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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Hi, am 9 weeks pregnant and I was told that at my last dr. Appt. they detected bacteria in my urine. Therefore I have a bladder infection but I have no symptoms! I started taking cranberry supplements, garlic and probiotics. Along with drinking lots of water. I’m supposed to get tested again on Mon but I’m really nervous bc people are telling me I’m risking the infection turning into my kidneys and could cause a miscarriage. It strange since I have no symptoms but that’s the most dangerous kind. Any recommendations?
Apparently it’s possible to get a contaminated ‘positive’ urine culture. that’s what my doctor told me when ecoli showed up in mine and she didn’t believe I had a UTI.
HI Marina,
The first thing I will do for your is pray for your peace and for the safety of your baby. Fear is an unfortunate scare tactic and only brings negative stuff into your life. A positive spirit does wonders and so does laughter and that’s even medically documented in journals. I would recommend taking cranberry juice without sugar and blended with no other juices instead of the supplements. My recommendations that I have received are listed further on down the list including apple cider vinegar and the more powerful Baking Soda and Water concoction. I would say that these are totally safe for your baby, however, I’m not an expert. You might want to check this out. In the past I have killed a UTI with cranberry juice alone – It is an alkaline and very powerful. Garlic is also great. All the best.
Can I take lactoferrin supplement if I have a confirmed sensitivity to milk protein (milk butyrophilin)?
I have had a UTI before, but went to the doctor for antibiotics, so I know how it feels. Since yesterday, I have been having the same pain as before; burning painful urinations, bladder feeling swollen, and having to urinate about every 5 – 10 minutes. Yet when I do urinate, there are no signs of anything wrong; all looks normal. I’m going to go get cranberry juice very soon, but other than that, does anyone have any idea what else I could do to help this problem?
I just overcame a UTI and suspected kidney infection two weeks ago!! I had the cloudy stinky urine, muscle spasms before and after urinating, kidney pain….went to urgent care and urine culture confirmed bacteria. Highest level the dipstick would read, they said. They prescribed Cipro, which I have filled, just in case the pain got intense – I didn’t want to risk a bad kidney infection. Still, my gut told me not to take the cipro.
Reading here and other suggestions from like-minded friends, I took a lot of D-Mannose – couple capsules several times a day. Took some raw apple cider vinegar with raw honey. Even baking soda in water – yuck!! Cranberry juice. Tons of water. Herbal tea. No sex, no alcohol. AND…my essential oils- which I swear by – Thieves, Frankincense, Oregano, purification (I can give anyone info if interested). I give Thieves a ton of credit for fighting bacteria and infection. Anyhow – 24 hours after going to urgent care, I felt a LOT better. 48 hours later, almost good as new! For the next week, I had occasional symptoms – muscle spasm during urination – I attributed it to the bacteria working it’s way out; perhaps the last remnants being flushed out. SO SO grateful to have fought it naturally! My advice would be to get your urine checked just to confirm what’s going on, but try to fight it without antibiotics. Good luck.
HI,
I *think* I am at the begining of another UTI. I get at least 3-4 a year. I am really interested in the essential oils you swear by! Can you give me more info? And maybe tell me a little more about all the natural stuff you did… ?
Any help would be great! I HATE antibiotics!!
Thanks 🙂
Allison
Hi Allison – I just am seeing this now – hopefully you are hanging in there! if you want to email me, I’ll fill you in on the essential oils – too much to write here – my email is [email protected] –
And the other natural remedies I did was D-Mannose capsules – 2 capsules every couple hours, tons of water, some unsweetened cranberry juice, Emergen-C, some raw apple cider vinegar with raw honey (yuck on the vinegar!), and per the advice of someone else here – I think Jodi – I took some baking soda in water (double yuck!) cause it’s good for the kidneys. Drop me an email and I’ll fill you in on the oils 🙂 Get better! ~Laura
Please may I email you too regarding the essential oils…I do not know Thrives….thank you for your information x
Tried emailing you but did not go through….
Tried emailing you but did not go through….
Try again – my email is [email protected] or if you want to post your email here?
Hi there,
I am also a sufferer of UTI’s. I was wondering how you used the essential oils, do you digest them, and if so what quantity?
Many thanks
I am using essential oils. Melaleuca, Oregano, On Guard and frankinscene by DoTerra.
