UTIs can be caused by poor hygiene, impaired immune function, the overuse of antibiotics, the use of spermicides, and sexual intercourse. The most common cause, accounting for about 90 percent of all cases, is the transfer of Escherichia coli bacteria from the intestinal tract to the urinary tract.
For those of you who have experienced a UTI, there isn’t much you wouldn’t do to avoid another one. While I personally have never had a UTI, my patients have told me how symptoms like pain, burning, nausea, and even bloody urine can be debilitating, and for those who get chronic UTIs, the fear of infection can be enough to prevent engagement in any activities that could trigger one. For people who get them frequently, sometimes a specific cause cannot even be pinpointed. This can be frustrating and scary.
Fortunately, there are a few methods of natural UTI treatment and prevention that have worked extremely well for my patients, to the point where they no longer worry about getting a UTI.
These treatments don’t require a prescription, are inexpensive, and are completely drug-free. While your doctor may not know about them, I hope this article will help you completely avoid UTIs—or at least significantly reduce their frequency and severity. I recommend working with a Functional Medicine practitioner who is focused on treating the root cause of your UTIs.
UTIs can be debilitating, but it is possible to get relief without requiring a prescription. Check out this article for five ways to cure UTIs without antibiotics. #functionalmedicine #wellness #chriskresser
What Is the Standard Treatment for a UTI?
Doctors typically use antibiotics to treat UTIs, and the type and duration depend on your health condition and the type of bacterium found in your urine. (2) Commonly prescribed antibiotics are:
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
These antibiotics are often unnecessary and may cause more problems in the future by destroying the beneficial bacteria that prevent pathogenic bacteria from growing. Long-term use of antibiotics can also lead to antibiotic resistance in strains of bacteria like E. coli in the gut, and a UTI caused by these bacteria will be even more challenging to eliminate and can cause more serious issues like a kidney or bladder infection.
Furthermore, antibiotics do very little to prevent the infection from happening in the first place. So, while drugs may be an easy fix for the short term, in the long run, you will continue to be susceptible to UTIs, and these infections may be worse than if you had never taken a course of antibiotics in the first place!
Curing and Preventing UTIs Naturally: D-Mannose
Treating UTIs with D-Mannose
D-mannose is by far the most effective supplement for both treatment and prevention of UTIs. Similar to glucose in structure, D-mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that is found in a number of fruits, including apples, blueberries, and cranberries. (3) This sugar is the reason that cranberry juice has been commonly recommended as a UTI treatment, though it is far easier to get the recommended dosage from a supplement. D-mannose is effective because it attaches to E. coli bacteria, causing them to stick to each other and preventing them from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. (4) The bacteria can then easily be eliminated from the body during urination.
D-mannose, even in large quantities, does not cause any adverse effects, and cannot be metabolized the way other sugars can, meaning this supplement is safe for people with diabetes and others who are avoiding sugar for any reason. This treatment is also safe for children and the elderly.
Symptom relief can be seen as quickly as the following day, and most symptoms of UTI are generally resolved after 48 hours of treatment. Additionally, taking D-mannose during a time where you feel you are most prone to UTIs, such as before intercourse or during prolonged antibiotic treatment, can help prevent a UTI from ever developing in the first place. This is especially helpful for those who are prone to chronic UTIs and want to be able to engage in normal life activities without fear of infection.
The typical dose of D-mannose for UTI treatment is 500 mg, in capsule or powder form, taken with or in a glass of water or juice every two to three hours for five days. It is a good practice to continue taking the supplement even after symptoms have diminished to ensure complete elimination of the bacteria in the urinary tract. This dose can also be taken as a preventive, or prophylactic, method.
While there has not been any peer-reviewed research to support the effectiveness of D-mannose in treating or preventing UTIs, clinical and anecdotal experience suggests it is highly effective for the majority of infections, both acute and chronic. Some of my patients who have used D-mannose as a UTI treatment method have even described its effects as “miraculous”—so it’s definitely worth a shot!
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Four Alternative Treatments for Chronic UTIs
One caveat with D-mannose is that it is only effective with UTIs caused by E. coli infection. While this accounts for about 90 percent of cases, 10 percent will not benefit from this treatment. In this case, supplements that help disrupt biofilms can be useful in treating and preventing UTIs.
