Mailbag! BREAK FREE from Frequent UTIs
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 7, 2021
I’ve been dealing with frequent UTIs and it’s getting frustrating. Do you have any suggestions to help me break this cycle?
–Pam from St. Paul, MN
Pam,
Yes, frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be very frustrating.
Fortunately, there are things folks can do to stop them from occurring so frequently.
UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urethra and travel to the bladder, causing inflammation and pain.
Urine is supposed to be sterile – so any growth of bacteria in the bladder is not good news.
Some research shows that the mainstream solution of antibiotics may clear the infection, but it can cause another infection by killing off weak bacteria and leaving the strong behind.
Antibiotics also disturb the microbiome, which can also raise your risk of new UTIs.
Another contributor to frequent UTIs is poor blood sugar control. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure that this is not an issue.
Outside of that, there is still a lot you can try.
· Switch toilet paper. Women should always wipe from front to back after voiding their bladder. This helps to ensure no cross-contamination with bacteria from your rectum. Some women are especially sensitive to the perfumes in toilet paper, and this can cause irritation of the urethra and a breakdown of the protection in the area. Try to buy non-scented toilet paper whenever possible.
· Urinate when possible. We all have to wait to urinate sometimes, whether you’re out running errands or stuck in traffic. It’s important, however, to urinate often to clear out the urethra and keep it clean.
· Drink often. You want to drink enough water that your urine is clear, not yellow. Carry a bottle of water when you’re out and about (just make sure a restroom is nearby!).
· Take vitamin C. Taking vitamin C seems to help reduce frequent UTIs. I usually suggest between 500-1000 mg a day for most of my patients.
· Take a probiotic. While it may not seem to make much sense at first, studies show that taking a probiotic can improve your urinary health. You can take a supplement or simply eat more yogurt, kimchee, sauerkraut, kombucha, and other fermented foods.
· Cranberry juice and D-mannose. Either drink unsweetened cranberry juice or try D-mannose, the active ingredient in cranberry juice that blocks bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall.
· Herbs. Try supplementing with garlic or oregano oil. Depending on which bacteria you are infected with, either garlic or oregano could help calm infections.
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.
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