There is am over the counter natural supplement called Azo that you can take to relieve your burning and bladder discomfort. Follow the directions on the back of the box as to how many days to take it for**Advisory** This supplement will turn your urine orange; this is completely normal and will go away after you stop taking it. I’d suggest upping your fluid intake to flush your kidneys and bladder. Sorry for the late response, just came across this helpful and insightful page today.
Symptoms popped up four days ago and I went out and got d-mannose 1000mg the next morning. Symptoms went away immediately, save for cloudy urine and odor. Days 3 and 4 the cloudiness and odor has reduced, but there is distinct discoloration to urine. Dark, nearly brown. Maybe red? Hard to say. Experienced kidney pain yesterday but today both color of urine and pain has improved. Still some odor but not overwhelming like before. Is it time to see a doctor or is there a process here? Still taking d-mannose every four hours or so.
My wife came out of Hospital 31st October, having been in for a week due to a ” Runaway E.Coli Infection. Right now she is suffering from an ENTEROCOCCAL FAECIUM Infection, and started on Amoxycillin yesterday. I have been looking for a good Supplement for this kind of Infection, but each one I try to Order via Amazon does NOT ship to New Zealand…..anyone out there with a solution ? ! Cheers Bruce .
Hi there,
I also have this infection, what treatment is your wife taking and what supplement are you searching for?
Thanks in advance
Hi Bruce,
I’ve written extensively on UTI and Kidney Infection. If you look for my name and scroll down, I think you will find some beneficial items that are most likely in your kitchen cabinets. None of these have any harmful side effects. The strongest for my kidney infection was baking soda. May your wife quickly Be in Health!
Jodi
Go see a Naturopathic doctor!!
Hello!
I need advice please help me.
There’s a pain in my right abdomen connected with my right leg when I’m standing or make my body in a normal position while walking too much pain in it.My friends and even my mother advice me to go for check up but I’m scared to know the result. 🙂
Maybe the sacro-iliac joint is ‘out’. That’s the very lower back part of the spine.
Lie on your back on a hard floor with the knees pulled up, feet on the ground.. Stay there for 2 minutes.
Then do the followoimg stretches. Lying flat pull the left knee up and across with both hands, as hard as you can, so that there is a strong strecth at the buttocks. A partner can pushed DOWN on your knee to help the stretch. Hold hard for 45 seconds. Repeat other leg, same time. Do both again.
At the end of that lot, remain on the hard floor with knees pulled up for another 5 (five) minutse. If it was the sacrto-iliac, all pain and discomfort will have disappeared.
Repeat the stretches daily for prevention. The chiropractor won’t tell you this otherwise they will lose a customer. They lost me!
Why am I reading this? I am waiting for the wife to pick up the D-Mannose for a URI and forgot the dosage. Good luck. (my site.. tthairsolutions)
For the past couple weeks my urine has not been a normal yellow, instead it has been a darker yellow and a horrific smell. I was taking these cranberry pills for a week or so but they didn’t seem to be doing the trick. Should I try drinking more water and cranberry juice plust start taking the pills again? Thoughts and ideas on this would be greatly appreciated!
Hannah,
From what you are describing you UTI is pretty serious. IF you are still having problem it sound like it is time for your family doctor to culture your urine. You do not want to wait too long becuase you can do damage to your kidneys.
Cranberry juice is for prevention, not for treatment (based on 2012 studies). You can buy urinalysis strips to determine if you’re nitrite positive (nitrituria), they you’re know that you’re dealing mostly with E.coli, then try apple vinegar with food, and drink a lot of high-pH drinks (alkaline water) .
Dear Chris,
I have a problem with recurrent Ureaplasma urinary tract infections which I have been unsuccessfully treating with multiple courses of antibiotics during the past few years.
The symptoms are abdominal pain, urgency, and those of urethritis with burning and itching sensation of the whole genitourinary area. For the past few years, Ureaplasma has usually been found in urethral swab, and not in cervical swab.
Just recently I’ve started with phytotherapy, aloe vera supplements, VIP probiotics, high dosage of vitamin C, gluten free diet, but the symptoms remain. Is there any other supplement you’d recommend ?
I do not have urinary tract infections with enterobacteriaceae but had them often when I was little (no abnormalities in anatomy and UT functioning found).
I’m 36 years old.
Thank you for your help.
