Are You Susceptible to Urinary Tract Infections?
We have noticed a significant increase in the incidence of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) since the coronavirus pandemic outbreak.
We suspect a number of reasons for this, from reduced incidental exercise as a result from working from home to increased stress and anxiety as a natural response to these external and uncontrollable triggers.
Cystitis is the most common type of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in women where around 30% will experience it at least once during their lifetimes. And a further 25% of those affected by cystitis are likely to experience a recurrence within six months.
Cystitis is a lower urinary tract infection and around 95% of cystitis cases are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E.coli).
Cystitis is very common in both young women who are sexually active as well as perimenopausal and menopausal women due to lowering levels of oestrogen.
Low levels of oestrogen change the gut microflora from one high in lactobacillus to one high in E.coli which increases the risk of UTI’s.
Other risk factors for cystitis include pregnancy, frequent sexual intercourse, advancing age, incomplete bladder emptying, underlying urological abnormalities, some lubricants and spermicides and In-dwelling catheters.
Symptoms of UTI’s
- Painful urination (burning, stinging)
• Frequency and urgency
• Cloudy and/or strong smelling urine
• Fever
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic pressure
Herbs and Nutrients
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Cranberry is the number one herb traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to help reduce the incidence and frequency of cystitis as well as maintain urinary tract health.
Cranberry contains amazing active constituents call proanthocyanidins (PACs) and these help prevent E.coli adhering to the urinary tract lining, and thus helps to prevent infection taking hold.
Cranberry also helps prevent ‘biofilms’ forming in the urinary tract, which are very difficult to treat with antibiotics.
Probiotics
As the bacterial strain E.coli proliferates it increases the risk of UTI’s. So it makes sense to ensure good strains of Lactobacilli bacteria proliferate in the gut.
Specifically, Lactobacillus plantarum competitively inhibits the proliferation of pathogens in both the urinary and intestinal tracts, allowing good bacteria to flourish.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Pomegranate originates from the Middle East and it fruit peel contains high levels of amazing antioxidant compounds, ellagic acid being one of these.
Ellagic acid helps reduce the ability of E.coli to reproduce by impacting on its DNA replication.
Interestingly, the probiotic strain L. plantarum, works to liberate the action of ellagic acid and so combining the two may give a more powerful result.
Traditional Western Herbs
Naturopaths are in a wonderful position where they can draw upon a range of beautiful herbs to address the range of uncomfortable symptoms UTI’s can cause.
Our favourites include Corn Silk (Zea Mays), Dandelion Leaf (Taraxacum officinale), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), Cratavea (Cratavea nurvala) and Buchu (Agathosma betulina), to name a few.
Each of these herbs have specific actions including soothing demulcents, anti -inflammatory, diuretic (to flush out bacteria) and antimicrobial – all used to ensure UTI’s are resolved and to reduce the incidence of reoccurrence.
D-Mannose
D-Mannose is a relatively new ‘kid’ on the block but it is showing promising results.
It works by blocking bacterial adhesion to the urinary lining cells and therefore may be useful for UTI prevention.
Live Webinar Event
Tackling Urinary Tract Infections: Wednesday 15th July at 7pm
Joins us tomorrow evening as the Mammoth Health Naturopaths chat about Urinary Tract Infections. Brooke Eberle, Jess Menzel and Anna Werner will discuss how they professionally treat UTI’s and how to prevent them from reoccurring.
Register Now for this Webinar by replying to this email and include your Name and Email address, if you are not already a part of our Wednesday Wellness Webinar community.
Look out for the Free-Link to Join our Webinar in your inbox. You can join and watch it live tomorrow evening and ask questions. Or alternatively you can click on the link anytime and watch the recording at your convenience.
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