Creating Stronger Strains Of Bacteria
Over time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research , several species of E. coli, the primary cause of UTIs, are showing increasing drug resistance.
The more a person uses an antibiotic, the greater the risk of the bacteria developing resistance. This is even more likely when a person does not take the full prescribed course of treatment.
It is essential to continue taking antibiotics until the end date that the doctor provides. Also, never share antibiotics with others.
Inclusion And Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion criteria were permanent residency in nursing homes for the elderly, regardless of gender and duration of residency, nursing home resident during the study, approved participation, absence of indwelling urinary catheter, ability to leave a voided urine sample and in case of dementia inclusion only if cooperative when collecting urine and blood samples.
Exclusion criteria were urostomy, terminal illness, intermittent catheterisation, ongoing antibiotic treatment and discontinued study participation.
Also Check: What Is The Best Prescription For Urinary Tract Infection
Healthy Diet And Vitamin C
You should be aware that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming a varied, balanced diet 1. ** This means incorporating fruits and vegetables that are rich in other nutrients but have lower amounts of vitamin C. For instance, a medium-sized baked potato has 17 milligrams of vitamin C and 1/2 cup of spinach has just 9 milligrams of vitamin C, but these foods have larger amounts of other nutrients.
If youre trying to consume a lot of vitamin C without supplements but still want to follow the Dietary Guidelines recommendations, it might be best to consume some fortified products rather than eating only plant-based products that are rich in vitamin C. Otherwise, you may need to change your consumption of macronutrients so that youre not ingesting more than the recommended amount of calories or carbohydrates.
If youre trying to maximize your vitamin C consumption so that it all comes from natural sources, you should be aware that this nutrient has a tendency to degrade. The vitamin C content of foods tends to decline when they’re exposed to heat or stored for long periods of time.
Also Check: Erythromycin For Urinary Tract Infection
Doses Of Vitamin C For Scurvy
The British National Formulary currently recommends at least 250 mg of vitamin C daily to treat scurvy. The highest recommended daily dose to prevent scurvy in those at risk is only 75 mg.
Scurvy is a very simple condition to treat and to prevent surprisingly little vitamin C is required to stave off symptoms. Antarctic explorers stranded over winter in the early 1900s derived sufficient vitamin C from the meat of the occasional seal they captured and ate. Most animal species are able to make their own vitamin C, humans are among the exceptions.
When To Contact A Doctor
If a person suspects that they have a UTI, they should ask a healthcare professional for advice about the best way to treat it.
Antibiotics may not always be necessary, but it is still important to seek medical attention. This reduces the risk of developing a more severe infection that is harder to treat.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating UTIs.
Recommended Reading: Royal Canin Urinary So 17.6 Lb
Cranberry Juice And Supplements Don’t Seem To Have Any Substantial Impact On A Uti
One of the most popular at-home tips for curing or preventing UTIs, drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements is often believed to help clear out UTI bacteria from the urinary tract while helping to prevent future infections from developing.
Whether you’re currently experiencing symptoms of a UTI or simply trying to prevent one from happening, all experts told INSIDER that evidence linking cranberry juice to helping with UTIs is limited and conflicting.
“To date, cranberry juice or cranberry tablets have not been shown to reduce or cure UTIs in studies,” said Sandra Fleming MD, an OB/GYN at the Women’s Wellness Center in Wellesley, MA. “There does not appear to be any harm in taking cranberry pills but can cause gastrointestinal issues and is therefore not recommended for urinary tract infections.”
“Drinking fluids in general whether with water, cranberry juice, etc. can help to flush out the bladder and as well as excessive bacteria,” said Dr. Allison Hill, OB/GYN at Los Angeles Obstetricians & Gynecologists. “Staying hydrated helps, but it doesn’t have to be with cranberry juice.”
Dr. , New York-based reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, and founder of Generation Next Fertility agreed, saying that antibiotics were the best treatment.
Crucial Factors For Ascorbic Acid To Work
Still, does it mean that ascorbic acid is as effective as antibiotics? Or maybe you could ditch your prescription altogether and use vitamin C instead to treat a UTI? Unfortunately, lab experiments are often different than real life.
As the researchers point out, when attempting to treat a UTI with vitamin C, several factors are key to success: timing, type of the bacteria, and urine pH management. Here is a list of these factors in more detail:
So how would you go about using ascorbic acid for UTI treatment in a living organism, rather than in a lab? Lets see how the process discussed in the study could theoretically be implemented in a living and breathing human body.
You May Like: Urinary Tract Infection Foods To Avoid
What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, the ureters and the urethra. The kidneys produce urine, which then travels through the ureters to the bladder and eventually leaves the body via the urethra. If bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra it can cause an infection.
It is thought that women are more prone to UTIs because their urethra is much shorter than mens, and so bacteria have a much shorter distance to travel. The most common bacterial strain that causes UTIs is E. coli, which easily passes from the back passage to the urethra.