I have a UTI, did not recognize it immediately. It began with spasms and a need to frequently urinate. I started drinking lots of water and then also pure cranberry juice, 64 ounces over the last two to three days. I am also using heat pads. I have been having mid-back pain, but the original UT symptoms have subsided. Any suggestions?
Hello Jodi:
Have you had a urine test done? I believe we need to use the simple tests like this, along with alternative treatment, to make sure of what we are dealing with. Mid back pain suggests a kidney complication. Original symptoms can clear up and yet kidney involvement can still be there…which is serious. Please check to make sure all is well. Continue with lots of fluids…d-mannose etc. as suggested by many others here, but get the test done, then you know what you are dealing with and where to go next.
No, I have not had a urine test but have had a uti in the past, enough to know what this is. Too much going on in my life right now and my first spasms on Monday I thought were related to a long bike ride, which I haven’t done in a long time. I instinctively started to drink more water to alleviate the urinary tract twinges and slight pain. I was up through the night on Monday using the bathroom. I put off doing what I should have…buying pure cranberry juice until Thursday evening. Should have done that by Tuesday. Anyway, I noticed some pain in my back on Friday and was using hot compresses. Point is I haven’t had any pain in my urinary tract since Thursday but there is some residual pain in my mid back, right and left side. I just started the mannose and botanicals today. I do not have any other side effects like fever or chills. Eating very little but having salads, whole bread, and soup. Thanks for your response! (Also have friends and family praying for me!)
You need to go to the doctor. You have a kidney infection. Cranberry and D-mannose only work on the bladder… if it’s gotten up into your kidneys you’re into serious have to go to the doctor/ER NOW. Left untreated, your kidneys will stop functioning and you will be on dialysis for the rest of your life and/or get a kidney transplant. A good friend of mine (through different causes) suffered through kidney failure and it is not in any way a pleasant experience. He was on medical social security for years and is now on his second donor kidney. All the prayers and cranberries won’t fix this – this is one of those times when antibiotics are needed.
Just wanted to check in to say there are definitely some excellent natural remedies out there that one can find in their own kitchen cabinet. I found some more help specifically for a kidney infection. If you are an otherwise healthy individual and/or even if you have chronic issues these items cannot hurt and do not have side effects, here are some great solutions: I’ve been taking baking soda with water (1 heaping teaspoon to 1 tablespoon), not my favorite drink:) but it has probably helped the most, apple cider vinegar 2T or 1/4c. w/raw honey 1T and garlic, put in anything you can tolerate! Since my kidneys are functioning on getting well I decided to have less food but it was ALL healthy – NO additives or packaged items. Eat foods like kale salad, soup. Stay away from sugars…they love bacteria and create more of the bad stuff. Today, I even decided to get dressed! I’m on the mend! Thanks!
PS – I learned that your kidneys produce either 1/2 to 1 t of baking soda a day!
WOW! That recipe…. I may just try it out and see if it works for me! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jodi:
Lots of good things you are doing.
Please verify it is working with a urine test. I had few symptoms left when I had my 4th urine test and it still tested positive for blood, bacteria etc. Some doctor`s tools are invaluable, this test is one of them.
Jodi, did your infection clear up? I am anxious to hear if you had your urine checked or if the back pain subsided…I am going through something similar – got a urine check today and said I do have a UTI and that I should take an antibiotic, really don’t want to, but I’m having the side back pain as well and nervous about a kidney infection. So anyhow just looking for a follow up from your situation! Thanks!
Hi Laura,
Yes, it has been 2+ weeks and I am doing much better – NO more backpain. My daily routine was taking baking soda, 1 heaping teaspoon (cereal spoon) in cold water (I did take 1 tablespoon/T on my second try – felt already better next am), 2 T of apple cider vinegar (basic stuff from the grocery store) with 1 T raw/organic honey in a cup 8 oz or so of hot water and I put 2 cloves of raw garlic into my food every day – serious bacteria fighter. At every meal I did one or the other – baking soda + water twice a day for the first 2-3 days. Anything that I ate during this time was very good like soups – no additives, etc and raw veges. I knew my kidneys were fighting off the infection so I didn’t want to work any harder to clean out any extra junk. As a CAVEAT – I am a generally healthy persona and want to state that I’ve never had a kidney infection, I’ve always beat the UTI before it went to my kidney, unfortunately because of stuff going on in my life I didn’t do the cranberry juice within 24 hours. I believe because my UTI sat for so long, from Mon to Thurs, the problem worsened. I will tell you that all natural cranberry juice 0-ZERO sugar, seriously bitter, has always been enough to clear the 2-3 UTI infections that I’ve had in my life. Another CAVEAT my friends were praying for me, and I take that very seriously! As for testing, I will have a test done at the doctor’s office in the next month or so to check that all is clear. About antibiotics – you can really mess up the flora in your system for a long time, even forever, when you take antibiotics. Your body is generally weakened – I’ve seen enough investigations to say that. I also just learned that the kidney produces baking soda 1/2t to 1 t/day – WOW – good stuff! Will be praying for complete healing today Laura. Be well!
