician before any kind of self treatment especially if you are taking prescription medications. It is just a matter of a simple phone call and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