Biofilms are an accumulation of microorganisms and their extracellular products forming structured communities attached to a surface such as the lining of the urogenital tract. (5) The development of a biofilm can make infections extremely hard to treat, since they commonly return shortly after treatment is stopped.
The antibacterial resistance of pathogenic biofilms is one of the major reasons why those who get a UTI are highly susceptible to getting more in the future—if the biofilm is not completely eliminated, the infection will eventually return at some point.
1. InterFase Plus and Biofilm Defense
This is why the use of biofilm disruptors can be helpful for preventing the recurrence of chronic UTIs. The biofilm disruptors that I recommend to my patients are InterFase Plus from Klaire Labs or Biofilm Defense from Kirkman. These contain specialized enzymes to disrupt the biofilm matrix embedding potential of pathogens, and dissolve the sugar and fibrin components of most pathogenic biofilms. By destroying the biofilms, the recurrence of UTIs despite proper hygiene can be reduced. (6)
2. Lauricidin
Lauricidin is another supplement that may help in treating UTIs, particularly those that are caused by types of bacteria other than E. coli. Lauricidin (a proprietary form of monolaurin) has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial activity, and is specific against pathogenic bacteria so it won’t disrupt beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is highly effective at combating gram-positive bacteria in the families of: (7)
- Streptococcus
- Staphylococcus
- Corynebacterium
- Listeria
- Bacillus
- Clostridium
It works by disturbing the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane, blocking replication and making it easier for the immune system to destroy the pathogen. Lauricidin is only helpful, however, for UTIs not caused by E. coli, which is gram-negative and has a different kind of outer cell membrane than gram-positive bacteria.
3. Nattokinase
Nattokinase is another enzyme that has been shown to dissolve biofilms. (8) Produced by the bacteria found in the fermented food natto, this enzyme is proteolytic and can help break down the fibrin proteins that maintain the structure of biofilms.
Because of its fibrin-breaking ability, it’s important that nattokinase supplements are not taken by people with bleeding disorders, or by people who are taking Coumadin (warfarin), aspirin, or any other drug that influences blood clotting, unless supervised by a physician.
4. Apolactoferrin
Apolactoferrin (or lactoferrin) is one more supplement that I recommend to my patients with recurrent UTIs. This multifunctional protein lactoferrin is a component of the immune system with antimicrobial activity, and is part of the innate defense, found mainly in secretions and mucosal surfaces. (9)
Lactoferrin has been shown to block pathogenic biofilm development by binding to iron and causing the bacteria to “wander” across surfaces instead of forming cell clusters and biofilms. (10, 11) One study found that the amount of E. coli bacteria in the kidneys and bladder of mice was significantly reduced 24 hours after oral lactoferrin treatment, compared to a control group. (12) More research is necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of lactoferrin in treating UTIs, but I believe it is worth trying, especially if dealing with chronic UTIs.
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Hello, looking for advice.
I have a stubborn enterococcal bacteria UTI, took a round of antibiotics which did not help. read on line that this specific bacteria is antibiotics resistant.
Urologist wanted to put MD on cipro, I refused. He then wanted to put me on a long course of antibiotics but I refused again as we are trying to conceive.
I am looking for natural remedies to get rid of this thing.
I am taking 90 billion probiotics in the morning.
olive leaf spray in the mouth
oregano EO under feet and under tongue.
1 raw clove garlic/day (yuck)
and bought also uti-clear a d goldenseal.
thoughts, suggestions?
thanks
Hi all, I’m surprised that a few key things were not mentioned by anyone here. I have been getting UTIs on and off since I was in my mid 20’s. Now, many years later, I still get them about once a year, usually in summer. It occurs to me that heat and moisture might be a good environment for the bacteria? Cotton clothing or other breathable fabrics are important to consider, especial undies. Also: stay hydrated. Years ago my midwife told me to avoid: caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. They all irritate the urinary tract, and are diuretics. She also said to urinate and empty the bladder completely after sex, which others mentioned. But you can still get them when you aren’t having sex, there are many causes. I am glad I read this, because now I understand that the antibiotics I took in the past have probably made me more susceptible. I wish I never took them, and had done more research sooner. (The Internet has helped a lot!)