Thanks for the info, Jodi.
Why the baking soda? And, I couldn’t find the cranberry juice without sugar – would they have that at the local grocery store? I’m taking DMannose with cranberry, I wonder if that is as effective as the juice? you would think it’s even more concentrated. Don’t know if I could handle the apple cider vinegar though we have some of it….guess I should try it!
Natural Cranberry juice without sugar can be found in any local grocery store. It is usually with organic items but can be with the other juices if they put the natural no sugar/organic juices together. It is critical that it be just cranberry juice – no other juices in it and NO sugar like a cranberry cocktail. The sugar interferes in the remedy. After drinking this stuff, apple cider vinegar will feel like nothing, p.s. the honey helps the “medicine” go down a lot easier! I would lick the spoon after the apple cider vinegar goes down…yum. Baking Soda is neutralizing, alkaline. If you don’t have one, find the uses for baking soda, you will be surprised what you can do with the stuff and it’s true, I use it all over the kitchen to clean as well as in my body!:) The D-Mannose is probably fine with the cranberry but the added benefit of the cranberry juice is that you are supposed to drink lots of water. The juice will keep you flushed out. All the best in finding the juice.
It is only recently and only because I have a hyper sensitive ecosystem that I’ve had UTI or yeast infections. My UTI are often because of dehydration and holding urination during travel or at the office. I also get them with alcohol use and sex. I am going to try D-mannose and the Biofilm together since mine have no pain, just a horrific smell and color. I have had relief from UTIs with Cranberry Juice and Walnuts. Thank you for the information on the sugars because I stay far away from all juices. Kind regards!
Erin, so sorry you have such troubles.
I am wondering what “colour” along with horrible smell.
Colour can indicate blood, which can be coming from kidneys.
This of course would be serious. Have you had a urine test done for this episode?
Please what can I use for persistent staph aureus and candida..it’s been on for 2 yrs now and no drug/herb has worked. Thanks
Hello Kosy:
This is an ebook that saved my life:
“How to Kill Stubborn Staphand Superbug Infections”
You can download it for free from this website:
http://www.pdfdownload.co.uk/view.php?id=www.theskepticalnutritionist.com/ebooks/Staph0312.pdf&k=how%20do%20you%20kill%20mrsa
http://www.theskepticalnutritionist.com/ebooks/Staph0312.pdf
I took 1 TB of mesosilver 4 times a day for 3 months, than lowered a dose. All depends on your condition… A lot of good probiotics, NO SUGAR!!!! ZERO!!!
For candida check thecandidadiet.com.
For candida I’m taking mesosilver. oreganol P73, Candida plus and Immune plus from Theramedix Bioset. Read about the Candida die-off! The most important part in getting rid off staph and candida is a diet! Nothing that will feed them! I’m not a doctor. This info is based on my own experience. Good luck!
The article mentioned something for staph, strep, and a couple of other bacteria so you might hop read that again. It was helpful. Also for the Candida, AZO Yeast (and AZO Yeast Plus) is a wonderful homeopathic remedy for Candida infections! Trust me, it works! And it’s ALL natural. Be Healthy!
I have had recurrent uti’s ever since I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. While I alM almost 10 years cancer free, I have lingering issues from chemo, radiation and a oopherectomy. I can go month s without I e, and then have one every other month for a while. I usually have about 4 or 5 a year, but only twice has the culture come back positive for bacterial infection, but they always respond to antibiotics, which I hate taking. I started taking Ultimate a Flora for vaginal support along with cranberry pills and glucosamine chondroitin. That worked for 4 months but the. I switched to the D Manose. I have done that, and continued the g/c for about a month, and developed a uti. I find I get them all the time when I teavel, but that is not the only time.
