Can Probiotics Help With UTIs?

A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection of the urinary system. This involves your urethra, kidneys, and bladder. Urine is a result of the filtration system of the kidneys. When waste products and excess water is removed from your blood by the kidneys, urine is created. Generally, urine moves through your urinary system without any contamination. However, bacteria can get into the urinary system from outside of the body, causing problems like infection and inflammation. 

What are the Symptoms of UTI?

• A strong and frequent urge to urinate that does not go away
• Cloudy urine
• Red urine or cola-colored or may have signs of blood
• Strong-smelling urine
• Burning feeling when urinating
• Frequent urination with a small amount of urine
• Pelvic pain in women 

Causes of UTI

1. Bladder infection.  It is caused by E. coli a type of bacteria commonly found in the GI tract. Having sex also may lead to a bladder infection, but you don’t have to be sexually active to develop one. All women are at risk of bladder infections because of their anatomy.
2. Infection of the urethra. It can happen when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. It is also caused by sexually transmitted infections. They include herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma. 

What is the Treatment?

Antibiotics usually are the first treatment for urinary tract infections. Your health and the type of bacteria found in your urine determine which medicine is used and how long you need to take it. Cranberry products such as juice may have properties that fight infection. 

Researchers continue to study the ability of cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. Your health care provider also may give you a pain reliever to take that can ease burning while urinating. But pain usually goes away soon after starting an antibiotic.

Can Probiotics Help With UTIs?

Specific probiotic bacteria have the ability to inhibit the growth of bad bacteria commonly leading to UTIs. It also helps restore and maintain the healthy bacterial balance and diversity in the body, ensuring that bad bacteria have less of an opportunity to survive, grow and potentially cause infection.

Urinary Tract Infections and Probiotics

There are several factors that interfere with the natural balance of the microbiome in your vagina. These factors increase your 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. Supplementation with probiotics is a safe and effective way to help prevent urinary tract infections. You will get its utmost benefit when taken daily rather than using them as a quick fix. 

When Should You Take Probiotics?

You can have them at any time as they are generally safe. If you are looking to add more probiotics to your body, the most effective way to do so is via a scientifically combined, multispecies probiotic supplement. Make sure that the probiotic you choose has extensive research and studies backing it up, and is manufactured in a way that you will reap all the benefits. 

Lifestyle and Home Remedies for UTI

UTI symptoms often clear up within a few days of starting treatment. But you may need to continue antibiotics for a week or more. Take all of the medicine as prescribed. Here are some things you can do at home:

• Drink plenty of water. Water helps to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria. Water also promotes detoxification and stabilizes your body temperature.
• Avoid beverages that may irritate your bladder. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices or caffeine if you are experiencing UTI symptoms. These beverages irritate your bladder and tend to increase the need to urinate.
• Use a heating pad. Apply a warm, but not hot, heating pad to your belly to help with bladder pressure or discomfort. It will ease symptoms that cause discomfort.