“Can a naturopathic doctor recommend me natural medicines to treat a UTI?”
I am susceptible to UTIs and get one every six months or so. Can a naturopathic physician recommend medicines to prevent this problem from recurring?
4 Answers
One should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to urinate frequently... helping to flush any bacteria from the bladder... Also, waiting or preferably holding in one's urine for a long period of time will allow for the bacteria to multiply within the urinary tract... wipe from front to back; this will reduce the spread of E. coli. Women are also encouraged to clean the genital areas before and after sexual intercourse; avoid having multiple sexual partners will also help to reduce the risk of both UTIs and sexually transmitted infections.
Skin allergens that are introduced to the genital area... this will include items such as bubble bath liquids, bath oils, vaginal creams\lotions, deodorant sprays or soaps may need to be avoided as they could alter vaginal flora and ultimately result in UTIs.
Skin allergens that are introduced to the genital area... this will include items such as bubble bath liquids, bath oils, vaginal creams\lotions, deodorant sprays or soaps may need to be avoided as they could alter vaginal flora and ultimately result in UTIs.
I am a retired GP. But I practice holistic medicine. There is nothing better to look at why you have this UTI whether bacterial or sterile. Simple taking enough water and Ural to help acidity to lower and ease the pain and irritation as the concentrated urine pass in the ureter would be enough. I know people stop drinking as the urinating produce more pain. Then you are making things worse. The must find out with a urinalysis before your GP gives antibiotic so you can be treated properly. Cranberry juice and Juniper Berry Tea is the way to go for use now and then even when you are well. Another guess I can make is that you are taking more carbohydrates that you can burn and Triglyceride and uric acid might be starting to increase.
How to eliminate a UTI
Since UTI’s are caused by bacteria, conventional treatment is to give an antibiotic. Ironically, the use of prescription antibiotics can also cause a UTI. There are plenty of potent natural antibiotics though to help.
About 90% of UTI’s are caused by the bacteria E. coli. For the 10% of infections caused by other forms of bacteria, and also for those who are susceptible to frequent UTIs, you need to have something that will disrupt the pathogenic biofilm. In these situations, you can use supplements like InterFase plus or Biofilm Defense to get rid of those hard to get rid of biofilms. These supplements are not recommended during pregnancy so it’s best to deal with chronic conditions before or after pregnancy.
Natural remedies for UTI
Here are some natural remedies for UTIs. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or remedies, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if your symptoms get worse and are not responding to natural remedies, see your doctor immediately!
Balance hormones
Eating healthy fats like cod liver oil, raw butter, hemp and chia seeds will help to balance hormones and keep your blood sugar stable. You can look into other supplements like real-food vitamin C and chaste berry which can help to strengthen your luteal phase and progesterone production.
Lauricidin
This antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial supplement fights the gram positive bacteria that cause UTI not caused by E. coli. This works by blocking replication, and damaging the cell membrane so that the immune system can come in and destroy the bacteria.
It is medium chain saturated fatty acid derived from coconut oil and while it is non-toxic, you need to talk to your healthcare practitioner if it’s right for you, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Cranberry juice or extract
Cranberry extract is a painless way to down a dose of E. coli flushing cranberry. It prevents the E. coli from attaching to the urinary tract lining and creating a biofilm, so it’s also good for use as a preventative. It does not however prevent E. coli from replicating.
Cranberry also inhibits the growth of gram positive bacteria from Staphylococcus aureus, though it doesn’t get rid of existing biofilm. Cranberry juice can also be used, but it should be unsweetened, and it can be a little too tart for most taste buds.
Where to buy? Most local grocery stores will have organic, unsweetened cranberry juice. You can also use this concentrate form. Shot for 16-32 ounces of juice per day.
High dose vitamin C
Vitamin C stimulates the immune system by increasing interferon, a protein that stops pathogenic microbes from replicating.
Shoot for at least 1,000 mg per day or 2 heaping teaspoons of camu camu powder.
Probiotics
The probiotic supplement Fem Dophilus contains strains that specifically target UTI. One study found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 are the most effective probiotic strains for the prevention of UTI. These also happen to be the same strains featured in Fem Dophilus.
