Best Supplement For Utis And Urinary Frequency
One question I have been asked lately is how to prevent recurring urinary tract infections and urinary fullness and frequency. I think at this point were all aware of the age-old wisdom and precautionary measures of urinating after sexual intercourse and wiping front to back, but one piece is still missing. For all you out there who are religiously following these measures but are still suffering from UTIs and urinary frequency and fullness, I am offering another piece of advice. Go natural and use a food-based supplement instead. The best supplement for UTIs and urinary frequency is a combination of cranberry and d-mannose.
The combination of cranberry and d-mannose has been a life saver for so many people, especially women out there who have been forced to rely on a series of antibiotics and pain killers. For all of us who have suffered from a UTI, we know the pain and discomfort and NEVER EVER ever ever want to experience it again.
So why not just take antibiotics?
Another reason to start using natural methods for UTIs is that the efficacy of antibiotics is decreasing. Research is showing a decline in the effectiveness of antibiotics for treating UTIs since E.coli is becoming more and more antibiotic resistant.
What is a urinary tract infection?
*While there are more complicated forms of urinary tract infections that involve other organisms, I am only focusing on the uncomplicated form since E.coli causes the vast majority of cases.
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Risk Factors And Treatment For Uti
The urinary tract is typically a sterile environment, but infection develops when microbes end up in the region for one reason or another. Some common risk factors include the female anatomy itself, sexual intercourse, diaphragms, spermicidal agents, menopause , genetics, feminine hygiene products, and bacterial virulence.
Other risk factors could be abnormalities in the urinary tract, blockages like kidney stones, weak immunity, catheter use, pregnancy, or a recent urinary medical procedure. Although you dont see this mentioned in the mainstream literature, urinary tract infections are very common in people who are dealing with candida overgrowth in the gut and/or SIBO. Since candida and SIBO are usually managed rather than eliminated, they can contribute to a cycle of recurrence.
Traditional treatment for a UTI includes antibiotics, most commonly Cipro, sulfa drugs, Macrobid, Keflex, and amoxicillin. In the integrative/alternative health approach, natural antibacterials like cranberry extract, D-mannose, coconut oil, olive leaf extract, uva ursi, grapefruit seed extract, colloidal silver, and monolaurin are used. Prior to sulfa drugs, uva ursi was a common treatment for bladder infections. However, do be aware that uva ursi should not be taken longer than two weeks, as it can be toxic with long-term use.
Strengths And Limitations Of This Study
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Based on current literature, this will be the first large publicly funded randomised controlled trial of D-mannose for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections.
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This study is the first to use a placebo control in evaluating the benefit of D-mannose.
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Obtaining the primary outcome by medical notes review will ensure data completeness.
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The trial may not be powered to detect a secondary outcome of symptom burden which is also of value to patient decision making.
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Although participants report weekly on their study product usage there are no objective measures available to confirm accuracy of reporting.
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Treat And Prevent Utis Without Drugs
Urinary tract infections , which are infections anywhere along the urinary tract including the bladder and kidneys, are the second most common type of infection in the United States. These infections can be caused by poor hygiene, impaired immune function, the overuse of antibiotics, the use of spermicides, and sexual intercourse. The most common cause, accounting for about 90 percent of all cases, is the transfer of E. coli bacteria from the intestinal tract to the urinary tract.
For those of you who have experienced a UTI, there isnt much you wouldnt do to avoid another one. While I personally have never had a UTI, my patients have told me how the pain, burning, nausea, and even bloody urine can be debilitating, and for those who get chronic UTIs, the fear of infection can be enough to prevent engagement in any activities that could trigger one. And for those who get them frequently, sometimes a specific cause cannot even be pinpointed. This can be frustrating and scary.
Fortunately, there are a few methods of natural treatment and prevention that have worked extremely well for my patients, to the point where they no longer worry about getting a UTI. These treatments dont require a prescription, are inexpensive, and completely drug-free. While your doctor may not know about them, I hope this article will help you completely avoid UTIs or at least significantly reduce their frequency and severity.
What Is An Overactive Bladder
If youve suffered from UTIs, you may have heard of the term overactive bladder.
What does it mean and how do you know if youre suffering from that, versus an infection?
A few years ago, I got sick with a UTI while I was travelling through Eastern Europe. I took D-mannose with me but grossly underestimated the amount I would need to carry me through a three-month adventure. Devastatingly, I ran out of D-mannose in Finland. Believe it or not, I got an infection just one week later when I was in Estonia. By the time I had moved on to Latvia a couple of days later, it had really flared up. Fortunately, I was able to seek out an English-speaking, female doctor in the capital, Riga. She understood that I was not a local, that I was only passing through, and she kindly prescribed me antibiotics on the spot, without insisting on sending off a sample.
