Bladder Infection
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Specific dietary considerations and selected nutrients can help resolve and prevent urinary tract infections.

See nutritional recommendations for UTIs
See self-help recommendations
See herbs and diet discussion

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections of the bladder, urethra, and sometimes the kidney. They are generally triggered by bacteria and are more common with any partial blockage of the urinary tract. In some people, UTIs tend to recur.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a UTI usually begin suddenly and include frequent urination that is irritating or burning, a persistent urge to urinate even after the bladder has been emptied, and cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen. The urine often has a strong or unusual smell and may appear cloudy. In more serious infections, fever, chills, pain in the back below the ribs, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also be present.

Nutritional Supplements for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

These are the most important supplements and recommendations for bladder infections (UTI).

Shopping Tips

Essential: Cranberry NS 500 mg 180 vcaps (CRA13) - Cranberries have been used for centuries by Native Americans as nutritional support for the urinary tract

Helpful: Bromelain 2400 500 mg 60 vcaps (BR014) - Bromelain Capsules for the digestive system.

Conventional Treatment

Oral antibiotics are typically used for uncomplicated infections. Intravenous antibiotics may be used for more serious infections. Among the many antibiotics commonly prescribed for UTIs are the combination drug sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim®, Septra®), fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin [Levaquin™], ciprofloxacin [Cipro®, Cilaxan®]), aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin [Garamycin®], tobramycin [Nebicin®, Tobrex®]), and third-generation cephalosporins (e.g., cefixime [Suprax®]).

Self Help

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful

Bromelain (enteric-coated tablets, 400 mg per day for two days): The enzyme bromelain (from pineapple) appears to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics in people with UTIs. In a double-blind study, 28 individuals with a UTI received antibiotics plus either bromelain or a placebo. Signs of infection resolved in all of those who received bromelain, compared with only 46% of those given placebo.
Some vitamins may be helpful, such as A, C & multivitamins

Herbs that may be helpful

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) (drink 300-500 ml [10-16 oz] of unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice per day; or take 400 mg of concentrated cranberry extracts twice per day): Modern research has confirmed the benefits of cranberry for the prevention of urinary tract infections. Note: cranberry is not a substitute for antibiotics in the treatment of acute UTIs.

Dietary changes that may be helpful

Avoid sugar: When healthy volunteers ingested a large amount (100 grams) of refined sugar, the ability of their white blood cells to destroy bacteria was impaired for at least five hours.
Avoid alcohol: Ingestion of excessive amounts of alcohol has also been shown to suppress the immune system.
Reduce dietary fat: Reducing the intake of dietary fat stimulates immunity.
Allergies: People who have recurrent or chronic infections should discuss with a doctor the possible role of allergies. Chronic infections have been linked to allergies in many reports. Identifying and eliminating the foods that trigger problems may help reduce the number of infections.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture might be of some benefit for women with recurrent UTIs. A controlled study compared acupuncture to sham acupuncture or no treatment in a group of women with recurrent UTIs. After six months, the women receiving real acupuncture had half as many UTI episodes as the sham group and only one-third as many as the untreated group, a significant difference.

Bladder InfectionUrinary Tract Infection (UTI)