Also a holistic healer told me about a very good homeopathic remedy: Cantharis. She had said to take the 30x tablets frequently, maybe 5 times/day for the first day or two. Then switch to the 10x. I can only find 30x at my local heath food store…so I use that until the UTI is gone. I have had good luck with this- especially if I start with it at the very first uncomfortable feeling that a UTI is coming on. I also take liquid Echinacea Extract, strengthens the immune system. I prefer the one that has both Augustaflia & Purpurea. You can take a full course, which is 1-2 droppers full in water…(the book I have says every 2 hours, but I only take it 3-5 times a day) for up to 10 days, then take a maintenance dose, about 20 drops twice a day in water, for 2 weeks. I take less, as a smaller dose seems to work for me. But read the label- some have different dosages; it’s safe for children in smaller amounts, and it is said to be safe for pregnant and nursing mothers. I used it when I was nursing as recommended by my midwife. (Echinacea is good for a lot of ails, and I like the liquid because you can also use it on your skin, to heal things like cuts, bug bites, and cracked lips. But you can also take the capsules)
I think the most important thing is to follow through, even when you feel better. I’ve thought I had nipped an infection in the bud, and gone back to having coffee too soon. really I should quit coffe altogether. It’s interesting that sugar should be avoided. (All the good stuff is bad for us.)
I am going to try some of these other remedies too. The healing and preventive ones sound like they are worth a try. And I have always used cranberry juice. Now I know other juices are probably equally beneficial, like blueberry…and possible tart cherry, which I drink already for inflamation. I always wonder if it’s best to take the higher concentration of a supplement than to drink the juice. Maybe other compounds present in the juice or even the whole fruit itself make it work better? Anyway good luck to all of you. I feel for you.
I am have a stubborn Enterococcus bug, any ideas for shifting?
Mkka,
I have been down the same road as you. I took EOs for 10 days -melaleuca, oregano, on guard and lemon but it did not knock the enterrococus faecilis out. I finally took the macrobid again and felt a little better while taking it but finished that a week ago and feel very bad again. My gut is a big problem. Taking probiotics. Started the monolaurin about 3 weeks ago and am taking only one Neprinol which is an enzyme preparation a night. Will start putting oregano on bottom of feet at your suggestion. Does Chris answer the questions we ask? I am also loaded with heavy metals so the enzymes are scary since they pull the metals out. Also taking modified citrus pectin (PectaClear) for metals. We are in a scary situation. I feel so bad and I do go to a Functional doctor and have had gut tests done but it is all out of pocket. Have you gotten any better doing what you listed? I hope we can correspond and compare notes.
Chris doesnt seem to be answering any comments.
I am still trying to get rid of this darn thing, only, and .i say ONLY thing I saw someone said helped her get rid of it was goldenseal, which I am giving another shot ….
Then I will try olive leaf
Then I will try noni
I am getting very depressed anout this and cant find amy naturopath familiar with this bacteria, HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?
D-mannose and cranberry do not work on gram positive bacterias.
I am really depressed.
I’ve been suffering from a chronic UTI. I’ve visited the hospital for thousand times but it’s still there. My manhood have also started shrinking. Please can it’s be cured and restored.
I haven’t gone through all the comments but one thing I haven’t seen anyone mention is sex and how it contributes to UTIs. Cleanliness for both partners is utmost. Sure it takes a bit of the spontaneity out of it but a shower and teeth brushing sure beats a UTI any day. AND ladies, make sure you pee right after and I am not talking a little dribble, you have to have a strong stream!
we’ve both done the scrupulous cleansing, and while that used to work, it doesn’t seem to matter anymore. I am 54 and wondering if my anatomy is weird or something? Like, maybe my urethra is too “exposed” at this point in my life. I have not been able to have sex in the past couple o years without 2 days later, having a UTI!!! I’m embarrassed to keep running back to urgent care, my GYN, or even my family doctor. this is a mess!
Exactly in the same boat…going to Urologist today….suffered all my life. From spicy food to sitting in a wet bathing suit is a nightmare…..good luck!
Anyone try this?: http://www.drugs.com/comments/methenamine/
very interesting read: http://urologytimes.modernmedicine.com/urology-times/news/modernmedicine/modern-medicine-now/preventing-recurrent-urinary-tract-infections-?id=&sk=&date=&pageID=4
Hey Dan! Can I contact u via email? I’ve used Hiprex.
