UTIs are more common in postmenopausal women because of the tissue changes that result from lower estrogen levels
One of the commonest complaints that I’ve received from patients over the past decade is about urinary tract infections (UTIs). As the population ages, this diagnosis is becoming much more common, especially in menopausal women. Most women are prescribed antibiotics by their doctors for UTIs but there are many natural solutions that can be used before resorting to synthetic antibiotics.
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to serious pain. A UTI can start off with a burning sensation when urinating or an urgency to urinate with very little urine being produced. This may become more frequent and eventually painful unless a treatment is utilized. The real danger of a UTI is its possible spread to the kidneys and the circulation in general.
If the infection travels to the kidneys, a fever and possibly back pain can develop. At this point, prescription antibiotics are required because the natural remedies are unlikely to work well for an infected kidney (a.k.a. pyelonephritis).
A urinary tract infection will start because of a bacterial infection which causes problems like discomfort during urination, frequent urination, urgency, and other symptoms. The most common bacteria causing the problem are Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, although other types of infectious bacteria like Klebsiella can be seen.
Bacteria that cause UTIs usually originate from the digestive tract. These bacteria can migrate from the anus into the urethra and even the bladder if left unchecked. Women are more prone to UTIs partially because their urethras are shorter than men’s, and bacteria don’t have far to travel to initiate an infection. One therefore can blame this anatomical issue for greater frequency of UTIs in women. Dehydration and infrequent urination can also be factors in the development of UTIs.
UTIs are more common in postmenopausal women because of the tissue changes that result from lower estrogen levels. The vaginal dryness that encourages bacterial infections can be avoided by using topical estrogen creams of different types.
Note: There is a condition known as interstitial cystitis which can cause all the symptoms of a UTI but is not caused by an infection. A urine culture in this case would not demonstrate the presence of bacteria and the condition is treated quite differently. With interstitial cystitis it’s important to avoid foods that cause acidity in the urine and avoid acidifying supplements like vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
These are all signs and symptoms of the need to use prescription antibiotics like Cephalexin, Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin or Fosfomycin. The choice of the antibiotic depends on which bacteria grow in a patient’s urinary cultures, along with their level of antibiotic sensitivity and the doctor’s preference.
Prescription antibiotics can kill both harmful and friendly bacteria, leading to yeast (Candida) infections and various gut discomforts. This is why a probiotic supplement is a good idea to take at least two hours after the antibiotic dose. This action should help prevent some of the common side effects of antibiotics.
Prevention is the best natural remedy for Urinary Tract Infections. Preventive strategies for those prone to UTIs include practising good sex hygiene, wiping from the front to back when using the restroom, and drinking adequate amounts of water to prevent the bacteria from taking a foothold in the first place.
Keep your immune system strong by avoiding sugar as much as possible in your diet and getting adequate amounts of vitamins C and D. Zinc is another immune system booster that can be derived from high protein foods or from supplements like zinc bisglycinate. It helps improve white blood cell function to fight infections.
1. DON’T HOLD IT
Make a habit of urinating when you get the urge instead of holding it in for long periods of time. This prevents bacteria from accumulating and setting up residence in the urethra and bladder. Use the bathroom as often as possible to flush out harmful bacteria and prevent them from multiplying. Make sure you also urinate right after sexual intercourse for the same reason.
2. HYDRATE OFTEN
Adequate water intake can help prevent UTIs. Most adults need to drink at least two liters of water every day, maybe even more in the summer when sweating causes more water loss. This is common sense but unfortunately uncommon.
3. CRANBERRY JUICE
Drink unsweetened cranberry juice because it contains proanthocyanidins that can inhibit bacteria from adhering to the cells lining the bladder wall. Sweetened cranberry juice will not work. One can also effectively use cranberry extract that comes available in capsules. Use cranberry several times daily. The amount you use can be unlimited.
Probiotic supplements provide friendly bacteria that displace pathogens in the gut and support the immune system. There are numerous brands on the market. I recommend using multi-strain capsules (at least 8 different lactobacillus species), or powder with a dose of 50 billion organisms, on a daily basis especially for those that are prone to UTIs. Good food sources of probiotics include kefir, kimchi, probiotic yogurt, raw cheese, sauerkraut and kombucha.
