Thursday, March 28, 2024

Do Probiotics Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

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Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented

How do probiotics help with urinary tract infections?

These steps may help reduce the chance of getting UTIs:

  • Drink plenty of water every day.
  • Drink cranberry juice. Large amounts of vitamin C limit the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine. Vitamin C supplements have the same effect.
  • Urinate when you feel the need. Do not wait.
  • Females, wipe from front to back to keep bacteria around the anus from going in the vagina or urethra.
  • Take showers instead of tub baths.
  • Clean the genital area before and after sex, and urinate shortly after sex.
  • Women should not use feminine hygiene sprays or scented douches.
  • Cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes help keep the area around the urethra dry. Tight clothes and nylon underwear trap moisture. This can help bacteria grow.
  • Repeated bouts of urinary tract infections can be treated with small doses of regular antibiotics.

Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have about UTIs.

Urinary Tract Infections And Probiotics

When we refer to the microbiome, we mean the environment of billions of bacteria and microorganisms that live in and on our bodies. Most prevalent areas of the microbiome are the small and large intestines , the reproductive tract and the skin. These are all interconnected the make-up of bacteria in the gut will affect the health of the vaginal flora as well as the skin, and to a lesser extent vice versa.

As discussed earlier in this article, UTIs are commonly caused by bad bacteria that live in the gut, like E. Coli, and make their way into the urinary system. In a healthy gut microbiome, bad bacteria are less likely to survive and grow, making it less likely for them to enter the urinary system and causing a UTI.

If the healthy bacterial balance and diversity in the gut is disrupted as a result of external factors , bad bacteria have an opportunity to thrive and lead to issues all over the body.

These external factors can also affect the vaginal microbiome. This can increase the risk for UTIs or yeast infections. A strong vaginal microbiome, on the other hand, can help to inhibit the entry and growth of harmful bacteria and other pathogens including yeast.

Researchers have investigated the link between the urinary microbiota and gut microbiota, and found a significant difference in the makeup of the gut microbiome in individuals prone to UTIs and healthy individuals.

Let Your Dog Out Frequently

The main reason why dogs and puppies develop frequent UTI is because they do not empty their bladder frequently. Make sure you let your pets out several times a day. If your dog accidentally goes in the house, do not punish it. It is best if you can take your dog out at least twice a day so they can empty their bladder completely. If you fail to do so, chances of their urinating indoors will be higher. So do set up a fixed dog walking routine. If you are not able to schedule time for walks, hire a pet minder to do so. Note that some dogs may need to be walked every few hours until the problem clears.

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Relationship Between Premenopausal Uti And Probiotics

Most studies on probiotic application in recurrent UTI in the literature have been performed in premenopausal women. In fact, the risk factors in premenopausal women are different from those of the postmenopausal women. These risk factors include recent sexual intercourse, use of spiral or condom containing spermicide, history of UTI, and recent antibiotic use. In a multivariate analysis, Scholes et al. reported that frequent sexual intercourse is the most important risk factor for UTI. Other risk factors can be described as factors that cause vaginal colonization of uropathogens and decrease in the number of Lactobacilli which pass through ascending route into the urinary system.

Though sufficient number of studies on the efficacy of probiotic applications containing especially Lactobacillus spp. in UTIs developed as a result of changes in the balance of vaginal flora in sexually active women have been reported in the literature, studies with postmenopausal women have not seem to be at an adequate level.

Key Points About Urinary Tract Infections

Best Probiotics For Women: Yeast Infection &  UTIs ...
  • Urinary tract infections are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. These infections can affect any part of the urinary tract.
  • Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon.
  • The most common symptoms of UTIs include changes in urination such as frequency, pain, or burning urine looks dark, cloudy, or red and smells bad back or side pain nausea/vomiting and fever.
  • Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Other treatments may include pain relievers, and drinking plenty of water to help wash bacteria out of the urinary tract.
  • Other things that can be done may help reduce the likelihood of developing UTIs.

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Are There Other Ways To Prevent Utis Besides Taking Antibiotics

Finding ways to stop UTIs with options other than antibiotics is a hot topic. Many alternatives have been explored, including taking vitamin C and vitamin D supplements neither of which has been proven to delay recurrent UTIs in nonpregnant, healthy women. The AUA also does not recommend any herbs or supplements to prevent UTIs. While vaccines are being studied as a possible solution, a 2020 review showed that there is not enough information yet to support recommending them.

Of course, it is always good to practice good urinary habits. No matter what method you and your provider choose, remember these tips:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

  • Pee soon after sex.

  • Wipe your genitals from front to back.

