Lifestyle Support for Urinary Tract Infection

What is a urinary tract infection?

(Cystitis – bladder; urethritis – urethra; acute pyelonephritis – kidneys)

A UTI is a bacterial infection in any part of your urinary system that includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The infection typically occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Most often it is caused by E. coli, which can move from the area around the anus to the opening of the urethra. It can also be caused by sexual intercourse.

What can increase your risk of UTIs?

Behavioral/lifestyle risk factors

  • UTIs more common in women

  • Being sexually active

  • Using certain birth control methods such as a diaphragm or spermicidal agent

  • Post-menopause (reduction in estrogen)

  • Kidney stones

  • Enlarged prostate

  • Suppressed immune system

  • Catheter use

  • Stress

Symptoms

  • Strong, persistent urge to urinate

  • Pain or burning sensation while urinating

  • Frequent urination with low output

  • Cloudy urine

  • Bloody urine (red, pink or cola-colored)

  • Urine has a strong odor

  • Mild fever

  • Women: pelvic or abdominal pain/bloating

  • Men: rectal pain

Complications if left untreated

  • Recurrent infections

  • Permanent kidney damage

  • Sepsis

  • Increased risk of delivering low birth weight babies

Nutrition Support

Eat/drink more:

  • Cranberries, blueberries, lingonberries

  • Cherries

  • Pineapple

  • Radish leaf juice, cucumber juice

  • Lots of water

  • Barley water

  • Coconut water

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • Baking soda

  • Garlic/onions

  • Lemongrass

Eat/drink less:

  • Alcohol

  • Coffee

  • Soda

  • Spicy foods

  • Processed foods

  • Sugar

  • Refined grains/pasta

  • Dairy

  • High citrus fruit (except pineapple)

Supplemental Support

  • D-Mannose

  • Probiotics (lactobacillus acidophilus)

  • Magnesium

  • Grapefruit seed extract

  • Uva Ursi

  • Saccharomyces boulardi

  • Vitamin C

  • Calcium

  • Bromelain

  • Aloe Vera

Relevant dietary theories

  • The pH Diet (Acid Alkaline Diet): emphasizes balancing the pH by eating more alkaline forming foods to restore health

  • The Body Ecology Diet: emphasizes the importance of maintaining the “inner ecology” for proper body function

Exercise

  • 30 minutes per day to include cardiovascular exercise, stretching and strength training

Stress reduction and relaxation

  • Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, mediation

Lifestyle

  • Use a warm heating pad/hot water bottle

  • Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement

  • Wear cotton underwear

  • Take showers rather than baths

  • Empty your bladder soon after intercourse

  • Avoid irritating feminine products

  • Quit smoking

  • Visit a chiropractor