With the onset of colder weather, more stress, escalating coffee habits (who needs a piping hot americano in mid July I mean really?!) and generally declining health routines, it's almost the season when urinary tract infections (UTIs) run rife. It will be a perfect storm for weakening those wee kidneys, ya know?

Q: Where do we start?
 

A: If I'm to give one piece of advice, gun to my head, it's a ginger compress. 

Yup, it’s that simple.  See, in traditional Chinese medicine they refer to a UTI as a 'kidney cold' and they take all sorts of precautions to keep the little dudes nice ‘n’ snug in the colder months.  Ginger is a super-warming tonic for the kidneys, whether drunk as a tea, or in this case, macerated with hot water – here’s how to do that:

1. Mix 1 Tsp of powdered ginger with just enough off-the-boil water to make a smooth paste.

2. Spread the paste between some folded muslin cloth.

3. Lie on your front and get a buddy to lay the compress over your kidneys.
    (Google their location if kidney geography isn't a strong suit)

4. Follow this with a nice warm towel and a hot water bottle – stick something chilled on the stereo and settle in for about 15 minutes.

Q: So, should we watch our coffee intake?

A: Another big point to remember is that the battery cells for all your shakin ‘n’ groovin, the adrenal glands, sit right on top of the kidneys.

And guess what? Just like any good captain, if the kidneys go down, your adrenals follow.  So, not only is that coffee habit going to upset your rhythm with their diuretic action (robbing precious minerals and putting a squeeeeze on the kidneys), but the caffeine also kicks your adrenals like a bruiser of a donkey.  It asks them to do more with less – basically draining the life out of an already worn down energy system.

So now you've nixed the caffeine, at least for a week, but the frequency and irritation is still bothersome, so what next?  If you're hoping to avoid antibiotics, you'll need some help.  First port of call: a cranberry juice, uva-ursi and rolden rod tea.  This wicked blend not only expels the pesky bacteria that cause UTIs in the first place, but also strengthens and supports the kidneys and bladder – reducing the risk of repeat infection, which is alllll too common.

So now you've nixed the caffeine, at least for a week, but the frequency and irritation is still bothersome, so what next?  If you're hoping to avoid antibiotics, you'll need some help.  First port of call: a cranberry juice, uva-ursi and Goldenrod tea.  This wicked blend not only expels the pesky bacteria that cause UTIs in the first place, but also strengthens and supports the kidneys and bladder – reducing the risk of repeat infection, which is alllll too common!

Q: And if it’s still not working, what would you suggest?

A: D-Mannose…

If things get even worse… firstly – it’s important to say that we're not trying to replace the doc here so make sure you consult them for their expert opinion.  

Then, if you still have the chance to do more work in the natural health department, next stop: D-Mannose.  It's just the most nuclear of nuclear in the Hopsack's anti-UTI war chest.  Either in tablet or powder form, this stuff is just the business when you've been through the ringer and your hanging on for miracles.  1 tsp every two hours is enough for most to bounce back from the brink in gig time!!  It's super pricey though, so for us it's a real last resort, but such a great first aid remedy to have around the house if you don't fancy your fondest Christmas memories being painfully punctuated by frequent bathroom breaks.

So to sum up, give your kidneys a little hug this winter with a few of these tips and tricks to prevent the unbearable, and we hope you won't end up suffering all the way through January!!

…did I forget to mention water?! D'OH!

Two litres per day please and thank you (from your kidneys) – slainte.