  • If youre using a diaphragm or spermicide-treated condoms, ask your provider about changing your birth control method.

  • Use vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, especially after menopause.

If you want help preventing UTIs, you are not alone. One study estimates that more than 40% of women who experienced a UTI had another UTI within a year. Currently, the most effective way to prevent UTIs from coming back is to take an antibiotic as prescribed to completely kill the bacteria causing the original infection. Unfortunately, alternatives like cranberries, probiotics, and vitamins are not reliable options. It is always important to talk with your doctor about infections that persist, especially if symptoms get worse or treatments stop working as expected.

Garden Of Life Formulated Probiotics

Garden of life is one of the well-known and most trusted supplement brands in the market. This uniquely formulated high potency probiotic supplement is made from RAW whole foods. This probiotic supplement is specially catered to meet the needs of women over the age of 50 years.

This supplement contains 16 different probiotic strains including L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus, L. casei, L. acidophilus, L. brevis, L. bulgaricus, B. animalis sub. Lactis and many others. Each serving of this supplement provides 50 billion CFUs of live culture to the intestine.

Apart from probiotics, this product also contains other ingredients like organic pacran whole cranberry and organic prebiotic fiber blend. Pacran is a certified organic cranberry powder which contains proanthocyanins they are helpful in supporting urinary tract health.

This specially crafted formula helps in maintaining good urinary tract health and vaginal health. Apart from that, it also supports healthy immune function and optimum cholesterol level in the blood.

It also contains probiotic-created vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help in improving digestion. Also helps in breaking down lactose and casein.

This is a 100% natural and raw probiotic supplement that contains no binders, fillers or carriers. But this supplement needs to be refrigerated as soon as it is bought or received. The outer shell is made up of non-GMO vegetable pullulan so even vegans can happily consume it.

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Best Oral Probiotics For Vaginal Health

This is the most common option. Oral probiotics and their packaging must survive the very acidic environment of your stomach to make it safely to your vagina. You need at least one billion CFU of probiotics once or twice weekly , although many people take them daily. Commonly, you refrigerate probiotics and take them with food.

Also, oral probiotics help heal your gut flora, which vaginal capsules cannot do. Women taking L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 daily have less yeast and infection-causing bacteria in their vaginas. This benefit persists in women with current or recent infections . Importantly, these women still had lactobacilli in the vagina up to 3 months later, after just 14 days of daily use.

So, which probiotics should you try? Great question:

  • FemEcology: This contains ten billion CFUs of L. acidophilus, L. planatarum, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus and L. salivarius. This is a good choice for your gut health as well. Take once daily.
  • Jarrow Formulas Fem-Dophilus: This contains five billion CFU of L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 and should be taken once daily. This uses a gelatin capsule.
  • Pro-Flora Womens Probiotic: This contains between one and five billion CFU of L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 and should be taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food. This uses a vegetarian capsule.
  • All three of these oral probiotics can be used in the vagina!

    Flora Bloom Womens Health Probiotic

    Probiotics vs Antibiotics for Recurrent Urinary Infections

    This is a high potency probiotic formula from Flora Bloom brand is effective in maintaining digestive health, immune system health, vaginal health and urinary health.

    Each capsule of this supplement provide 10 billion active cultures to the intestine and it contains 4 effective probiotic strains.

    This supplement makes use of time-release formula that ensures that the microorganisms survive the stomach acids and arrive alive in the intestine.

    This is a 100% vegetarian supplement free from GMOs, wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, nuts and artificial ingredients.

    It is manufactured in a GMP facility and the potency, quality and purity of the product is guaranteed through expiry.

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    • Manufactured in a GMP facility

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    • Can cause initial digestive distress in some users

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    Quality Of The Evidence

    Overall, the studies were of poor quality. All three studies investigated patients with neuropathic bladder had adequate performance and detection bias, but had high attrition and reporting bias. The main weakness in all three studies was exclusion from analysis of patients who failed inoculation or analysing them in the placebo arm post randomisation . Failure of an intentiontotreat analysis undermines the randomisation process and weakened the results of the studies. There was also a high gender bias in two studies. .

    Jazzee Naturals Uti Probiotic Strains

    This is a complete womens probiotic supplement that contains 12 important probiotic strains and provides 25 billion colony forming units per serving. Each capsule is specially formulated for beating yeast and candida infections.

    Apart from that, it also promotes healthy digestion, supports brain function, and aids weight loss. The patented time-release formula protects the probiotics from the stomach acids and ensures maximum effectiveness.

    This is an all-natural vegetarian probiotic supplement that does not contain any artificial ingredients. It is GMO-free, gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, and nuts-free.

