Guide to Urinary Tract Infections & Probiotics

Urinary tract infections are painful and disrupt a woman's life, but natural remedies can help with both occasional and recurrent UTIs.

Urinary tract infections are painful, bacterial infections that disrupt life. Many women who suffer from UTIs end up visiting doctors and taking medications. Now, new research is finding that antibiotics, the most common treatment, may not be enough. [1]

UTI Symptoms in Women

Common UTI symptoms include...

  • A burning sensation during urination
  • An intense urge to go, even when nothing comes out
  • Back pain or pressure in the lower abdomen
  • Cloudy, off-smelling urine
  • Feeling sick with no other symptoms
  • Fever and chills (usually an indication the infection has spread)

What is a Recurrent UTI?

It's important to remember that not all bacteria are bad. In fact, the human body (especially the digestive tract) relies on bacteria to perform many critical functions. The concern is when bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria. UTIs can occur as a result of an imbalance between good and bad bacteria. [2] UTIs cause discomfort and irritation and, if unaddressed, can spread to the kidneys. A UTI is recurrent when there are at least two infections in a six-month period or three in a year.

Home Remedies for UTIs

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs but aren't the miracle cure they're made out to be. One of the concerns with antibiotics is that they kill both good and bad bacteria. For people who would prefer to avoid those issues, there are a number of natural remedies that can help support a healthy urinary tract. [3]

Cranberry Juice

Cranberries contain A-type proanthocyanidins, a compound that discourages bad bacteria from taking hold in the bladder. Cranberries may also help discourage the formation of kidney stones. [4]

Juniper Berry Oil

Juniper berry oil promotes probiotic balance in the digestive tract. [5] It also encourages a normal urine flow to help flush the kidneys.

Uva Ursi

Before antibiotics, uva ursi was a favorite natural remedy for UTIs. It's best taken at the first sign of a UTI – 2 to 4 grams per day for no more than five days. [6]

Diet, Diet, Diet

Processed food and refined sugar encourage the growth of bad bacteria. Natural, organic food is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the good bacteria that keep troublemakers in check. [7]

Balanced Hormones?

Although hormonal imbalances are not usually identified as a prime factor for concerns with bladder health, there is some evidence to suggest that when a woman's hormones are balanced, it can help support urinary tract health. [8] It's not definitely the answer but it's interesting information to consider, especially if it seems nothing else has helped.

Probiotics: A New Paradigm in UTI Health?

Probiotic balance is essential for good health. Supporting the healthy bacteria in your gut creates a strong defense that can help keep the bad guys from causing concerns. [9] Studies have found that Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus paracasei (two strains of good bacteria) are helpful for supporting urinary tract health (just one of the many health benefits of probiotics). [10] [11]

References (11)
  1. Storm DW, Patel AS, Koff SA, Justice SS. Novel management of urinary tract infections. Curr Opin Urol. 2011 Jul;21(4):328-33. doi: 10.1097/MOU.0b013e328346d4ee.
  2. Mannhardt W. What is the cause of recurrent urinary tract infection? Monatsschr Kinderheilkd. 1992 Dec;140(12):842-6.
  3. Reid G. Potential preventive strategies and therapies in urinary tract infection. World J Urol. 1999 Dec;17(6):359-63.
  4. McHarg T, Rodgers A, Charlton K. Influence of cranberry juice on the urinary risk factors for calcium oxalate kidney stone formation. BJU Int. 2003 Nov;92(7):765-8.
  5. Filipowicz N1, Kaminski M, Kurlenda J, Asztemborska M, Ochocka JR. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of juniper berry oil and its selected components. Phytother Res. 2003 Mar;17(3):227-31.
  6. University of Maryland Medical Center. Uva ursi
  7. Kontiokari T, Laitinen J, Järvi L, Pokka T, Sundqvist K, Uhari M. Dietary factors protecting women from urinary tract infection. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Mar;77(3):600-4.
  8. "A Controlled Trial of Intravaginal Estriol in Postmenopausal Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections" by Raul Raz and Walter E. Stamm; New England Journal of Medicine; 1993; 329:753-756.
  9. Reid G, Dols J, Miller W. Targeting the vaginal microbiota with probiotics as a means to counteract infections. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009 Nov;12(6):583-7. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328331b611.
  10. Vicariotto F. Effectiveness of an association of a cranberry dry extract, D-mannose, and the two microorganisms Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 and Lactobacillus paracasei LPC09 in women affected by cystitis: a pilot study. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2014 Nov-Dec;48 Suppl 1:S96-101. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000224.
  11. de Arellano AR, Sánchez M, Vera R, Jara S, González M, Castro E. Effect of orally-administered Lactobacillus plantarum LPLM-O1 strain in an immunosuppressed mouse model of urinary tract infection.Benef Microbes. 2012 Mar 1;3(1):51-9. doi: 10.3920/BM2011.0009.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.


Top
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.

Related Posts
5 Ways to Reduce Waste In Your Wellness Routine
Wellness should never come at the cost of the earth. Yet, many modern wellness products come wrapped in layers of plastic, filled with synthetic additives, and designed for convenience over...
Your Body Is the Medicine: An Overview of Self-Healing
This post is an introduction to Your Body Is the Medicine – a Global Healing series that dives into eight self-healing systems, how they work, and what you can do...
Inflammation: Why It Happens and How to Turn It Into Healing Power
Inflammation is your body's natural way of defending and healing itself. When you get a cut, twist an ankle, or fight off an infection, your immune system responds with inflammation...
How Your Digestive System Affects Whole-Body Health
Every day, your digestive system works tirelessly to break down your food, absorb essential nutrients, and eliminate waste. But its role goes far beyond that – it's intricately connected to...
The Overactive Immune System: Strategies for Restoring Natural Function
Have you ever felt like your body is working against you? Maybe it's recurring colds, lingering fatigue, or persistent signs of inflammation. These frustrating symptoms aren't random – they're your...
Neuroplasticity: Wire Your Mind for Healing
Every second, billions of neurons, or nerve cells, communicate so you can think, breathe, move, see, smell, taste, feel... Your nervous system essentially shapes your existence – the way you...
Back to blog