Natural Ways To Support Urinary Tract Health
Wellness
DISCLAIMER
This blog has not been approved by your local health department and is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Read More
Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs as they are commonly called, are more common in women than men. In the United States, almost 500,000 people are admitted to the hospital each year due to complications of urinary tract infections. The most common complication is a bacterial infection of the blood. In the United States, almost 11 percent of women reported a urinary tract infection in the previous 12 months. In addition, it is estimated that one in two women will develop at least one urinary tract infection during her lifetime. Worldwide, tens of millions of women get a urinary tract infection each year.
Almost daily, I have at least one or two patients come see me for symptoms related to a urinary infection. Their symptoms include burning during urination, urinary frequency, urgency, back pain and sometimes even incontinence. In those over 65, a urinary infection can cause confusion and sometimes hallucinations, especially if the bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Also Check: Where Is A Urinary Tract Infection
Patients With Lower Amount Of Blood Vitamin D Showed Higher Microbial Load In Urine Sample
We tried to examine if there was any correlation between the deficiency of vitamin D and severity of the urinary tract infection in the analyzed patient group. As it can be seen from the data in the there were significantly higher number of bacteria present in the patients urine having vitamin D deficiency. The highest number of bacteria that was found is in the urine sample of the vitamin D deficient patient.
Vitamin C For Uti: Does It Work
Is taking vitamin C for UTI beneficial, harmful or neither? Vitamin C is a familiar dietary supplement for known reasons, however, the question of whether it can also treat UTI comes up often and should be addressed.
This article will mainly focus on the science behind vitamin C for UTI in terms of its potential to resolve symptoms. But well also briefly cover why its important for sufferers of recurrent UTI to choose the right type of vitamin C supplement .
Jump To Section:
- What do we know about vitamin C for UTI? > > > >
- The science for and against vitamin C for UTI > > > >
- Why you should think twice before taking vitamin C > > > >
- Is there any research to support vitamin C for UTI? > > > >
- How much vitamin C should you take for UTI? > > > >
Vitamin C made it into our list of the ten most searched UTI home remedies because it is recommended enthusiastically online.
But its important to remember that this enthusiasm and its popularity doesnt necessarily mean its effective. Its possible vitamin C may only be effective in some cases, by controlling symptoms and limiting infection, whilst not eliminating the pathogen causing recurrent urinary tract infections.
Often, the same people who recommend vitamin C online appear to still have symptoms that return time after time. Thats something to think about.
Don’t Miss: Causes Of Urinary Incontinence In Females
Prescription Medications For Urinary Tract Infections
- Methenamine hippurate A 1996 studyshowed that methenamine could be helpful in the prevention of infection. A 2014 study showed similar findings.
- Some women at risk for a UTI after intercourse take a one-time dose of an antibiotic, which appears equally effective as a daily dose of antibiotics in the prevention of an acute urinary tract infection.
- Hormone replacement Oral estrogen replacement or vaginal estrogen application can be helpful in women who are postmenopausal. Discuss the risks versus benefits with your healthcare provider.
Recommended Reading: Mild Bladder Infection Home Remedies
Limit Sugar For A Healthy Urinary Tract
There have always been many reasons to limit the sugar in your diet, and now keeping a healthy urinary tract is on the list. Too much sugar promotes bacterial breeding in your urinary tract, so limiting your sugar will weaken the breeding ground and help avoid UTIs. Its another reason to think twice before reaching for a sugary sweet like cookies, candy or a sweetened beverage. Substituting water for soda can help to keep your sugar intake in moderation and keep your urinary health on track.
The foods that we choose to put in our bodies have many consequences, some positive, some negative. Learning about nutrition and making smart food choices is a great way to keep your urinary tract and your whole body in top operating condition. If you would like to learn more about nutrition as it relates to your urinary tract health, contact your urologist today.
You May Like: Urinary Tract Problems In Males
Increase Vitamin C Intake
Some evidence shows that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against urinary tract infections.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of the urine, thereby killing off the bacteria that cause infection .
An older 2007 study of UTIs in pregnant women looked at the effects of taking 100 mg of vitamin C every day .
The study found that vitamin C had a protective effect, cutting the risk of UTIs by more than half in those taking vitamin C, compared with the control group .
Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.
Red peppers, oranges, grapefruit, and kiwifruit all contain the full recommended amount of vitamin C in just one serving .
Despite these studies, there is still more research needed to prove the effectiveness of vitamin C for reducing UTIs. .
SUMMARY
Increasing vitamin C intake may decrease the risk of UTIs by making the urine more acidic, thus killing off infection-causing bacteria.
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for urinary tract infections.
Cranberries work by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus preventing infection .
In a 2016 study, women with recent histories of UTIs drank an 8-ounce serving of cranberry juice every day for 24 weeks. Those who drank cranberry juice had fewer UTI episodes than the control group .