Where to buy? You may find at a local health food store. Follow the manufacturer’s direction on dosage.
Cod liver oil
High quality cod liver oil is naturally rich in Vitamins A and D. Vitamin D especially has been shown to induce the antimicrobrial peptides cathelicidin in the bladder that help prevent UTI. This can be used as a preventative measure if you’re prone to UTI, but it can also help your body recover faster. Don’t waste your money on the cheap stuff though! These have been so processed, that synthetic vitamins are added back in to artificially boost the count.
Shoot for at least 10,000 IU of vitamin A per day. Even better, go for 25,000 IU until symptoms go away.
Crushed garlic
Garlic is one of the most potent antibiotics, natural or prescription. You can take some in a teaspoon of raw honey (preferably this type which boosts immunity) to cover the spiciness. You want to crush your garlic clove and let it sit for 10 minutes as this creates a powerful compound called allicin to form. Take 1 crushed clove 3 times a day up or up to every 2 hours a day. Women have reported completely curing their UTI after just a few days of taking a partial crushed garlic clove three times a day.
Where to buy? You can find organic garlic bulbs at your local grocery store. I would combine with this honey for an added boost!
D-mannose
This supplement is effective at binding to E. coli and expelling it from the body. It’s naturally found in cranberries, blueberries and apples, but you need a concentrated and standardized extract for it to be most effective. If the infection is not caused by E. coli though, then this supplement won’t be effective. This can be used to treat or prevent UTI and women RAVE about this supplement! The standard treatment is 500 mg every 2-3 hours for 5 days. You can also continue on a lower dose for preventative use. It has a naturally sweet taste and mixes well in yogurt, smoothies or even water.
Where to buy? I like this form the best since there are no additives and you can just use in food. You can also try this supplement form which combines with cranberry extract for a one two punch. Follow manufacturer’s directions for dosage.
Water
Yes, drink plenty of water! This helps to flush the kidneys and cleanse the infection from the body. Adding freshly squeezed lemon will make it even more therapeutic. While it won’t kill a UTI on its own, it’s a vital piece of the puzzle in your body’s healing journey.
Where to buy? Hopefully, you have a good filtering system for your water. Otherwise, purchase 5 gallon jugs of clean, spring water. Shoot for at least 8 glasses per day.
Apple cider vinegar
The all powerful apple cider vinegar is yet another useful tool to naturally treat a UTI. It works by flushing out bacteria, and dislodging it from the urinary tract. It also helps to make the urine more acidic, so it’s unfriendly to bacteria growth.
Where to buy? Most local grocery stores will have apple cider vinegar but be sure you get a RAW FORM. I like this brand best. You should see the “mother” culture on the bottle of bottle that makes the liquid a little murky versus translucent. Shoot for at least 2 TB of raw apple cider vinegar a day.
Since UTI’s are caused by bacteria, conventional treatment is to give an antibiotic. Ironically, the use of prescription antibiotics can also cause a UTI. There are plenty of potent natural antibiotics though to help.
About 90% of UTI’s are caused by the bacteria E. coli. For the 10% of infections caused by other forms of bacteria, and also for those who are susceptible to frequent UTIs, you need to have something that will disrupt the pathogenic biofilm. In these situations, you can use supplements like InterFase plus or Biofilm Defense to get rid of those hard to get rid of biofilms. These supplements are not recommended during pregnancy so it’s best to deal with chronic conditions before or after pregnancy.
Natural remedies for UTI
Here are some natural remedies for UTIs. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or remedies, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if your symptoms get worse and are not responding to natural remedies, see your doctor immediately!
Balance hormones
Eating healthy fats like cod liver oil, raw butter, hemp and chia seeds will help to balance hormones and keep your blood sugar stable. You can look into other supplements like real-food vitamin C and chaste berry which can help to strengthen your luteal phase and progesterone production.
Lauricidin
This antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial supplement fights the gram positive bacteria that cause UTI not caused by E. coli. This works by blocking replication, and damaging the cell membrane so that the immune system can come in and destroy the bacteria.
