Home remedies that work

Alternative names:

Coke and peppermint as home remedies; cranberry juice as a home remedy; diarrhea - yogurt treatment for; upset stomach - treatment for; urinary tract infection - treatment for; yeast infections - treatment for; yogurt

Definition:

Cranberry juice:
A sweet, non-commercial remedy for urinary tract infections that increases the acidity of the urine, this change in acidity neutralizes or kills many types of bacteria.

Yogurt:
Dairy products made from milk fermented with bacteria; (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are most common). Yogurt may contain active or inactive cultures. It may also have other additives such as milk solids, sugar, fruits, nuts, etc. See also diarrhea, and lactose intolerance.

Functions:

Cranberry juice:
Tradition has long held that cranberry juice prevents or cures painful urinary infections. Theories about how it works include cranberry juice's ability to change urine acidity, kill harmful bacteria, or prevent the bacteria from "sticking" to the bladder walls.
While the whole story still isn't known, it seems tradition may be right. Several studies indicate that daily cranberry juice (one to two cups a day in adults) lowers the number of bacteria in urine and the number of urinary infections. Another study of bacteria shows cranberry juice interferes with the bacteria's ability to stick to bladder cells.

Yogurt:

• Nutrition:

Yogurt has been eaten world-wide for thousands of years. During the past few decades, Americans have renewed their interest in this food. Part of the interest focuses on the nutritional benefits of yogurt. It provides a good source of protein and calcium; some products have little or no fat and cholesterol.

• Lactose Intolerance:

People with lactose or milk intolerance can often eat yogurt without any intestinal discomfort. This may be due to lower lactose levels from the bacteria digesting lactose. The presence of certain compounds (enzymes) in active cultures may help the body breakdown lactose before it causes discomfort. Freezing destroys this compound, so frozen yogurt may cause symptoms in people with lactose intolerance.

• Diarrhea:

Diarrhea has many causes. Some of these include antibiotics which kill off the friendly bacteria that normally live in the intestines or by an unfriendly bacteria taking over the intestines. Eating yogurt with active cultures can help re-establish good bacteria and allow them to push out those causing problems. Studies with infants and children show that yogurt can decrease the duration of a diarrheal attack and help provide needed nutrition. Yogurt may also assist the immune system in fighting infections although scientists are not sure how it does so.

• Yeast infections:

Yeast infections may have many causes. Some of these include antibiotics which kill off bacteria that is normally found in the vagina. This bacteria maintains an equilibrium with other flora normally found in the vagina so there is not an overgrowth of one particular organism. Eating active culture yogurt, replenishes the supply of bacteria and re-establishes the equilibrium between flora.

Coke and peppermint:
Coke syrup and peppermint tea are sometimes successful in relieving an upset stomach.