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    Foods To Eat With Azo Probiotics For Women

    Fighting off something like poor vaginal health takes a commitment to say the least. Seeing the amount of foods and food groups youll have to abstain from during treatment of poor vaginal health most women will surely ask But what can I Eat?. Along with taking AZO Probiotics For Women, there are many foods that are part of the same food groups which arent considered to be helpful in treating and preventing poor vaginal health going forward.

    These are most of the foods you can eat that will help treat poor vaginal health along with prevent it in future as well: vegetables like artichokes, zucchini, asparagus, avocado, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cucumber, olives and cabbage, probiotic yogurts and kefir, meats like eggs, beef, chicken, turkey and lamb, fish like herring, wild salmon and sardines, nuts like almonds, coconut meat, walnuts, hazelnuts and flax seed.

    Also herbs and spices like turmeric, thyme, rosemary, basil, cloves, oregano and ginger, oils like coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil and flax oil, beverages like chicory root coffee, cinnamon tea, peppermint tea, ginger tea, and licorice and sweeteners like stevia and xylitol.

    All of these foods are considered to be the most effective along with taking AZO Probiotics For Women in treating and preventing poor vaginal health. As long as you can stay on track with your diet incorporating most of these foods, youll see a marked improvement in your vaginal health going forward.

    Which Strains Are Effective In Treating Urinary Tract Infections

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    There are more than 500 different types of probiotic strains. But not all of them are effective in treating urinary tract infection. As per many researches and clinical trials, doctors have found that certain probiotic strains are much effective in providing the results. We have mentioned them below

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    Urinate Before And After Sex

    Sexual activity increases the chances of getting a UTI, especially if youre a woman. Thats because bacteria can easily get into the urethra during sex.

    To reduce your risk, pee immediately before and after sex. The idea is to flush out bacteria that may cause UTIs.

    Its also a good idea to gently wash your genital area before sex. This can help keep the area clean and reduce the chance of bacteria spreading to your urethra.

    Don’t Be Surprised If Your Doctor Doesn’t Rush You Into Treatment

    Urinary tract infections can be tricky in older age. They’re not always as easy to spot or treat as in youth. And the decades-long approach to treatment is changing. “We’ve been hasty in using antibiotics, and we’re learning there are significant consequences that can range from side effects of medication to infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” says Dr. Helen Chen, a geriatrician at Harvard-affiliated Hebrew Rehabilitation Center.

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    What Causes A Uti

    The World Health Organisation states that UTIs may occur either because of the virulence of the pathogen causing the disease, the susceptibility of the host or a combination of both factors.

    UTIs are caused by pathogenic bacteria that enter the urinary tract area. They are most commonly caused by Escherichia coli but other pathogens may also cause infection. These include Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Group B Streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp.5, 6. The most commonly accepted theory is that pathogens are able to travel from the gut to the uro-genital tract. They translocate across the perineum, and ascend to the bladder via the urethra. Here they can cause cystitis.

    Some pathogens are able to further migrate and travel to the kidneys via the ureters. This is why women are more at risks of UTIs, as their urethra is much shorter and closer to the anus. Interestingly, it has been shown in women who have recurrent UTIs, their daughters are at a higher risk of UTIs7.

    To be successful, pathogens must display specific virulence factors in order to cause disease. They often require flagella to help them move from the genital region across to the urethra and bladder. Once there, they must be able to adhere well to the bladder lining, meaning they require specific attachment molecules .

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    How to Cure a UTI Naturally with Probiotics and Diet

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    Agreements And Disagreements With Other Studies Or Reviews

    To date, there is no known systematic review conducted in regards to probiotics in patients with neuropathic bladder. There are also no known reported studies of bladder inoculation of nonpathogenic bacteria in children or normal adult population with recurrent UTI.

    From literature review, there are other pilot nonRCTs which have been conducted mainly by the same research group which reported lower rates of UTI per year in participants with successful colonisers compared to the year prior to intervention. There is also one small pilot nonRCT which reported a reduction in UTI recurrence in patients with neuropathic bladder with daily insertion of Lactobacillus vaginal suppositories. To date, no other studies involving probiotic vaginal suppositories in women with neurogenic bladders have been conducted.

    Does Yogurt Help A Urinary Tract

    Urinary tract infections — also referred to as UTIs — are common bacterial infections of the bladder. These infections can affect anyone, but are most common in females. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, females are twice as likely as males to develop UTIs 1. While UTIs require medical attention, the probiotics found in yogurts can be beneficial for urinary tract infections 1.

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