Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are very common but can be debilitating. Infections of the urinary tract include cystitis (infection of the urethra), bladder infections, and more serious kidney infections. They are caused by a bacterial infection, and are treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of a UTI range from urgent, scanty urination, pain or burning, localised skin irritation, discoloured urine with a strong odour, back pain and feeling generally unwell. It is important to treat a UTI appropriately with antibiotics - if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can be very serious.
A one-off UTI will usually respond well to a course of antibiotics, and you can support your system by taking a good probiotic afterwards.However, many women suffer with recurrent cystitis and urinary infections, despite frequent antibiotics. If this is the case, then it is vital to support and strengthen your urinary system, and eliminate the vulnerability to infection.
Here are the best ways to support your urinary system naturally:
Happy bladder bacteria
We all know the importance of good gut bacteria, but did you know your urinary system is also home to important biome? Evidence is emerging of important bacteria inhabiting various places within the body previously thought to be sterile, including the urinary system. In fact, significant differences appear to exist between the biome of people with healthy urinary systems, and those with urinary disease. Keep your body’s biome in tip-top condition by including pro- and pre-biotics, live yogurts, and fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi and raw sauerkraut in your daily diet.
Reduce sugar
A diet high in sugar will encourage pathogenic bacteria and yeast to flourish, so keep your intake of sweet and processed foods to a minimum.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has excellent antimicrobial properties and will help keep pathogenic bacteria and yeast in check. Include it in cooking, and add to hot drinks (such as the famous ‘Bulletproof’ Hot Chocolate!).
D-Mannose
An active ingredient found in cranberries, D-Mannose taken as a supplement will help prevent pathogenic bacteria attaching to the bladder wall and can be very useful to ward off infection.
Natural vitamin C
Vitamin C is a great support to your immune system, but synthetic vitamin C is often in the very acidic, bladder- irritating version ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is always best taken in its natural food source (citrus fruits, kiwis, oranges and berries) or as a food source supplement such as ‘Pukka’ vitamin C.
Cod Liver Oil
Supplying the perfect balance of vitamins D and A. Vitamin A, in particular, keeps the cells healthy and helps protect them from bacterial attack.
Water
Drink plenty of water to regularly flush the urinary system and maintain good hydration levels. Regularly emptying your bladder is also important.
Fiona O’Farrell is an acupuncturist and natural health therapist running a vibrant clinic in Greystones. Co. Wicklow. For more information see www.fionaofarrellacupuncture.com or www.facebook.com/fionaofarrellacupuncture.
