Common UTI Med CAUSES Future Infections?!

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted February 5, 2023

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

Maybe you feel that familiar uncomfortable pressure down below first…

Or perhaps it’s the sudden need to DASH to the bathroom… and the burning when you go… that tips you off.

Either way, you have yet ANOTHER urinary tract infection (UTI). And you know you’re in for at least a week of misery.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to UTIs. And though guys get these infections, too, women are especially prone because of their anatomy and hormonal changes.

But recent research has called into question the most common mainstream treatment.

It turns out your doctor’s solution could end up making your situation MUCH worse.

In women, UTIs can occur when bacteria find their way from your backside to your front.

Bacteria such as E. coli can get transferred if you use a poor wiping technique after a bowel movement.

Or the bugs can get trapped in your underwear. Eventually, they can migrate into the vaginal opening, up the urethra and into the bladder.

In both senior men and women, weaker bladder and pelvic floor muscles can cause urinary retention or incontinence, raising your risk of UTIs.

Your doctor typically will confirm the infection with a test and then hand you a prescription for an antibiotic. It’s the most common mainstream treatment for UTIs. And it often works.

Well… sort of. Antibiotics are so common we tend to forget how powerful they actually are.

These drugs use a slash-and-burn approach that kills ALL the bacteria in your gut, good and bad alike. It’s like setting off a nuclear bomb in your intestinal tract… nothing is left alive.

The pesky bacteria causing your UTI get wiped out. But so does everything else. And research confirms this often comes back to haunt us.

You see, after a round of antibiotics you’re left without GOOD bacteria to defend your urinary tract against nasty invaders like E. coli.

But wait… it gets even worse. Using antibiotics too often also leads to superbugs that NO antibiotic can treat. And that could turn a bad situation into a deadly one.

When you’re a senior, you need to take UTIs seriously. Severe cases can lead to sepsis or kidney infections.

But if your UTI is a mild, run-of-the-mill case, you can monitor your symptoms and delay taking antibiotics (with your doctor’s permission, of course!). Many UTIs will clear up on their own within a week.

In the meantime, home remedies such as using a heating pad, sipping on real cranberry juice, and taking a D-mannose supplement can relieve symptoms and speed recovery. Plus, steer clear of bladder irritants such as coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and acidic fruits.

To reduce the risk of future UTIs, make the following changes…

• Use toilet paper correctly. Women should always wipe from front to back. This can reduce the chances of accidentally spreading bad bacteria.
• Urinate often. We all have to wait to pee from time to time. But delaying going can allow harmful bacteria to grow. Whenever possible, urinate as soon as you feel the urge. This will flush harmful bacteria out of the urethra.
• Drink plenty of water. You should drink enough water during the day so that your urine is nearly clear, not yellow, most of the time.
• Take vitamin C. If you’re prone to UTIs, research has shown that vitamin C could help. I suggest taking between 500 to 1000 mg a day.
• Invest in a good probiotic. A high-quality probiotic can help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut. You can also eat more yogurt, kimchee, sauerkraut, kombucha, and other fermented foods.

P.S. Do you battle frequent urination? Click here to read about a crucial vitamin that can give you relief.

SOURCE:

Van Nieukoop, Cees. “Antibiotic treatment of urinary tract infection and its impact on the gut microbiota.” The Lancet. 10/28/21. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00564-8/fulltext

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND