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Have you ever experienced the agonising pain of a UTI? There’s a sudden, urgent need to urinate, followed by a burning sensation that makes even the passing of the smallest amount of urine feel unbearable. Dealing with a urinary infection for the first time can be a nightmare yet you can find relief through antibiotics.
But what if the infection hits you frequently? Wouldn’t repeated antibiotic use lead to resistance? In such cases, probiotics emerge as a promising alternative. In this blog, you’ll uncover how probiotics help prevent recurrent UTIs and offer a natural approach to supporting urinary tract health. So, let’s break this vicious cycle by identifying the right probiotics for urinary tract health!
Understanding urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Did you know that the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in India is 33.54% with a significantly higher occurrence in women? This warrants the need for natural and effective solutions to combat infections. Before discussing probiotics for urinary tract health, let’s first understand what UTIs are.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply. It mainly affects your urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. If you suspect you have a UTI, look out for the following symptoms:
- Frequent and urgent urination
- A burning sensation during urination
- Pelvic pain
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Fever and chills (in severe cases)
UTIs occur when the balance of bacteria in the urinary tract is disrupted and there’s an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli). Antibiotic use, hormonal changes, and poor hygiene can all contribute to this imbalance.
Though antibiotics treat the infection, they can also wipe out beneficial bacteria, creating an environment where harmful bacteria are free to thrive. Besides, the bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics, making treatments less effective over time and increasing your chances of recurrent UTIs.
So, how are probiotics a better alternative for treating UTIs? Let’s find out!
Role of probiotics in urinary tract health
Your gut microbiome plays a significant role in the occurrence and prevention of UTIs. An unbalanced gut can lead to an unbalanced urinary tract, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Here’s where probiotics for urinary tract health come to prominence.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that offer numerous health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are often referred to as ‘good or beneficial bacteria’ because they help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in your gut. Let's explore how probiotics contribute to urinary tract health:
- Strengthening the gut barrier: A strong gut barrier is essential for preventing harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream. Probiotics can help strengthen this barrier by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that line the intestinal walls. This reduces the risk of bacterial translocation, where bacteria from the gut can migrate to other parts of the body, including the urinary tract.
- Balancing vaginal microbiota: The vaginal microbiome, the community of microorganisms in the vagina, plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health. A healthy vaginal microbiome is dominated by beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacilli. Probiotics can help restore and maintain this balance, reducing the risk of vaginal infections, which can lead to UTIs.
- Boosting immunity: Probiotics can stimulate the immune system, enhancing its ability to fight off infections. By strengthening the immune response, probiotics can help prevent UTIs and other infections.
Do you want to know why postmenopausal women experience recurrent UTIs? An expert from The Good Bug discusses why it is common and how you can manage it. Watch the video below to learn more.
Thus, probiotics help address the root causes of infections at different levels—gut, vaginal, and immune system. But which are the most effective probiotic strains for preventing UTIs?
Specific probiotic strains effective for UTI
Even though we say probiotics are beneficial for urinary tract health, you can’t just go to a store and buy whichever probiotics you see on the shelves. Each probiotic product has different bacterial strains that target specific health concerns. So, which probiotic is effective for preventing UTIs?
Lactobacillus is a genus of bacteria that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy vaginal and urinary tract microbiome. Two strains that have shown particular promise in preventing UTIs are Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri. Here’s how they combat infections:
- Lactic acid: These bacterial strains help in the production of lactic acid, which is crucial for lowering the pH of the urinary tract and vaginal environment. This acidic atmosphere creates an inhospitable setting for harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, thereby preventing their growth and spread.
- Hydrogen peroxide: These bacteria also produce hydrogen peroxide, which serves as another line of defence. It offers antimicrobial properties that further diminish the chances of pathogen colonisation.
What's truly remarkable is how this dual action not only hinders the colonisation of pathogens but also fosters the growth and prevalence of beneficial bacteria along the urinary tract. This naturally reduces the probability of infections by supporting a healthy balance of microbes.
Now, enough with the talk about probiotics for urinary tract health. How do you make them a part of your routine?
How to incorporate probiotics into your routine?
Even though probiotics for urinary tract health are gaining momentum, you must know that how you administer them makes all the difference. Are you unsure about the best way to include probiotics in your routine? Let’s see whether you must reach for a yoghurt or a supplement bottle!
Dietary sources of probiotics
One of the easiest ways to introduce probiotics is through your diet. Consuming the following probiotic-rich foods can promote a healthy gut environment:
However, if you frequently suffer from UTIs, the probiotics you get from food might not be enough to make a significant impact.
Probiotic supplements
Supplements offer a concentrated dose of specific probiotic strains that may effectively combat recurrent UTIs. These supplements come in various forms:
- Oral supplements: These are typically taken in capsule, tablet, or powder form. They contribute to overall gut health, which in turn may help maintain a balanced microbial environment in the body.
- Intravaginal probiotics: These are administered directly into the vagina, often in the form of suppositories or creams. They can help restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina, reducing the risk of vaginal infections and UTIs.
So, which one should you choose? Well, it largely depends on your needs and specific circumstances. If oral probiotics are particularly beneficial for restoring gut balance during or after antibiotic treatments, intravaginal probiotics offer a more targeted solution for vaginal microbiome disturbances.
If you have a history of recurrent UTIs, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider as they can better guide you in selecting the right probiotic for you. The key is to choose a probiotic that is most effective and safe.
Need more information about probiotics for urinary tract health? Book a free consultation with experts from The Good Bug and begin your journey towards a healthier you. Our exclusive collection of probiotics and prebiotics helps you embrace a new, bacteria-friendly lifestyle.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16827601/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8720415/
https://urogyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/blog/probiotics-for-uti.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0255085720303315
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008772.pub2/full
