A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder or kidneys. UTI’s are more common in women than men and can involve various bacteria. Bacteria can enter through the urethra and travel up to the bladder causing cystitis or bladder infection. If it travels further up through the ureters, it can then lead to a kidney infection or pyelonephritis. In men, bladder infections may affect the prostate gland, leading to prostatitis.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common bacterial infections, and women are more susceptible than men. About 40% of all women experience a UTI in their lifetime, and recurrent infections are common.1 Symptoms include urinary frequency and urgency, lower abdominal pain, blood in urine, and burning with urination. A UTI can only be diagnosed accurately with a urine culture done by your physician.
Although antibiotics are usually prescribed for this condition, uncomplicated urinary tract infections can often be treated and recurrent infections prevented without antibiotics. And this is so critical because recurrent antibiotic use can increase risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Fuhrman’s general supplement protocol for adults (see Vitamin Advisor for details) includes:
Multivitamin (without beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, copper), such as Women’s Daily Formula +D3, Men’s Daily Formula +D3, or Gentle Care Formula.
Omega-3 DHA and EPA, such as DHA+EPA Purity.
Optional: Consider adding a mixed mushroom immune supplement, such as Immune Biotect, because of the potential immune system benefits throughout life from assorted mushroom phytochemicals that are not normally consumed in the diet. Consult your physician if you are on medication.
Additional supplements:
We have known for years that cranberry extract and D-mannose have benefits for preventing UTIs and even useful with minor symptoms or uncomplicated urinary tract infections.2-5 UT Biotect combines cranberry and D-mannose with aronia berry and hibiscus for a safe and effective way to support your urinary tract health. I recommend incorporating this supplement into your daily routine, particularly during times of stress or when you feel vulnerable to UTIs. It contains:
Cranberry Extract: Helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls.
D-Mannose: Binds to bacteria, helping to flush them out of the urinary tract.
Organic aronia berry: Contains proanthocyanidins to support urinary tract health.
Organic hibiscus flower: Inhibits bacterial growth and adhesion to the cells that line the urinary tract.
UT Biotect suggested dosing: One capsule daily for prevention and maintenance. Two capsules, twice daily for prevention of recurrent infections. Two capsules, four times daily for active UTI, starting at the earliest symptoms.
See a physician if symptoms do not improve within a few days of beginning supplementation with UT Biotect or D-mannose and cranberry.
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The following are sample questions from the Ask the Doctor Community Platinum and higher members can post their health questions directly to Dr. Fuhrman. (All members can browse questions and answers.)
My five year old daughter never had trouble with UTIs until about six months ago. Out of the blue she started complaining about it hurting when she went potty. Within two hours, she had a high fever, was urinating frequently (several times an hour), and would scream and writhe while on the toilet. I took her to the doctor the next day and she tested positive for bacteria in her urine and was given amoxicillin. After three days she was no better, and her doctor prescribed a different, stronger antibiotic. It finally disappeared after two weeks. But since then she has had round after round of UTIs, followed by a yeast infection (from the antibiotics, no doubt) and another UTI. I don’t want to give her antibiotics anymore, but when she screams and cries all day long from the pain I don’t know what else can "fix it." I know there must be an underlying problem, but we don’t know what it is or how to treat it.
Pure cranberry juice or cranberry extract daily, as well as D-mannose may help prevent or even treat a UTI early on. Since she is getting frequent UTIs, of course, you’ll need to evaluate whether it is a hygiene issue (her not wiping correctly), which is the most common cause at her age, or if there is any anatomical issues with her urinary tract that might be contributing to her heightened risk of infection. If this had not been evaluated already, she needs to get those tests done, starting with a renal ultrasound. Make sure that she is taking probiotics for at least a few months because of her recent antibiotic use.
I have been getting urinary tract infections off and on for the past year. I am currently on an antibiotic for 10 days. Would either of the following supplements help if I took them on a daily basis for urinary tract health and prevention: Cran-actin and/or d-mannose?
If you are having frequent urinary tract infections, you need to wash your bottom with soap and water after every bowel movement and after sexual activity, too. That is more important than using the supplements. Second, 10 days of antibiotics are not needed for a UTI, usually three to six days is sufficient, and 10 days could increase risk to your digestive tract. If you are not eating a high nutrient, Nutritarian diet, do not delay.
D-mannose and cranberry juice tabs twice daily can help prevent future infection, and some people even respond to them effectively when they have an infection (which requires increased dosages and frequency of use), but if not responding within 36 hours, begin antibiotics. Take them continually, two tabs of each every two hours, while awake.
If taking on a daily basis just use one tab of each twice a day.
I have a urinary tract infection confirmed by a home test eight days ago. I have been taking D-Mannose. It has improved but not resolved. Is it ok to keep using the D-Mannose, or do I need to take the antibiotics?
In addition to eating perfectly and D-mannose, taking a few cranberry tablets five times a day could also be useful. To answer your question, the severity of the infection and the degree of improvement to this point has to be considered. If you have no fever and it has improved significantly, perhaps a urine culture that measures the severity at this point would be helpful.
Kimberly lost 60 pounds and no longer suffers with eczema; her mom lost 142 pounds and is free of diabetes and monthly urinary tract infections... Read More
Results may vary.
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