Yes, please: [email protected]
I am 30 male. I have diagnose kidney stone ten years early. I pass out left stone this year n recently I remove my right stone tat obstruct between kidney and bladder through urestocopy method. At the time of surgery I was told UTI on left tract. Used antibiotic n stent was put. After two weeks my stent was remove n now am having low fever abdomen discomfort both, back pain n low fever. Please help which antibiotic or natural remedies will do for me. My doc give me loxof az 500 for three days but it doesn’t help
I’ve taken Uribel which is related to the drug you list. It works pretty well as a pain reliever and is supposed to help reduce risk of infection. It’s not very fast working but it does help a LOT and it has an anti-spasmodic which also helps.
I think the article also omits the issue of interstitial cystitis (IC) and/or extreme inflammation after a UTI. I got diagnosed with IC after having a few ‘real’ UTIs and a couple of UTI- like incidents wherein I had all the symptoms but the lab said no infection. I’m somewhat convinced that IC is a catch-all for a range of issues. I got a lot better after going Paleo and also alkalizing my diet. I think my bladder was extremely irritated and inflamed for about a year. Things have calmed down, but every now and then something happens (usually not hydrating plus eating too many irritating foods) and I’m back on the internet looking for answers. I’m hoping biofilms are it.
I’m sorry, the link for the paper about garlic did not post properly. Here is the corrected link:
http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/Pertanika%20PAPERS/JTAS%20Vol.%2038%20(2)%20May.%202015/09%20Page%20271-278%20(JTAS%200616-2014).pdf
Garlic extract may be an effective weapon against multi-drug resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria associated with urinary tract infections (UTI), according to a recent study.
http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/Pertanika%20PAPERS/JTAS%20Vol.%2038%20(2)%20May.%202015/09%20Page%20271-278%20(JTAS%200616-2014).pdf
Can you tell me if Apolacoferrin has lactose…since i am lactose intolerant. I suffer terrible from UTI’s both E coli and bacterial. I am trying to come up with a routine for preventive measures against both. Do you know of any natural health professionals in Ct that you would recommend Thank you.
Hi Linda,
I am a integrative nutrition health coach who suffered from
UTIs for 25 years until I changed my diet, improved my gut
health and started using D-mannose instead of Cipro.
I would love to sit down with you, my office is in Old Greenwich.
Your other option is to get in touch with a wonderful functional doctor, Andrew Cummins, ND. His office is in Westport, 203 916 4600 at the Shalva Clinic.
I just started D-mannose for UTI & I’m taking 2 grams every 3-4 hours for now! does that sound right? I was doing much better & we went on vacation & I ate sugar & now I’m back here again searching for natural cures!
The acidity of urine — as well as the presence of small molecules related to diet — may influence how well bacteria can grow in the urinary tract, a new study shows:
Robin R. Shields-Cutler, Jan R. Crowley, Chia S. Hung, Ann E. Stapleton, Courtney C. Aldrich, Jonas Marschall, Jeffrey P. Henderson. Human Urinary Composition Controls Siderocalin’s Antibacterial Activity. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2015; jbc.M115.645812 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M115.645812
My 89 year old mother has had an indwelling catheter for nearing 4 yrs. Though I’ve experimented, I can no longer keep her infection-free unless we remain on 500 mg d-mannose every 3 hrs round-the-clock. (I put it down her feeding tube rather than having her swallow it night & day.) I worry for its effect on her kidneys or bladder if she stays on this treatment level of dosing “forever more.” What are the risks of that high a dosing for years & years? Are there other means of helping her so that we could drop the dosing back at least to every 4 hrs? She once was able to maintain at every 6 hrs.
Hi folks,
Yesterday I found a promising new probiotic at my local Vitamin Shoppe. It’s from Garden of Life, and is called Dr. Formulated Probiotics Urinary Tract+. Here is a link:
http://www.gardenoflife.com/Products-for-Life/Dr-Formulated/Dr-Formulated-Urinary-Tract.aspx
Note — for some reason the description on the site below the box does not match the strength and dosage listed on the box — click on the “Supplement Facts” button at the upper right for the correct information.