5. D-MANNOSE
D-mannose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that prevents the adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract walls. It is available in powder or capsule form and does not raise blood sugar levels. The recommended dose for prevention of UTIs is 1,000 mg twice daily. Used along with cranberry juice it often can halt an early infection quite effectively. There are various natural health supplement companies that offer a capsule that contains both D-mannose and cranberry extract; these are quite effective for both prevention and treatment.
6. VITAMIN C
I often recommend supplementing with at least 3,000 mg of vitamin C daily for early signs of a UTI. If bowels become too loose with that dose, then the dose can be reduced to bowel tolerance. Vitamin C acidifies the urine making it less hospitable for most bacteria. It should not be used at all for the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis which is not caused by bacteria. It can make this type of bladder pain worse.
7. UVA-URSI or BEARBERRY
Uva-ursi, (aka bearberry), is an effective treatment for UTI. Usually about 1,000 mg daily will work quite well for most mild cases. Of course, it can be combined with all the measures mentioned on this list including prescription antibiotics.
8. GARLIC AND BERBERINE
Garlic is another natural antibiotic which can work well for a UTI. It is best sourced from your diet, but supplemental capsules are also broadly available. Use whatever amount you can tolerate.
Berberine is yet another natural antibiotic that works well in some cases of UTI. It comes in 500 mg capsules and can be taken at least three times daily for an antibacterial effect.
9. URINATE AFTER SEX
This is just commonsense prevention and a good hygiene practice that prevents bacteria from taking a foothold after sexual intercourse.
10. WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING
Bacteria thrive in a moist environment so keeping your skin dry by wear ing loose fitting clothing is a good preventive practice.
11. OIL OF OREGANO
Mediterranean oregano oil has been proven to kill E. Coli and other bacteria that can cause Urinary Tract Infections. One can use a few drops in olive oil and swallow it 3 times daily for good results. For those that find the oil too spicy for their tastes it also comes in small capsules that are usually easier to swallow.
12. AVOID SPERMICIDES
Spermicides can be effective for pregnancy prevention but can irritate the urinary tract and encourage the growth of bacteria that can cause a UTI. Avoid condoms that contain spermicides and spermicidal foams. Use other forms of birth control if at all possible.
13. AVOID CAFFEINE, ALCOHOL, ARTIFICIALLY SWEETENED BEVERAGES
These are all urinary tract irritants that can encourage the growth of bacteria that start UTIs. Avoid them if at all possible.
14. JUNIPER BERRY EXTRACT
This is yet another natural antibiotic that is effective for mild cases of UTI. The usual effective dose of the extract is 500 mg three times daily. It can be safely and effectively combined with the other remedies mentioned here.
15. OTHER REMEDIES
Clove oil, parsley, coconut oil and green tea have also been advocated as UTI remedies in various publications, but most cases can be both prevented and treated successfully without using any of these.
If you suffer from recurrent UTIs work with a health care practitioner to determine the cause and ask him or her for the best approach for you to take in resolving the chronic problem in your situation. Consider using some of the recommendations in this article before resorting to prescription antibiotics.
Editor’s note: This article is for information purposes only and is not meant to replace the advice of your physician. When making changes to your healthcare regimen, please consult a professional.
REFERENCES
The 13 Best Natural Remedies for UTIs: https://drbrighten.com/natural-remedies-for-a-uti/
The Secret to Instant UTI Relief: https://www.verywellhealth.com/instant-uti-relief-8608964
Top 12 Natural Home Remedies for UTIs: https://draxe.com/health/home-remedies-for-uti/
How to Get Rid of a UTI at Home, according to Urologists: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a39980833/home-remedies-for-uti/
Eight Herbs and Natural Supplements for UTIs: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/herbs-for-uti#takeaway
Eight Natural Remedies for UTIs: https://drlauryn.com/wellness-knowledge/top-8-natural-remedies-for-utis-no-antibiotics-included/
Juniper berry extract for UTIs: https://vorstcanada.com/blogs/news/juniper-extract-for-urinary-tract-infection-uti
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