Same here – the breast cancer, radiation and an oopherectomy. The test results sometimes come back negative, but it goes away with antibiotics. The pain is unbearable! It is controlling my life!
Look up Moses Durazo Biomagnetism to seek help with your situation. Antibiotics will ruin your digestive system just like they did with me. I didn’t have chemo, but antibiotics hurt your body.
I must break the record. Have been suffering off and on with UTI for 57 years. Now it has gone into interstitial cystitis and is ruining my life. The meds for that scare me (ex. Elmiron) What can I take to relieve this pain? I have been taking D-Mannose for 3 weeks.
Sorry to hear that. I am no expert but I read something that may help you from Dr Natasha Campbell McBride:
“Please, read my article on Food Allergy, which explains this issue in detail. Urine is one
of the venues for toxins to leave the body. Abnormal gut flora produces a lot of toxins,
which are excreted in urine. This toxic urine irritates the lining of the bladder and causes
a low grade inflammation there, so the person gets symptoms of chronic cystitis. The
bladder does not want to hold toxic urine, so the person has to empty it frequently……
Foods high in salicylates and oxalates can make the problem
worse, so try to avoid these foods for a while until things get better.
When the natural defences of the mucous membranes of the bladder are damaged by
toxins in the urine, then any infection can join in easily. So people with this problem get
urinary infections frequently which have to be treated with antibiotics. Populating that
area with beneficial flora will prevent urinary infections. So, I recommend applying
homemade kefir or yoghurt all over the groin after showers and baths. Probiotic microbes
will slowly travel up the urethra into the bladder, protect it and help it heal.” from http://gapsdiet.com/FAQs.html
Also read ‘Food Allergy’ article: http://gapsdiet.com/Resources.html
I’m not saying you should do GAPS, I don’t know but perhaps there is some info there to help you. There must be something you are missing from what you have been doing.
Thank you so much, Carol, for your informative reply. I definitely will learn more about the GAP diet. I have been on a gluten free diet but need to be more faithful. I also have asthma and high blood pressure from the asthma meds. Also, I am an artist and was exposed to very toxic paints some years ago. Enough said. Obviously my system is a mess and needs cleaning up.
For those with chronic bladder/cystitis problems might find this interesting: http://www.pelvichealthsolutions.ca/for-the-patient/persistent-pelvic-pain/connective-tissue-dysfunction/what-are-myofascial-trigger-points/
It seems it is possible that some pain can be caused by some sort of muscle tension rather than infection. Look up trigger point therapy/massage. It says: “Dr. Robert Moldwin, one of the leading Urologists in the United States for Painful Bladder Syndrome (formerly known as Interstitial Cystitis), estimates that pain from the muscles may be responsible for as much as 75-80% of painful bladder syndrome.” Wow, that’s a lot if it’s true.
“abdominal trigger points can cause lower urinary tract complaints, groin pain, and dysmenorrhea, and other diagnoses that can be associated with chronic pelvic pain. ”
http://www.pelvichealthsolutions.ca/for-the-patient/interstitial-cystitis/
Hello Chris im A 19 years old Male Seeking Help 3months ago I Got A Uti went to doctors they gave me Ciprofloxacin Didn’t Work, Been Having Weak stream Frequent Urination ..They Said I didn’t Have Uti No more . weeks later Went To urologist still with Pee Problems Said i Had Overactive Bladder Gave Me oxytrol months pass Nothing Working For So I Go To Test Myself With A azo Test Strip And i Had Positive white blood cells In urine After So Many Months Going Threw Frequent Urination/ weak Stream /with dribble. So im shocked that i have Found My Problem guess i Dont Have OAB . Went To Urget Care Said Positive WBC Gave Me Doxycycline hyclate 100 Oral 4th days on antibiotics Feeling So Much Better stream is Getting Stronger Far Best Antibiotics That is Working So Far For me still Got 6days to Finish Medicine Hope I’m Cured Just Wanted To Know What Is Doxycycline Fighting E coli ? Since Ciprofloxacin Didn’t work And Why Is Doxycycline Working For Me? &What Supplement In Your Article Do You Think Will Work best For Me ?D -Mannose ?please I Would Appreciate Your Help and Advice Thank you
Although I’ve been following the dosage instructions that I’ve been researching (1 teaspoon in 8oz water every two hours), I still haven’t found relief from my bladder infection. This has been going on for 5 days now and the burning and constantly feeling like I have to pee is making me crazy. When I do pee, there is very little there. I almost don’t want to even go, because the burning feeling is so extreme for me.
