Avoiding Urinary "Diseases"
By Judy Josiah

Signs of Possible Urinary Imbalance

If you notice several of the symptoms below, consider discussing them with a healthcare professional.

• High or low blood pressure
• Itchy skin, ear irritation, or rashes
• Mood changes or insomnia
• Dark, puffy circles under the eyes
• Sinus congestion or allergies
• Back, side, or pelvic discomfort
• Painful urination or water retention

Everyday Support for Urinary Health

Hydration

Proper hydration helps kidneys filter and eliminate waste. Aim for regular fluid intake (for many people, roughly 1 quart of water daily), unless a healthcare provider advises otherwise.

Movement

Physical activity supports circulation and kidney function. If you sit for long periods, take short walking or stretching breaks and maintain good posture.

Cystitis (Bladder Irritation/infection)

Common symptoms: frequent urge to urinate, burning with urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and lower abdominal discomfort.

Supportive measures

• Follow a simple, easy-to-digest diet (broths, steamed vegetables, and grains).
• Choose unsweetened cranberry juice or a quality cranberry  supplement.
• Increase fluids (including herbal teas) and avoid bladder irritants such as alcohol, sodas, citrus juices, coffee, and chocolate.
• Practice gentle personal care and urinate after sexual activity to help clear bacteria.

Comfort measures: rest, warm baths, a hot water bottle over the back, or a warm ginger poultice can reduce discomfort. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Homeopathic Support
Bladdertone

Herbal Support
Herbs commonly used for bladder support include: uva ursi, cranberry & buchu, and cornsilk.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate and may cause frequent urination (especially at night), pelvic pain, burning urination, low-grade fever, or blood in the urine.

Supportive care

• Avoid alcohol during flare-ups.
• Consider soothing foods such as steamed vegetables, grains, apples, cherries, and cranberries.
• Herbal options sometimes used: Echinacea/golden seal and Men's Formula; warm sitz baths can also help. 

If symptoms are severe or persistent, consult a healthcare practitioner for diagnosis and treatment.

Incontinence

Causes may include weakened pelvic floor muscles, chronic irritation, or structural issues.

Helpful approaches

• Homeopathic Support
  Urinary HP 
  Bladdertone
  Renatone
  
  
• Herbal supports such as Urinary Maintenance and cornsilk.

Kidney Stones

Stones can be very painful and sometimes require medical attention. Symptoms include sudden intense pain in the back or abdomen, radiating pain to the groin, nausea, and possible blood in urine.

Prevention & support

• Drink ample fluids — for many people up to about 3 quarts daily, as appropriate.
• Remain physically active to encourage healthy kidney flow.
• Use demulcent herbal teas such as cornsilk, or chickweed; and include dandelion leaves in the diet.
• Adjust diet according to stone type: limit oxalate-rich foods for calcium oxalate stones, favor alkaline foods for uric acid stones, and address infections when calcium phosphate stones are present.

Important: Kidney stones can require medical treatment. Self-care should be guided by a qualified practitioner and laboratory information about stone composition when available.

Herbal Note — Hydrangea

Traditional herbal preparations such as Hydrangea arborescens (sold as Kidney & Prostate Power by some suppliers) have been used historically to support urinary comfort and to help with calcium deposit concerns (stones). Use herbs according to label directions and consult a practitioner for persistent issues.