urinary tract infection

If we aren't working together or you aren't sure about your practitioner, you want to make sure you are getting the correct care <3 

Also, if we aren't working together-- we can :) 

Either way, here is what you need to be talking with your practitioner about if you are struggling with recurrent UTI's. 

Potential workup for recurrent UTIs.

• Urinalysis with culture. 

  • This is basic.  But a lot of practitioners don't send for a culture.  Not every antibiotic treats every bacteria.  We need to know what kind of shit you're growing. 

•  Referral to urology. 

  • There could be an anatomical issue that is causing your UTI's. Especially if you had issues as a child or they have been recurrent you whole life.  Less likely if you just got an IUD + ever since you've had a UTI every month. 

• Gut workup.

  • Yes, test your gut. If you are suffering with SIBO or SIFO there is a good chance that if you resolve that issue your UTI's will also resolve themselves.  I like the GI MAP as previously mentioned.

•  Remove IUD/stop the pill.

  • This obviously is a personal decision. But if you do correlate your UTI's with starting a new contraception method I would suggest this as a first stop before spending hundreds/thousands in evaluation or even unnecessary procedures. 

Prevention (what you're all here for)!

• Stay hydrated. 

  • Seriously. People. Aim for 100oz of water per day. PER DAY. If we aren't peeing shit is just stagnant in our bladders. The longer it stays there the greater the potential for bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall.

• Immune Support.

  • Having an overall healthy immune system helps prevent infection in general. My fave products for this are:

• Cellcore IFC + Cellcure IS-BORR (Practitioner code: XmUNT9kZ)

• Cranberry.

  • Yes it actually can help in some cases. It helps prevent e.coli from adhering to the uroepithelial cells in the bladder/urinary tract. 

• D Mannose.

  • This also helps with prevention by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. 

• Uva Ursi. 

  • Known as the most common antimicrobial to fight UTI's in herbal medicine. To use for prevention consider taking one week out of the month or even daily.  I trust Douglas Laboratories brand. Get it here

• Marshmallow Root

  • Some studies have suggested that when used in conjunction with Uva Ursi it produces anti-inflammatory effects in the urinary tract which is beneficial to overall treatment. GI Revive by designs for health is an overall amazing supplement for GI health + contains marshmallow root.

• Yarrow Root. 

  • Is utilized for its antispasmodic properties. Dosing is not clear but most sources are suggesting 250-500mg daily not to exceed 12 months.  Avoid in pregnancy + breast feeding. may also cause prolonged bleeding. From my research it may be best used for one week of the month in conjunction with Uva Ursi. 

The breakdown:

• Continued Support: Hydration, Immune support, D Mannose, Cranberry, Marshmallow Root1 Week/Month: Uva Ursi + Yarrow root

  (friendly reminder that these are general suggestions/not medical advice + check with YOUR practitioner before you implement any supplementation!)

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Until next time y’all!