Am I doing it wrong? Should it be more than 1 tsp of powder every two hours? Does the brand of d-mannose make a difference? I’ve been using either KAL or NOW foods brand d-mannose. I’d love suggestions for other brands if anyone has one they think is better. I just want to be out of this pain!
Thanks.
Carol, have you had a urine test done? To check for which bacteria is bothering you? 90% of all positive results indicate E-Coli…the other 10% is something else, like strep or staph. D-Mannose only works on E-Coli. I don’t believe the brand is the problem here.
hi Jacqueline,
Sorry for the very late reply. Yes, I did have a urine culture and it was ecoli. The doctor gave me some antibiotics, which I did take, because the d-mannose didn’t seem to be helping, but the antibiotics haven’t helped either. Now two months later, I STILL have this darned UTi !! Is there a specific brand of d-mannose that works? Is there a special dosing that I should do? I want to give it a try again, because I really can’t stand this anymore. The discomfort has been going on for months now. Thanks… Carol R.
D’mannose does not work for me. Neither does u;nsweetened cranberry. I guess we all have different consitutions. What works for me is uni ursi and juniper. I’ve just tried oregano oil capsules that really help too.
Hello Chris im A 19 years old Male Seeking Help 3months ago I Got A Uti went to doctors they gave me Ciprofloxacin Didn’t Work, Been Having Weak stream Frequent Urination ..They Said I didn’t Have Uti No more weeks later Went To urologist still with Pee Problems Said i Had Overactive Bladder Gave Me oxytrol months pass Nothing Working For me So I Go To Test Myself With A azo Test Strip And i Had Positive white blood cells In urine After So Many Months Going Threw Frequent Urination/ weak Stream /with dribble. So im shocked that i have Found My Problem guess i Dont Have OAB . Went To Urget Care Said Positive WBC Gave Me Doxycycline hyclate 100 Oral 4th days on antibiotics Feeling So Much Better stream is Getting Stronger Far Best Antibiotics That is Working So Far For me still Got 6days to Finish Medicine Hope I’m Cured Just Wanted To Know What Is Doxycycline Fighting E coli ? Since Ciprofloxacin Didn’t work And Why Is Doxycycline Working For Me? &What Supplement In Your Article Do You Think Will Work best For Me ?D -Mannose ?please I Would Appreciate Your Help and Advice Thank you
What is the dosage of D-Mannose?
I have unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate. I’m using about two tablespoons a day – would that be the equivalent of one capsule of the supplement?
Also, you talk about Nattokinase – what’s the proper dosage of that? And if I prefer to just eat natto – how much would be the equivalent dose?
Susan,
The dosage that I’ve found online says 1 teaspoon in 8oz of water every two hours. It said that usually, you should find relief in about 48 hours at that dose.
Carey, I am a wee bit concerned here. Chills indicate fever. Also you said you had just had an endoscopy and colonoscopy. Also said urine test was negative. I hope Chris will respond here. Perhaps you need to rule out some kind of injury that happened during your colonoscopy etc tests. They do happen…not to scare you, but think about this.
If that is ruled out, I dunno…chills is fever, fever is infection, urine test says no infection. Cranberry juice and D-mannose can be irritating to bladder, juice is acidic and I’m not sure why some are irritated by D-mannose…I was, but that was over time and many bottles later. We are all different.
Thanks, Jacqueline, for your response and kind concern! Pains decreased after taking a homeopathic remedy, equisetum. (There was no fever, only chills.) A savvy naturopath did a culture and found a bacterial vaginosis, though the pains stopped before that lab came in. It’s likely that the bacterial infection set off urethral inflammation and spasms, thus bladder pain. Under treatment with herbal suppositories, and a different homeopathic remedy, (medorrhinum), as metridiazal sounded a bit menacing. Gut is recovering too. But I think I’ll try d-mannose without cranberry next time sxs present. Is d-mannose a FODMAP?
