Urinary Tract Infections - How to handle recurrent UTIs
Posted by Rebecca
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections affecting women. They range from cystitis (a localised bladder infection) to full blown kidney infection and have a high rate of reoccurrence.
Making a few simple dietary changes can help reduce the likelihood of reinfection and strengthen your immune defences against UTIs.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
A mild bout of cystitis can cause an urgent need to pass a small amount of pee, and a burning sensation when peeing. If the infection develops, symptoms include:
- More pain and burning when passing urine
- Dark, cloudy, or smelly urine
- Needing to pee more frequently during the night
- Blood in your urine
- Feeling feverish, with a raised temperature
- Back and/or kidney pain, or pain in the lower abdomen
- Feeling cold, with a temperature below 36°
It is important to speak to your GP or call 111 if you have any of these symptoms, as it can indicate a kidney infection.
Why does the UTI keep coming back?
Reinfection is common thanks to the proximity of the anus, vagina, and opening of the urethra in our female anatomy. Bacteria from the bowel can easily translocate into the urinary tract, causing infection. The bacteria most commonly responsible for UTIs is Escherichia Coli, or E. Coli.
Stress and digestive problems can cause an imbalance in the gut microbiome which allows E. Coli to proliferate and lowers the levels of protective bacteria.
Anything that helps the bacteria migrate, such as wiping from back to front rather than front to back when going to the toilet, or not washing the genital area after sex can increase the risk of a UTI recurring.
Which foods help manage UTIs?
Staying hydrated is a key step for preventing recurrent UTIs. One small-scale study of 28 pre-menopausal women showed that monitoring urine concentration led to better hydration and a reduction in UTIs. Drinking more water helped keep the urethra “washed out”, stopping bacteria from taking hold.
Equally, sugary drinks, alcohol, and refined sugary foods can make symptoms worse by feeding the bacteria and making urine more acidic.
Cranberries have a history of traditional use for UTIs. Unsweetened cranberry juice is thought to stop E. Coli from clinging to the bladder wall and causing cystitis. It does have a sharp flavour though and isn’t palatable for everyone!
Probiotic foods like live yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir support the healthy balance of microbes in the gut, helping to keep E. Coli numbers in check and maintaining general immunity against infection.
Which supplements help with UTIs?
Cranberry
supplements may be easier to take than the unsweetened juice, and can often be found in supplement formulas alongside:
d-Mannose
Vitamin C
Needed for all-round immune support, vitamin C has been shown to work alongside probiotics and cranberry extract for the management of recurrent UTIs.
Recurring urinary tract infections can be a sign of low immunity and gut bacteria imbalance. Nutritional therapy can tackle these underlying causes and help you break free from chronic UTIs. Book your discovery call with me today and find out more about a personalised approach to health.
Tagged as: UTI, Vaginal Health
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