It seems to help a lot — I’m at the tail end of a bladder infection — Macrobid (taken as a last resort) did not get rid of it. I was feeling mild bladder discomfort and holding my own with various supplements. I took twice the dose of the probiotic yesterday in divided doses, (two at a time) and also 1 tsp of Now D-mannose (5x/day) and 2 Solaray Capryl (3x/day), 1 Jarrow Lactoferrin (2x/day) and 1 Serrapeptase (2x/day) separately from the probiotic. Today my bladder feels normal. I will continue this regime for a few more days and hope it heals me. It feels like this targeted probiotic gives my body the extra support it needs.
In regards to Bladder infections with Bleeding, should our systems be More Acidic or Alkaline to get rid of the Bacteria ? ? ? Some websites say “Acidic” and others say “Alkaline”. I don’t know which way to go. It is very confusing. Help!
I would see a doctor– if you see blood in your urine, how do you know it’s not cancer? I know a lot of people who died of bone cancer (painfully), but only because they had bladder cancer.
I rarely have gotten UTI or bladder infection, but twice used antibiotics (in one case I was out of the country), and second time I intentionally cut back and went with various urinary system herbs, coconut /herb ovules (this is mostly bladder situated), rest, hot castor oil pack, and cherry concentrate + water to which echinacea and other herbs were added.
I havent seen this mentioned yet, but I am certain two of the UTI were directly caused by mindlessly wiping towards the urethra instead of AWAY. I am just not otherwise prone to these infections. I would suggest to , particularly women who are, to look at this habit , there could be a connection.
You are absolutely right. There is a connection between UTI’s and this practice. Nurses often teach their patients to always wipe away from urethra. When a patient is about to be catheterized, an iodine solution (to sterilize) is applied from top to bottom (clean to dirty area) to avoid contamination with microbes around the anus.
An Online Doctor has made a suggestion that may be helpful for everyone. He says that quite often antibiotics will kill a lot of the bacteria but some bacteria is too strong to be killed and will be left behind. These would be the “Superbugs”. He suggests the following supplements be taken: Turmeric, standardized at At Least 90% Curcuminoids which also contains Black Pepper Extract. Take 1000mg a day. This will break loose those superbugs for removal. (Turmeric is also great for your mind).
Cat’s Claw which is derived from the Inner Bark. This boosts the immune system and fights infection. Take 500 mg a day.
I just placed an order through Amazon.com for mine. I don’t want to spend more money on another antibiotic just to find out that it doesn’t work.
Give this a try, and Good Luck.
In regards to the information above, a brand of Turmeric which is suppose to be one of the best is “Turmeric Curcumin C3 by VitaBreeze. People who have taken Turmeric claim that this is the best to take. Just FYI
Where can I get the turmeric from? Can I get that on Amazon to?
Regarding using Cats Claw……If your infection causes you to pass blood, Cats Claw will definitely cause that to happen. I took just one Cats Claw pill and I started passing blood. So this may not be for everyone. Just FYI
Sounds like your partner is doing a lot of great things to help her uti situation. As I have to perform intermittent self catheterization for a neurogenic bladder (MS) several times daily I am at a very, very high risk for uti’s, too. Yet, with the regimen I’v followed, I’ve been uti free for 3+ years. I’ve found “prevention” is totally key. At my yearly urologist check up last month my dr was amazed that my urine had zero bacteria activity. She said that with ISC patients there are generally colonies that live in the bladder even if they are not creating uti symptoms. My regimen is listed a few mos. back in the comments so I won’t repeat the whole thing again. However, in addition to what you’re partner is already doing, she might want to consider adding pure cranberry juice (Knudsen’s), oil of oregano (capsules and/or tea), and cranberry pills (Solaray D’Mannose with cranactin). You mentioned that she tries to avoid sugar, but how about white flour? Bacteria thrive with that, too.
Would you be so kind as to re-post your regimen? I would love to have that information. Or email to me.Thank you so much.
Hi Kathleen,
Can you please repost your regimen or e-mail it to me [email protected]…I would appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Alina
Hi Alina & Marina,
My regimen was posted on January 11, 2015, so if you just scroll back you will find it, that way you can see the extra comments that go with it. The only thing I’ve changed since then is I have given up Splenda and now sweeten my gluten free baked goods with 1/2 stevia and 1/2 honey. For oatmeal or gluten free waffles I do use pure maple syrup (not the sugar laden fake stuff) and all fruit jam (made from 100% fruit, no sugar added) for toast. Hope my regimen ideas work for you!