You May Like: Home Remedy For Urinary Tract Infection In Goats
Saw Palmetto For Bladder Health
Saw palmetto is a type of palm native to the southeastern U.S. It produces berries that are commonly used in supplements to promote prostate health, support hormonal health and assist urinary function in men. One particular study found that men who took two saw palmetto capsules daily for 12 weeks witnessed an improvement in their urinary tract health. A similar study found that after six months of daily saw palmetto supplements, men increased their healthy urine flow and improved their urinary tract health and overall quality of life.12
Saw Palmetto Benefits & Uses
- Enhances urinary function in men
- Promotes prostate health in men
- Natural source of fatty acids
Read Also: Chiropractic Treatment For Overactive Bladder
Recommended Reading: Beer For Urinary Tract Infection
Benefits Of Antibiotics For Utis
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs because they kill the bacteria responsible for the infections. Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The species most likely to cause UTIs include:
- E. coli, which cause of up to
- abnormal liver function, as indicated with testing
More severe risks of using antibiotics include:
Mold Allergies Asthma And Other Respiratory Symptoms
Whether you already experience allergy symptoms or not, touching or inhaling mold spores may cause you to become allergic to mold. If you are sensitized to mold as an allergen, exposure may cause a range of allergy symptoms, including sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and eye, nose and throat irritation, according to the CDC. However, you do not need to be sensitized to mold for it to cause medical symptoms.
Exposure to mold and damp indoor environments has been linked to a wide range of health effects. According to the Institute of Medicine , both mold and damp indoor environments have been found to cause coughing, wheezing and other respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals. Those with asthma may experience more severe asthma symptoms when exposed to mold or indoor dampness, including tightness, swelling and mucus in the airways. The CDC also notes that workplace exposure to mold in damp buildings has been associated with new-onset asthma.
You May Like: How To Kill Mold Spores On Wood
Recommended Reading: What Over The Counter Drugs Can Treat Urinary Tract Infection
Home Remedies For Utis
Looking for home remedies to treat your UTI? Youve come to the right place! Read below to learn about urinary tract infection home remedies and get rid of that burning urine feeling for good!
NAFC recently conducted a survey that asked people how they were dealing with urological conditions during the pandemic. A surprising finding was that many of you reported an increase in urinary tract infections. While we dont know why more frequent UTIs are happening stress, a decrease in personal grooming, or poor diet choices may all be culprits we do realize that urinary tract infections can be annoying, painful, and can cause an increase in incontinence or bladder leaks.
While antibiotics are the fastest and most recommended way to treat urinary tract infections, they sometimes dont work. You may also be wary of taking an antibiotic due to certain risks that accompany that treatment. Luckily, there are some great home remedies for urine infections you can try to treat the condition.
Vitamin C For Uti When Pregnant
While it is still open for debate whether vitamin C could help pregnant women to prevent UTI, we know that ascorbic acid could be useful for fetus development. According to one study, cardiac, hematologic and skeletal problems in fetuses can all be avoided when the pregnant mammal ingests ascorbic acid as shown in animal models.
In another trial of more than a hundred pregnant woman, the participants were instructed to take 100 mg ascorbic acid daily for three months.
The control group had twice as many positive cultures compared to the group of women who were taking ascorbic acid daily. The results allowed the researchers to conclude that ascorbic acid can help prevent UTIs.
However, the urine cultures were obtained three times per month at a pre-scheduled time, and the study did not specify how many women experienced UTI symptoms on top of the positive cultures.
Moreover, when I reached out to the researchers, they were unable to comment on whether or not the women included in the study have had recurrent UTIs prior to the study and if the women with abnormal cultures were reintroduced in the study after the treatment. Without this information, its difficult to further evaluate the studys claim.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Test For Urinary Tract Infection
How To Use Ascorbic Acid To Kill Uti Bacteria
As we discussed above, it has already been established that vitamin C doesnt exert a protective effect by acidifying the urine . Simply put, its urine acidification properties have not been reliably demonstrated. The bacteriostatic effect of acidified nitrite is likely related to the release of NO and other toxic reactive nitrogen intermediates.
Lets now review the findings of the study, keeping in mind that the process was demonstrated in a lab and hasnt been replicated in humans:
For this approach to work, you have to have alkaline urine and you cannot have taken ascorbic acid as a preventive measure. If these conditions are met, theoretically you can attempt the following:
Step one: Increase the number of nitrates by ingesting sodium nitrate or consuming approx. 300 gr of spinach.
Step two: An hour later, acidify your urine and take ascorbic acid as well. Just to remind you: ascorbic acid on its own wont acidify your urine, it can only increase the release of nitrogen oxides that, in turn, could kill the bacteria.
As you can see, its not straightforward, there are lots of caveats, and its unclear if this process, achieved in a lab, could be repeated in a patient. There also could be serious health side-effects when consuming any of the listed substances for the purposes of modulating urine pH.