A pharmacist in town granted me a packet of antibiotics, this time a different and stronger strain, to ensure I wouldnt be resistant, following the previous course. Much to my dismay, the symptoms did not fully go away. I didnt have any blood in my urine, a temperature or any flank pain, so I knew that the UTI had not technically escalated. Surely, the bacteria couldnt be multiplying following two weeks of antibiotic treatment, I thought.
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What Are The Risks Of Taking D
D-mannose appears to be generally well tolerated in people.
You should be cautious about using D-mannose if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because there has not been enough study on its safety in these circumstances.
Side effects of D-mannose may include:
- Bloating
- Loose stools
D-mannose supplements should be used with caution if you have diabetes. It may make it harder to control your blood sugar.
High doses of D-mannose may cause kidney damage.
Always tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking, including natural ones and those bought without a prescription. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications.
Supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same way that medications are. They do not have to prove they are safe or effective.
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The Most Recent Research
Two systematic reviews published in 2020 each examined clinical trials on the use of D-mannose to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.
- The first meta-analysis concluded that D-mannose appears to be about as effective as antibiotics at reducing recurrent UTI and also has minimal side effects.
- The second review also concluded that the supplement seems to decrease the likelihood of recurrent UTI and improve quality of life by reducing symptoms.
This is all promising support, but in the medical community, eight studies is not enough to make a definitive judgment on whether D-mannose can prevent UTI. More research is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of D-mannose.
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Tips For Sleeping Well
Many doctors and urologists will recommend that people restrict the amount of alcohol and caffeine they drink throughout the day.
Even if these substances are not the cause of the disorder, both are diuretics and may make symptoms worse. Doctors may also suggest that people with nocturia drink fewer liquids during the evening and before bed.
Foods that are rich in liquids and foods that act as diuretics can be avoided as well. Examples include:
- artificial sweeteners
- chocolate
Keeping a food diary is a helpful tool for many people. Writing down what is eaten every day can help identify a link between symptoms and problematic foods.
Some people also benefit from training their bladder to help regain control of its contractions. If the bladder is used to contracting every hour to tell the body it is time to urinate, it will often continue this habit.
Over time, it may be possible to train the bladder to pass urine every 2-4 hours instead, or to hold it in overnight. This is best done under the guidance of a doctor.
OAB is caused by early and uncontrolled spasms of the bladder muscle, which makes a person have to urinate when their bladder is not actually full. This means regular urination throughout the day, and often during the night.
While people with OAB may experience frequent urination at night, people with nocturia tend to only experience frequent urination at night.
Prevent And Treat Utis
D-mannose is a great antibiotic alternative for early stages of a UTI and for UTI prevention. Reduced use of antibiotics lessens the possibility of resistant strains in future use when it may be extremely important. Using antibiotics against bladder infections frequently could also lead to more resistant E.coli, thrush, and long term antibiotic-related complications.
If the urinary tract infection has made its way into the kidneys, antibiotics are the go-to treatment. For serve bladder infections, again antibiotics would be the first call of treatment.
Although a course of antibiotics is often prescribed for the treatment of UTIs as a way of killing the unwanted bacteria in the urinary tract, it should only be used as a last resort, as these antibiotics will also kill the friendly bacteria in the gut, causing digestive issues and yeast infections.
Using a treatment such as D-mannose, which can be used just as effectively as antibiotics, without any of the side effects, is a long-term solution which wont comprise other areas of your health.
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Prevention And Natural Treatment For Utis
Other things you can do as home remedies for UTIs and can be used in conjunction with D-mannose treatment include:
Drinking plenty of water, at least 64 ounces in a day
Drink cranberry juice . It contains two different substances, including D-mannose, that help fight UTIs.
Take vitamin C to help acidify the urine, making it inhospitable for bacteria.
Practice good hygiene, such as front to back wiping and cleansing after intercourse.
Urinate immediately after intercourse.
Dont resist the urge to urinate as it can lead to bacterial build-up.
UTIs can be quite uncomfortable during active infection, so of course, you are motivated to try a fast-acting treatment or prevention altogether. D-mannose is a great prevention and natural treatment for UTIs without the harsh side effects of antibiotic treatments.
Urinary Incontinence In Middle Tennessee
If you are suffering from urinary incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, or enlarged prostate, it may be worth it to try natural supplements. Of course, you need to consult your physician before starting vitamins or supplements, to ensure they will not react with your medications or have any adverse effects. If you live around Nashville, Tennessee our team of expert physicians would love to help. Contact our discreet, dedicated Medical Concierge by phone or private message today.