This is going to be long, but hopefully helpful!
My partner has been suffering from UTIs for the last 6 months and the most recent one has been going on for 2 months, but is under control and seems to be on the brink of resolving, though it has come back a few times when she’s been stressed or unknowlingly eats sugar. She will not take any more antibiotics since she took 3 rounds (cipro and macrobid each worked once for e.coli, but the third round which was cipro didn’t work). She also has symptoms of leaky gut and very likely candida overgrowth judging by her tongue and other symptoms.
We’ve done an enormous amount of research (some frantic, some less so!) and it seems that E.Coli can travel from the gut to the bladder and repopulate (this is a separate issue from biofilm). It seems to reason that the solution would be to rebuild her gut wall with lots of bone broth and demulcent teas (cold infusion of marshmallow, slippery elm, etc), stay warm, sleep well and a lot, and eat whole, non-inflammatory foods. She’s been mostly meat-free which is really hard for her, but we make huge batches of kraut and buy avocados in bulk. Probiotic fermented foods are super important for ANYONE who has taken antibiotics anyway. Make sure you’re buying LIVE kraut in the store. If you don’t know how to make your own kraut, check out Sandor Katz’s videos. It’s super easy, but a little time consuming.
She resolved the last 3 UTIs successfully in 3-4 weeks by drinking lots and lots of tea each day, as in 1 or 2x64oz ball jars of an antimicrobial tea with uva ursi, buchu, couch grass. And a pint of Juniper tea everyday has helped in the past as well. I’ve read that buchu in large doses can damage the liver, but am not sure if that true. Milk thistle could offset that issue. Drinking nettle tea is good too as it keeps you peeing. The juniper tea and tincture of western red cedar seemed to be the straws that broke the UTI’s back on the last 3 infections.
This current UTI is different and more stubborn for some reason. She hit it immediately with all we had but it just stuck around (possibly because she was unknowlingly eating sugar). She isn’t sure if D-mannose is working or not, but takes it anyway and tried lactoferrin, but that just sapped her of what little iron she had anyway. This infection is in the 8th week and she’s drinking goldenseal and/or oregon grape and uva ursi/pipsissewa tea for antimicrobial. She’s also drinking ACV water all day, Hibiscus tea which does the same thing that Dmannose does, but has lots of vit C. Demulcent (marshmallow, couch grass) and tonifying teas (horsetail) are important too to repair the damage the infection does to the tissue. She’s also taking fermented cod liver oil for vitamin A+D, olive leaf extract, bee propolis/pollen/royal jelly, and we made our own turmeric+black pepper capsules which she takes since she ran out of turmeric tincture. She makes a salad dressing everyday with 4 or 5 garlic cloves in it that seems to be doing good things. Baking soda and cream of tartar may or may not be doing good things.
I just bought a bunch of essential oils (sandalwood, juniper, eucalyptus, bergamot) which I’ve read will be good on a compress over the bladder area.
Acupuncture seems to have helped a little and she just got a pelvic floor massage today from the master of PFM in Portland, OR. I can report back later on if it helped.
She’s had a bunch of emotional breakdowns (understandably) and I do my best to reassure her. She’s doing pretty well now and it seems like the end is in sight. This is a crazy and expensive ride and I pray (though I’m not a praying man) for all you folks who feel hopeless. Keep drinking and I hope this info helps!
I’ve been ordering herbs from mountainroseherbs.com which is way cheaper than getting them from the herb shops we’re very lucky to have nearby.
There’s also some ayurvedic stuff that we haven’t tried yet called Divya Chandraprabha Vati which I can find very little information on, but contains a bunch of different pepper plants and supposedly it’s been used for centuries for urinary complaints and it’s cheap.
There’s also phage therapy for those who want to fly to Tiblisi in Georgia. They understand biofilms!
here are some interesting links:
https://thescienceofnutritiondotnet.wordpress.com/2015/03/13/natural-anti-biofilm-agents/
http://eliavaphageny.com/index.html
**It seems that maintaining good gut health is VERY important for UTI sufferers.
If I think of anything else, I’ll post. When this is all over we’ll make a big post about what worked and what didn’t.