It is medium chain saturated fatty acid derived from coconut oil and while it is non-toxic, you need to talk to your healthcare practitioner if it’s right for you, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Cranberry juice or extract
Cranberry extract is a painless way to down a dose of E. coli flushing cranberry. It prevents the E. coli from attaching to the urinary tract lining and creating a biofilm, so it’s also good for use as a preventative. It does not however prevent E. coli from replicating.
Cranberry also inhibits the growth of gram positive bacteria from Staphylococcus aureus, though it doesn’t get rid of existing biofilm. Cranberry juice can also be used, but it should be unsweetened, and it can be a little too tart for most taste buds.
Where to buy? Most local grocery stores will have organic, unsweetened cranberry juice. You can also use this concentrate form. Shot for 16-32 ounces of juice per day.
High dose vitamin C
Vitamin C stimulates the immune system by increasing interferon, a protein that stops pathogenic microbes from replicating.
Shoot for at least 1,000 mg per day or 2 heaping teaspoons of camu camu powder.
Probiotics
The probiotic supplement Fem Dophilus contains strains that specifically target UTI. One study found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 are the most effective probiotic strains for the prevention of UTI. These also happen to be the same strains featured in Fem Dophilus.
Where to buy? You may find at a local health food store. Follow the manufacturer’s direction on dosage.
Cod liver oil
High quality cod liver oil is naturally rich in Vitamins A and D. Vitamin D especially has been shown to induce the antimicrobrial peptides cathelicidin in the bladder that help prevent UTI. This can be used as a preventative measure if you’re prone to UTI, but it can also help your body recover faster. Don’t waste your money on the cheap stuff though! These have been so processed, that synthetic vitamins are added back in to artificially boost the count.
Shoot for at least 10,000 IU of vitamin A per day. Even better, go for 25,000 IU until symptoms go away.
Crushed garlic
Garlic is one of the most potent antibiotics, natural or prescription. You can take some in a teaspoon of raw honey (preferably this type which boosts immunity) to cover the spiciness. You want to crush your garlic clove and let it sit for 10 minutes as this creates a powerful compound called allicin to form. Take 1 crushed clove 3 times a day up or up to every 2 hours a day. Women have reported completely curing their UTI after just a few days of taking a partial crushed garlic clove three times a day.
Where to buy? You can find organic garlic bulbs at your local grocery store. I would combine with this honey for an added boost!
D-mannose
This supplement is effective at binding to E. coli and expelling it from the body. It’s naturally found in cranberries, blueberries and apples, but you need a concentrated and standardized extract for it to be most effective. If the infection is not caused by E. coli though, then this supplement won’t be effective. This can be used to treat or prevent UTI and women RAVE about this supplement! The standard treatment is 500 mg every 2-3 hours for 5 days. You can also continue on a lower dose for preventative use. It has a naturally sweet taste and mixes well in yogurt, smoothies or even water.
Where to buy? I like this form the best since there are no additives and you can just use in food. You can also try this supplement form which combines with cranberry extract for a one two punch. Follow manufacturer’s directions for dosage.
Water
Yes, drink plenty of water! This helps to flush the kidneys and cleanse the infection from the body. Adding freshly squeezed lemon will make it even more therapeutic. While it won’t kill a UTI on its own, it’s a vital piece of the puzzle in your body’s healing journey.
Where to buy? Hopefully, you have a good filtering system for your water. Otherwise, purchase 5 gallon jugs of clean, spring water. Shoot for at least 8 glasses per day.
Apple cider vinegar
The all powerful apple cider vinegar is yet another useful tool to naturally treat a UTI. It works by flushing out bacteria, and dislodging it from the urinary tract. It also helps to make the urine more acidic, so it’s unfriendly to bacteria growth.
Where to buy? Most local grocery stores will have apple cider vinegar but be sure you get a RAW FORM. I like this brand best. You should see the “mother” culture on the bottle of bottle that makes the liquid a little murky versus translucent. Shoot for at least 2 TB of raw apple cider vinegar a day.
In short yes they can make recommendations, but they should have the ability to properly monitor you for a short period and make appropriate referrals if they themselves are not allowed to write a prescription for an antibiotic if it is warranted. Certain bacteria that can cause a UTI can cause damage to the kidneys if a person waits too long. There are several recommendations that can be made to prevent further occurrences.
