Our urinary tract is composed of the kidneys, urethra, bladder and ureters plus the prostate in men. These organs work together to filter waste from the blood, produce urine, store urine and then eliminate it from the body.

UTI’s, are bacterial infections involving the urinary tract, and are mainly caused by the E.Coli bacteria. Recurrent use of antibiotics also increases the risk of getting more infections and causes the bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotics.

Growing scientific evidence supports the use of probiotics for preventing UTI’s, specifically the species of Lactobacilli. Studies show that lactobacilli strains such as L.acidophilius and L.plantarum inhibit the growth of E.Coli. The good bacteria that line our skin, digestive system and urinary system have a tremendous effect on our immune system. When we kill off these good bacteria with antibiotics, we increase our risk of developing secondary infections like UTI’s.

Helpful Natural Remedies

Cranberry extract is well established as being helpful in preventing the bacteria that causes bladder infections from being able to bind to the bladder wall. Cranberry capsules are an excellent supplement that can be used for prevention. D-Mannose, found in apples, cranberries, grapes and peaches, also prevents the bacteria that causes UTI’s from adhering to the bladder wall. It is available as a capsule and powder and has proven to be very effective at preventing UTI infections.

High levels of sugar in the diet can encourage the wrong kinds of bacteria and it is important to choose a whole food diet that is low in processed foods. This will ensure that you get the necessary nutrients to support your immune system and decrease your risk of infections including urinary tract infections.

Vitamin D also plays an important role in the antimicrobial response by activating the immune system. When it comes to urinary health, low serum levels of Vitamin D have a higher incidence of recurrent UTI’s.

Types Of UTI's

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and it can be the result of infection which can be bacterial or non bacterial. It is very common in women’s health as can be experienced during pregnancy and common around menopause due to hormonal shifts.

Bacterial cystitis is responsible for about 50% of all cases. The main bacteria, E Coli, enters the urethra in one of a variety of ways and can stick to the walls of the bladder. This bacteria can then travel to the kidneys. Women who use tampons are more susceptible to bacterial cystitis as the chemicals from tampons can irritate the delicate lining of the vagina encouraging inflammation.

Non bacterial cystitis causes include chemical irritants found in soaps and bubble baths. Drinking too little water can make the urine over-concentrated causing irritation of the urethra and the bladder, which is never properly emptied. Nutrition tips include avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, strong coffee as well as fruit juices which are highly acidic.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men, causing symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty starting to urinate, weak stream and waking up at night to urinate. BPH can lead to complications like bladder obstruction and kidney problems, if left untreated. Urinary experts recommend maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for managing BPH symptoms. It is important to reduce high fat meats and increase vegetable intake. Lycopene rich foods like tomatoes and watermelon have shown potential benefits in preventing BPH. Smoking is a huge bladder irritant so consider stopping smoking which will also help reduce inflammation.

For both men and women, the urinary tract can benefit from regular detox support. Dandelion helps flush the urinary tract by eliminating excess fluid from the body - it is available in capsule, tincture, liquid and tea form.

There are a number of herbal tea options also available that support kidney function including quebra pedra, golden rod, knotgrass, acerola and juniper berry which are found in the health shop.

The main advice is to support your immune system through maintaining a healthy gut microbiome as well as using natural ingredients like garlic, cranberries, herbal teas and following an anti-inflammatory diet.

Blog by Nutritional Therapist Davina Dowling

How To Prevent UTI’s in Women And Men