Just FYI…..re: Chandraprabha Vati…..I have been taking this supplements since April 30th, and really not sure if it is helping solve my bladder infection. I am a 68 year old male, and keep taking this product because it suppose to be good for the prostate. And, I am hoping it will help with the infection since nothing else has helped. Not sure how I got a bladder infection, but it is said that it is a lot more difficult to solve a UTI in a male than a female.
On Thu, May 28, 2015 at 4:11 AM, Ann Sanders wrote:
Well to the gentleman who is very supportive of his poor girl, here us what I know /. I have been a victim of uti’s for three years. Most of mine are due to hormones disappearing with menopause. And this is where it may help you and a few others. As I am depleted of oestrogen , my vaginal flora (tmi) is not what it was. The ph has altered dramatically and if I do not keep that are up to date with topical oestrogen, I can pretty much bet the next time I am intimate with my chap, a uti will turn up. A mans semen is way more acidic than the environment inside the vagina, This upsets the balance and the ‘act’ of intercourse will guarantee that any bacteria inside the vagina will be dragged into an area that is going to cause trouble. Stress is the very worst thing with a fragile hormone system and will upset that area. Ayurvedic medicine is the way to go and I would get on ashwaghanda which will level a lot out. You used to be able to buy boric acid (I know, ant powder) which if used intravaginally in a suppository form, wiped out the bacteria. But EU regs have decided that we have all become stupid and will not allow chemists to sell it anymore. This is what I have found but please, never let a uti go on untreated for too long. I did and my lovely dr told his subversive patient that I was hours from being taken into hospital. See an ayurvedic doctor who is also allopathic, they will treat all of you instead of the bacteria in your bladder.
My very best wishes
Thank you very much. As a former RN, I know what antibiotics can do long term. I have had, on average 3 or 4 UTI’S a month and seriously, I’m about tired of it. I knew there had to be natural choices out there. I will bevisiting the website you mentioned.
Did your girlfriend end up curing that stubborn UTI? I am in a similar position and am feeling hopeless!
Does anyone know if D mannose is effective against all strains of E. coli?
I have not had any success with D mannose yet, taking 8g a day for 6 days although lab tests always isolates E. coli.
Not sure if D-Mannose is effective on all E-coli, but D-Mannose does not work for everyone. I took it for a Long time and it solved nothing. I also took Cranberry Pills for 2 1/2 months and it did nothing. I took Ciprofloxacin for 10 days and it did nothing except make me feel terrible. I took Buchu supplements for a long time and it did nothing. I have taken a lot of supplements with No Help. I wish you luck, I sure need some…………….
Hi Dale
Have you verified that your bacteria is E. coli?
I am now on my fourth course of antibiotics (augmentin) in 4 months and have never felt worst. Nothing seems to work.
I wish Chris could advise if taking kirkman biofilm with augmentin would make the treatment more effective without hurting the gut further.
No, I have verified what kind of Bacteria caused my infection. I never asked the Doctor. I recently decided to try a different Antibiotic. I have had Cipro which did nothing, so I am going to get some Amoxicillin and try it…..taking One every 8 hours.
I was suppose to say: “Have Not Verified”.
hello everyone. taking antibiotics can and will cause leaky gut and an imbalance in your normal flora. If you have already been taking them be sure to get on a good and strong probiotic. I also recommend L-glutamine to heal your gut (powder form, has no taste). avoid antibiotics at all cost. 1/2 tsp baking soda and 2 tablespoons of pure lemon juice helps as does apple cider vinegar. if you are showing signs of candida overgrowth, do what ever you can to heal your leaky gut and stop eating all sugar, white flour etc. There is no reason to give up meat except meat that contains nitrates.
“One caveat with D-mannose is that it is only effective with UTIs caused by E. coli infection. While this accounts for about 90% of cases, there are 10% that will not benefit from this treatment. In this case, supplements that help disrupt biofilms can be useful in treating and preventing UTIs.”
Your presentation is a little confusing Chris.
This can easily be interpreted as you saying if D-mannose fails your UTI is not caused by E Coli. E-coli is capable of forming biofilms which could limit the effectiveness of D-mannos.
