I came across an article the other day stating that Alka Seltzer, (yes that Alka Seltzer!) can stop urinary tract infections (UTI’s) in their tracks. I was stunned, as UTI’s are relatively common for women and some men as they get older. The usual course is antibiotics, which have side effects such as diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. I had my doubts about something so simple as Alka Seltzer as a treatment, but after talking with a homeopathic doctor yesterday, I will recommend it to my clients. The doctor said he had just read an article, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, that sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is so effective in treating kidney disease that it prevents patients from having to be put on dialysis! Bicarbonate is a truly strong universal concentrated nutritional medicine that works effectively in many clinical situations that we would not normally think of. UTI’s occur in the bladder, which is closely linked to the kidneys-both are part of the same system. The kidneys monitor and control the acid-base (pH) balance of the blood. If the blood is too acidic, the kidney makes bicarbonate to restore the bloods pH balance. If the blood is too alkaline, the kidney excretes bicarbonate into the urine to restore the balance. It is known that normal adults consuming a Western diet have chronic, low-grade acidosis which increases with age. This excess acid, or acidosis, is thought to contribute to many diseases and contribute to the aging process. Acid-buffering by means of base supplementation is one of the major roles of dialysis. By consuming bicarbonate (baking soda), acidity is neutralized and also increases oxygen to the tissues. For daily use, 1 tablespoon in 8 oz of water should be adequate. If you have a UTI, double that amount. Baking soda is inexpensive, and doesn’t taste bad either. Give it a try.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.