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Probiotics for Urinary Infections, Most Effective Strains
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the body’s urinary system, which makes and stores urine, one of the body's waste products. It consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are most common, but other infections can also occur like urethritis (infection of the urethra), pyelonephritis (infection of the kidneys), and cystitis (infection of the bladder). Women are more prone to these infections due to their shorter urethra and the relative proximity of the anus, vagina, and urethra.
Signs of a UTI Include:
- A Frequent Urge to Urinate, Even When Only Passing Small Amounts of Urine
- Discomfort, Pain, or a Burning Sensation When Urinating
- Pain and Sometimes Bloating in the Lower Abdomen
- Cloudy Urine That Smells Unusual and May Have Blood in It
Maintaining the health of the urinary system is important for detoxification, blood pressure, and the alkaline-acid balance in the body. If an infection of the urinary system is ignored and left untreated, it can lead to chronic kidney disease, which can have serious implications on the rest of the body. Signs that an infection has moved to the kidneys include pain on one or both sides of the lower back, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to treat a UTI at the first signs of infection to avoid any further complications.
A daily probiotic is one of the most effective methods to maintain the health of the urinary system and prevent infection. Research demonstrates that probiotics can help to repopulate vaginal flora, while also helping to offset hormonal changes like menopause (diarrhea), PMS (constipation), and estrogen dominance (constipation). Probiotics promote healthy gut flora, which promotes estrogen metabolism, excretion, and helps to limit bacterial strains that lead to estrogen reabsorption. Quality can vary drastically when it comes to probiotics, which is one of the reasons that I suggest investing in a good professional quality probiotic with the right strains for you.
Clients often tell me that they’ve tried probiotics in the past and didn’t notice any difference, which is when I investigate what probiotic they took, which strains it included, and if these strains and bacteria count were sufficient to address their issues. Often the case is that it was the wrong probiotic for that person, which is another reason why you must work with a practitioner and make sure that you are consuming the right supplements for you
What strains are beneficial for the urinary system? Studies demonstrate that lactobacillus probiotic strains assist with UTI prevention and treatment due to their ability to limit the adhesion of E. coli in the urinary tract, and possibly disrupt E. coli biofilm formation. Lactobacillus strains also produce lactic acid, which helps to ensure that the pH level of the vagina is slightly acidic, prohibiting the growth of yeast and unwanted bacteria. Using a variety of lactobacillus strains for the urinary system is one of the most effective methods for the prevention of infection. In the chart below, you will find the most beneficial lactobacillus strains for urinary health:
| Probiotic Strain | Function |
|---|---|
| Lactobacillus Reuteri | -helps maintain healthy pH of the vagina -inhibits vaginal candidiasis -reduces indigestion |
| Lactobacillus Rhamnosus | -inhibits pathogenic bacteria -aids with histamine intolerance and allergies |
| Lactobacillus Paracasei | -secretes lactic acid to discourage the growth of bad bacteria -aids with digestion |
| Lactobacillus Acidophilus | -inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria -aids with lactose digestion |
| Lactobacillus Plantarum | -inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria -improves intestinal health, helpful for constipation and diarrhea |
| Lactobacillus Helvetics | -discourages the growth of harmful bacteria -aids with lactose intolerance |
| Lactobacillus Gasseri | -suppresses the activity of harmful bacteria strains - boosts immune function -aids with digestion |
Pairing these strains with Bifid bacterium strains like Bifid bacterium Longum and Bifidobacterium Bifidum can be beneficial for gut health, as they help to ensure that you are excreting harmful bacteria efficiently through your bowels, which will improve your detoxification abilities and lower your toxic load.
The probiotics I recommend most in my practice for urinary health are Metagenics UltraFlora Women’s (also safe in pregnancy), Probiotic 50B by Pure Encapsulations, HMF Women’s Daily, and HMF UTI.