Uti Supreme - 60 V-Caps - Health First

UTI & Bladder Health

Infections of the urinary tract are quite common, especially in women. Infections usually begin when bacteria colonize the bladder lining and cause inflammation (cystitis). The infection may spread up into the kidney causing nephritis or to the prostate causing prostatitis.

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic infection between the bladder lining and muscular layer. Its exact cause is unknown but it is usually non-infectious and occurs subsequent to several cystitis episodes.
Factors that predispose an individual to bladder infections are poor hygiene, the use of perfumed of coloured hygiene products, antibiotic use, oral contraceptive use, catheter use, sexually transmitted diseases, stress and poor nutrition.

Symptoms of cystitis are urinary frequency and urgency with burning pain on urination. Emptying the bladder may not relieve the symptoms. The urine may be cloudy or "coke coloured", due to the presence of blood. Lab testing of the urine reveals the presence of bacteria. Symptoms can be mild, with gradual onset or severe, with a quick onset. Fever and lower back pain signal that the kidney is affected. The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are the same but are usually recurring and lab testing is negative for bacteria.

Conventional treatment of cystitis involves the use of antibiotics to clear up the current infection. However, the body becomes susceptible to subsequent infections if friendly bacteria are not replaced. The overuse of antibiotics has also lead to antibiotic resistant strains of urinary tract pathogens. Individuals can help to minimize resistance by using antibiotics sparingly and always taking recommendations until they are finished.

To prevent cystitis proper hygiene is essential. Do not use scented or coloured toilet paper or feminine hygiene products. Douches, lubricants, latex condoms, spermicides and seminal fluid can also cause bladder irritation. For women, always wipe from front to back when using the toilet and both partners should urinate as soon as possible after sexual intercourse. Wear breathable cotton underwear. Exercise the bladder by contracting the bladder muscles as you would to stop the flow of urine. Repeat this several times a day.

Dietary interventions to prevent cystitis include drinking 2-2.5 litres of filtered water or unsweetened cranberry juice daily. This flushes the urinary tract.

Cranberry juice inhibits bacterial growth and prevents the binding of the bacteria to the bladder wall. Carrot and watermelon juices also flush the urinary tract. Eat garlic for its antibacterial properties. Avoid spicy foods, acidic foods, refined carbohydrates, sugar in all forms, coffee, black tea, tomatoes, spinach and yeast because they may irritate the bladder. For interstitial cystitis maintain an alkaline diet.

Cranberry

Cranberry has been well studied for its ability to prevent and decrease the severity of urinary tract infections. It contains compounds called lectins that prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. The bacteria are then flushed out through the urine and do not lead to infection. Cranberry also acidifies the urine, which makes it an uncomfortable environment for bacteria to live and reproduce.

Cranberries also contain significant amounts of vitamin C, which is important for the healing of the lining of the urinary tract. Finally, the proanthocyanidins that are found in cranberry have been shown to have anti-cancer effects in laboratory testing. More studies are needed to determine if cranberry will be clinically useful for cancer patients.

Cranberry can be purchased as a raw berries, encapsulated dried berries or concentrated juice. The concentrated unsweetened juice is the best way to consume cranberry for its medicinal qualities. The juice is very tart but be sure to dilute the juice with water, not other fruit juices. Likewise, avoid drinking sweetened cranberry cocktails because they often contain little actual cranberry juice and lots of sugar.

Sugar actually feeds the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Encapsulated cranberry ranges in strength and quality. Purchase a product that gives an equivalent value of raw cranberries or concentrated cranberry juice. Combination products for urinary tract infections may contain cranberry.