A week or so after a colonoscopy/endoscopy for GERD and SIBO, changing my diet to be a cross between low-ish FODMAPs and semi- Paleo, having some improvement, and *losing a few pounds*, I got very chilly and developed bladder pain. It came and went, I was careful to hydrate, etc. But after another week (and a couple more pounds), the chills and pain returned, worse. The dip stick UTI test and culture were negative but the pain continues!
Do you think it’s possible that 1) metals, etc detoxing from the fat in the process of weight loss can inflame the urinary tract on the way out? I have experienced bladder pain after rounds of oral chelation, twice in the past. and/or.. 2) Perhaps the purge/surgical procedure (tho with coconut water, not gatorade) messed up my gut flora, and that’s part of the picture here? Would love input. I have been hesitant to take probiotics, as some seem to have aggravated my gut in the past, but it may be that there’s a gentle formula I should try.
And unfortunately, the cranberry, d-mannose and naturally buffered C I’ve been trying for the bladder pain seem to have brought a return of the original gas and diarrhea sxs. Bummer!
Joyce, okay good, I hope others are doing the same thing. Tests are invaluable, it is all part of our responsibility to ourselves to be informed with correct and timely information. Then we decide what to do about it.
About my decision, the short of a long story that began in a Quebec hospital, with a nurse giving me a pill and water and instructions to take it and like…now, is that I have come a long way baby. No doctor, no diagnosis, just take this. I asked for the doctor and while the nurse left I drank the water and shoved the pill in my purse. When I arrived home I took out the prescription and pill, it was a Cipro…and horrors upon horrors when I looked it up I saw what I had narrowly adverted….a possible mega health disaster. To cut this shorter, over the two months and several urine tests later, I end up with 4 prescriptions in hand (Cipro, Macrobid, Sulfa and Amoxicillin, the last one I asked for) and reluctant to take any. After the last urine test, totally exhausted from loss of sleep due to so many visits to the water closet and fighting this infection off and keeping it at bay, I opted for the amoxicillian and took it for 7 days. Well everything cleared up just fine, I am in my sixties and it worked for me. Guess I haven’t taken many meds in my life. I am glad I took it. I had a positive attitude towards my decision. I chose the least dangerous drug (no side effects that I know of) and I’m thinking those pills took out some bad gut bacteria in the process. Now on a lot of probiotics, diet is super clean (was for the whole two months, Paleo) and one great blessing is, that chronic constipation is now a thing of the past. Who knew! Make sure you test clean, those little e-coli bugs (90% of the infections) dig their fingers deep into the urinary tract tissues and don’t want to let go easily. I clearly didn’t catch mine fast enough in the beginning and they dug in.
There is a time for allopathic meds, but I researched, I made the decision, I was in charge and I am totally anti modern medicine…so some flexibility is required from time to time, in my view. Keep the end goal in sight…total health and then do whatever it is you need to do, not in fear, but in empowerment with knowledge and a little faith.
Jacqueline, after diminished progress with D/Mannose, I was still experiencing bloating and urine positive for nitrites, protein and white cells. Post culture started on amoxicillin but the E. coli was resistant; opted for Macrobid which seems to be effective. I’m supplementing with Chris’ probiotic recommendations.
Hated taking antibiotics but felt this was the best.for me. I’m a healthy 72; no other issues for which I am thankful. Blessings to you and all here on the forum in your health struggles and journey!
Joyce, so happy symptoms cleared up so rapidly. One point…please get a urine test done to make sure all is gone. You can do a dip stick test, can also buy those on line, or go to your naturopath or medical clinic. Until the test reads clear, you are not out of the woods.
I just went through this from mid July to Mid September. I did all the natural way, tried everything and then when I felt all symptoms were gone, had a test done to discover I was still infected. So just make sure you are clear so that nothing quietly lingers on.
Great advice, Jacqueline. I value testing (retired clinical lab director). How are you resolving the lingering issue?
Thanks so much for this thorough review! I rarely get a UTI but yesterday the symptoms came on suddenly. In the past drinking copious amounts of water did the trick but this time I followed your advice and got D-Mannose powder. It is amazing! I dosed with about 1000 mg every hour last evening. Lots of bathroom time but by this morning….symptoms mostly gone!
D-Mannose was $$$$ at health food store but I was desperate. Found it half price on Amazon. Again, thank you for all you do!
can u take d mannose while breastfeeding?