UTI solutions are mostly common sense and generally quite easy to attain. Nine million visits to the doctor each and every year are due to UTI’s, which is almost as many as doctor visits for the common cold. UTI’s in women are very common compared to men. This is due to the relatively short length of the female urethra. This results in the bladder being nearer the external environment. The most likely sources of bacteria are from the rectum, colonization in the vagina, or introduction via sexual activity. Frequent bathing, as opposed to showering, also allows bath water to reflux into the bladder and may also be an entry path for bacteria. In addition, refluxed soap residues often will irritate the lining of the bladder and urethra (mucosa) causing symptoms.

Most UTI’s involve the lower urinary tract (urethra and/or bladder). A tentative diagnosis is made by doing a urinalysis which typically demonstrates white blood cells (“pus cells”) and bacteria. A positive dip stick test of the urine for nitrates or leukocyte esterase strongly suggests a UTI but culturing the urine for bacteria provides a definitive diagnosis. Sensitivity studies are then done on the culture to determine which antibiotics will destroy the germ. The conventional approach, which I obviously do not recommend, requires 3-7 days of antibacterial therapy. In the post-menopausal female, topical vaginal estrogen therapy is often prescribed, but again not recommended by me! Patients with recurrent UTI’s often consult with a urologist to have their urinary system evaluated to try and find the reason for the frequent problems. This usually involves imaging studies of the upper urinary tract, cystoscopic examination of the bladder and a measurement of residual urine (the urine still left in the bladder after urinating). Good luck with all that!

So, what should YOU do to prevent and treat UTI’s?

1. Consume more water daily! Water helps to flush your urinary tract and will dilute the bacteria count in the urine thus relieving symptoms. This may be enough to actually eradicate the infection with the help of your natural body defenses.

2. Drinking 100% pure cranberry juice is a fairly well known and natural way to both help prevent urinary tract infections (E-coli), as well as help speed the recovery process when UTI develops. The cranberry juice produces ‘hippuric’ acid in the urine which acidifies the urine and prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. If bacteria cannot hold on to the wall, then infection cannot form. If pure cranberry juice is not available, it can be substituted with cranberry capsules found in most health food stores. Just drinking two 4 ounce glasses of cranberry juice daily is often enough to both prevent UTI and speed recovery when an infection does develop. Blueberries contain similar properties as cranberries and therefore can be substituted or alternated with cranberry juice.

3. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples and also available as a supplement, has been shown in double-blind studies to resolve UTI’s in combination with antibiotic therapy. I do NOT recommend anti-biotic therapy but the supplementation with bromelain may assist in preventing and relieving your UTI symptoms.

4. Other natural remedies include the following vegetables and herbs that are approved in Germany as part of the therapy for people with UTIs: asparagus, birch, goldenrod, horsetail, Java tea, marshmallow root and nettle.

5. Females can lessen the likelihood of an infection by not ignoring the desire to void. Holding in the urine – when you need to go – can help any bacteria that may be present develop into a full-fledged urinary tract infection.

6. Take showers rather than baths to help prevent bacteria from entering the urethra or vagina.

7. Feminine hygiene sprays and douches, particularly scented douches, can irritate the urethra and possibly begin a case of UTI. So, be safe and learn to say “No” to feminine hygiene sprays and douches. Doing so will help prevent not only urinary tract infections, but also other infections and irritations that these products may cause.

8. Always wear panties with a cotton crotch; white cotton panties are even better. Cotton fabric lets moisture escape while other fabrics can trap moisture, creating a potential breeding ground for bacteria.

9. After a bathroom visit, always wipe from the urethra toward the rectum – NEVER the reverse! This is especially important to help prevent bacteria from the anus entering the vagina or urethra.

10. Always cleanse your genital area both before and after sexual intercourse to help prevent transferring bacteria to the urethra or vaginal area which can create a breeding ground for UTI.

11. The use of a diaphragm and spermicidal jellies also increase the risk of UTIs. However, from a health perspective I do not recommend the “pill” either. Using a condom or having your spouse or significant other undergo a vasectomy is the wisest choice.

12. If you are one of a large number of women who suffers from frequent, recurrent urinary tract infections, a change in your position during sexual intercourse may help reduce the number of UTIs that you experience. Changing sexual positions may reduce friction on your urethra and reduce your risk of recurrent UTI.

Dr. Mike, you recommended to introduce more alkalize forming foods into my daily diet, drink water with lemon or lime, and balance my pH – How does that affect my history of UTI’s?

Most of the bacteria that cause UT’s survive better in alkaline urine. Citrus fruits (such as lemons and limes) actually alkalinize your body and your bodily systems, including your urine. If you have a history of UTI’s, the alkaline way of eating may definitely increase your risk for recurrent UTI’s. However, I do NOT recommend stopping your healthy eating habits! Just follow the instructions in this article and introduce some cranberry juice into your daily diet.

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A commonly prescribed nutritional route that may help prevent UTI is to supplement with a daily dose of +5,000mg of Vitamin C on a regular basis. Vitamin C increases the acidity level of urine which in turn helps decrease the number of harmful bacteria that may be present in your urinary tract system. As a short-term remedy, I support this approach but I would not recommend to overdose on Vitamin C long-term.

What about herbal remedies?

Tori Hudson, N.D., author of “Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine,” suggests that it is important to use herbs such as Uva ursi to treat bladder infections. She suggests that the leaves of this shrub contain arbutin and can help fight E. coli and increase urination. Germany’s Commission E, Germany’s version of our Food and Drug Administration, has approved Uva ursi for inflammatory disorders of the urinary tract.

Dandelion root is a potent diuretic that can stimulate the kidneys and create frequent urination. This frequency can help the removal of toxins through the urine. The two main properties of dandelion root, eudesmanolides and germacranolides, aid in flushing out bacteria that creates infection. You can take dandelion as a tea, tincture or in capsule form.

Goldenrod is used as a diuretic and is an herb that people use to treat inflammation of the bladder, as well as bladder infections. Varro Tyler, PhD., a professor at Purdue University and author of “Herbs of Choice,” believes goldenrod is a safe and effective herb for increasing urine flow and inhibiting bacteria. You can take goldenrod as a tea or in capsule form.

Echinacea helps build the immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help people who have reoccurring bladder infections. This herb helps fight bacteria and increases body resistance to infections. It is a good herb of choice if you experience frequent bladder infections. With any herb used to promote a healthy bladder, it is important to drink plenty water if you are taking a capsule or tablet.

Yours in Optimal Health,

Dr. Mike.

Resources: NIH.gov, www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/urinary_tract_infections.cfm. Accesed 08/21/2009, www.allexperts.com www. Livestrong.com

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