Point being, if you cannot afford a culture to know what bug you are dealing with, introduce a biofilm disruptor and stick with d-mannose initially. If this fails, move on to lauricin for other bugs….
Matthew,
I left a new question about biofilm disrutp…but you seem to know a lot can you maybe reply to my post or email me? Let me know thanks,
Nicole
QUESTION. Does anyone know if you can follow protocols for both an E. coli and non E. coli UTI at the same time. My doctor confirmed that I do have a UTI, but it will take a week for him to find out if it is from E. coli or not.
In other words, is it ok to take D-Mannose and InterFase Plus or similar at the same time or will that mess up the effectiveness of either?
Also, I’ve been taking the D-mannose for 24 hours with no relief yet. I have a prescription for Amoxicillin, but don’t want to fill it unless it’s my last resort. Thanks for any help.
Great question Russell.
I think a general rule of thumb is not to mix your protocols so it is clear what is effecting change.
We are all unique, and you must have the patience to experiment in finding what works for “you”. A big part of that is learning to trust your own innate sense of health.
E Coli can form biofilms, something Chris does not address in this post. I don’t see how the addition of a biofilm disruptor would cause any issues, except your out of pocket cost if just the d-mannose would have worked.
I personally would continue with the d-mannose for 5 days. If it fails, you will have your doc’s culture results.
Start a biofilm disruptor.
If it is E Coli, continue the d-mannose.
If it is a gram positive bug, start the lauricin.
If you still have issues, introduce lactoferrin.
Still issues? Change up your biofilm disruptor.
You get where this is going. It can be a long and arduous process. Further, there is a lot of ambiguity here. Chris is unclear on whether it is safe to combine biofilm disruptors. He is also gives no guidance in the treatment of an active infection versus a preventive protocol, except to say continue d-mannose if it works at the same dose!?!? Really? I cant’ just take 2 caps at night before bed? Every two hours is kind of a PITA. If its not E Coli, your on your own to figure out a prevention strategy. .
Unfortunately, Chris just provides the dots. You have to connect them yourself. To be clear, this is not a complaint. I don’t think anyone can really do any more than that. If you are budget constrained, you really have to think about your process of experimentation.
Exhausting stuff…. Good luck and I hope you find your solution quickly.
Thanks very much Mathew. I will take all your info into account and do it. I still do not have the results back from my MD which is ridiculous as Joanne just wrote in a post. It really should take no longer than 48 hours to get a culture back. I will call my MD on Monday, but I do not have much faith in him getting me the info I need.
I still have the symptoms, but they are getting a bit better. I was waiting to get my results, but now I will start a biofilm disruptor today.
This is really strange for me because I am what my co-workers consider a “ultra healthy person”. Low body fat, muscular, healthy, positive attitude and full of lots of health info so I will continue to forge ahead with the more natural, non-traditional route to better health. Thanks again for your help.
For Russell. Just a point of clarification for your future reference: It only takes 24 hours for a urine culture to grow out. It takes another 24 to determine which antibiotics work on your specific bacteria. A doctor should not be making you wait a week to find out. I did these cultures for a living and it still works the same way. I just hate to see you in limbo for so long.
Hey girls (and boys?) I just posted a blow-by-blow overview of my experience treating UTI with D-mannose. It is pretty detailed so hopefully can help you to build the confidence to try this magic powder 🙂
http://www.stoputiforever.com/treatment/using-d-mannose-to-treat-uti/
I was reading your Info at the link you provided. When I got to the part where you were peeing blood, I stopped. I learned myself that too much Vitamin C and the Apple Cider Vinegar can cause the bleeding. Many people say to take a lot of C, but I feel that it makes things worse, and after One dose of Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbs) in water, I said that’s enough of that. Just FYI
Does this work also for chlamydia trachomatis and neisseria gonorrhoeae?
I just found out it doesnt. UNfortunately, antibiotics the only way to go. Just letting others know.
UTI’s for me are once to every 2 years, but the awful pain when urinating is excruciating…….My doc prescribes CIPRO (antibiotic) works like a charm but taking it for 7 to 10 days……….never heard of the items mentioned here, but perhaps a preventive thing would be to eat blueberries daily and apples??????? Dana