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For Best Results Or Stubborn Infections
Anecdotal evidence and customer feedback suggests the following practices substantially increase effectiveness:
- An hour after ingesting D-Mannose with a glass of water, if possible, drink another glass or two of water. This will help flush the E. coli bacteria, which has attached to the D-Mannose, from your system and clear the urinary tract of bacteria.
- Continue to use prophylactically even after symptoms has subsided. Bacteria embed themselves deep in the bladder wall when escaping attack from D-Mannose and may lay dormant behind biofilms until conditions are favourable.
- Remember, D-Mannose is simply a sugar which is not metabolized. It passes through your urinary system, attaching to bacteria, and is then expelled through urine. This makes it safe to use with children as well as diabetics.
- Keep the urine’s pH at or slightly below 7 during the course of your D-Mannose regimen. Bacteria thrive in an acidic environment doubling in numbers every 20 – 40 minutes. Conversely, bacterial growth is inhibited in a more alkaline environment.
Risks And Side Effects
Because mannose occurs naturally in many foods, its considered safe when consumed in appropriate amounts. However, supplementing with D-mannose and taking doses higher than what would be consumed naturally may, in some cases, cause stomach bloating, loose stools and diarrhea. Its also believed that consuming very high doses of D-mannose can cause kidney damage. According to researchers at the Stanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in California, mannose can be therapeutic, but indiscriminate use can have adverse effects.
People with type 2 diabetes should use caution before using D-mannose products because they may alter blood sugar levels, though typically mannose itself doesnt negatively impact blood sugar. To be safe, speak to your doctor prior to beginning any new health regime.
Theres not enough evidence to support the safety of mannose for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Based on the current research, there are no known drug interactions, but you should speak to your health care provider if you are taking any medications.
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What Causes Overactive Bladder
An overactive bladder can be caused by several things, or even a combination of causes. Some possible causes can include:
- Weak pelvic muscles: Pregnancy and childbirth can cause your pelvic muscles to stretch and weaken. This can cause the bladder to sag out of its normal position. All of these factors can cause leakage.
- Nerve damage: Sometimes signals are sent to the brain and bladder to empty at the wrong time. Trauma and diseases can cause this to happen. These can include:
- Pelvic or back surgery.
- Stroke.
Often, there may be no specific explanation for why this is occurring.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Using D
D-mannose is generally well tolerated by children and adults. However, there have been no studies done to confirm whether D-mannose is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Manufacturers of D-mannose state that possible side effects include bloating and loose stools.
In addition to the lack of general knowledge about D-mannose on its own, how D-mannose may interact with other medications and supplements is not well studied. Its always best to talk to your doctor if you are concerned.
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Mannose Metabolism In Humans
Human plasma contains ~50M mannose which is primarily derived from N-glycan processing 34). Mannose is absorbed through the intestine and metabolized. A bolus of < 0.2g/Kg body weight increases mannose concentration by 3-fold with a clearance T 1/2 of ~ 4hr, without affecting glucose concentration. Higher doses cause mild gastro-intestinal discomfort, but no other side effects 35). Pregnant women with diabetes mellitus show elevated mannose levels in fasted blood and amniotic fluid which correlated with high glucose concentration 36) and several show that mannose levels are closely linked to glucose metabolism 37). How this impacts glycosylation is not known.
Multiple genetic disorders disrupt intermediary mannose metabolism. Genetic defects in MPI and PMM2 cause MPI-CDG and PMM2-CDG, two congenital disorders of glycosylation . These patients have substantially reduced enzyme activities and suffer from multi-organ insufficiencies. PMM2-CDG is the most prevalent type of CDG, typically showing hypotonia, psychomotor retardation, cerebellar hypoplasia and cerebral atrophy 38). MPI-CDG patients have hypoglycemia, coagulopathy, hepato-intestinal symptoms, and in some cases liver fibrosis 39), but they are neurologically normal 40).
Figure 2. Mannose metabolic pathway
Keeping A Bladder Diary May Help Identify Triggers
Keeping a diary may sound time consuming, but it will help both you and your doctor identify any triggers for your overactive bladder and establish just how often you visit the bathroom each day.
How should you keep a diary for your overactive bladder?
- Document exactly what kind of fluids you drink and their volume.
- Write down the type and quantity of food you eat.
- Record the number of trips to the bathroom and rate your trips as successful or not.
- Indicate what you were doing when leakage or the urge to urinate occurred
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Uti Symptoms And Causes
UTIs are rarely subtle. When you have one, you typically suspect it. The most common UTI symptoms are:
- An intense, persistent, and frequent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation or pain during urination
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Cloud-colored urine
- Fever
Whats causing all of this? UTIs happen when bacteria enters the urethra and multiplies in one or more parts of the urinary tract. About 80 to 90 percent of UTIs are caused by escherichia coli . However, UTIs can also be caused by other bacteria or fungi.
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