Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health concern, especially among women. These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to mild to severe discomfort and interruption to your daily life. While antibiotics are often used to treat UTIs, many turn to herbal remedies to support urinary tract health and as a preventative measure to avoid UTIs. In this blog, we’ll cover UTI symptoms, common causes of UTIs, lifestyle changes you can adopt to lessen the likelihood of a UTI, and natural herbal remedies you can use to prevent UTIs.
UTI Symptoms
The following is a list of typical signs and symptoms of a UTI:
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Urine that appears red, bright pink, or brown-ish (possible sign of blood in the urine)
- Pelvic pain, usually in women, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
- Rectal pain, usually in men
If treatment is not received, these symptoms, which might vary in severity and start out mild, will usually worsen with time. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of UTIs
The most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is bacteria entering the urinary tract and growing in the kidneys, urethra, or bladder. Escherichia coli (E. coli), which typically resides in the colon and can enter the urinary tract through the urethra, is the most frequent form of bacterium that causes UTIs.
UTIs can also be caused by other types of bacteria, such as Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Proteus species, as well as by fungi like Candida.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing a UTI, including:
- Menopause: The decrease in estrogen levels after menopause can lead to changes in the urinary tract that make UTIs more common. Some studies suggest that after menopause, the rate of recurring UTIs can rise from 19-36% in premenopausal women to 55%.
- Urinary tract abnormalities: Some people are born with urinary tract abnormalities that make them more prone to UTIs.
- Sexual activity: Women are more likely to develop UTIs because bacteria can enter the urinary tract during sexual activity.
- Certain types of birth control: Using spermicide-coated condoms or diaphragms can increase the risk of UTIs.
- Urinary tract blockages: Blockages, such as kidney stones, can prevent the complete emptying of the bladder, allowing bacteria to multiply.
- Suppressed immune system: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS, can increase the risk of UTIs.
- Catheter use: People who need to use a urinary catheter for an extended period are at higher risk of developing a UTI.
Herbal Supplements for UTIs
Cranberry Extract
An extremely popular herbal remedy for UTIs is Cranberry Extract. Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins, which assist in coating the bladder wall and urinary tract, helping to prevent bacteria from sticking and causing inflammation. If the bacteria can’t stick, it can be flushed out more easily through regular urination. All this to say, Cranberry Extract is a powerful proactive solution to reducing the likelihood of urinary tract infections. Studies have suggested that UTI cranberry products may help prevent recurrent UTIs. However, it's important to note that Cranberry Extract should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics in treating active UTIs that require that intervention.
Sour Cherry Extract
Another herbal remedy that shows promise for supporting urinary tract health is Sour Cherry Extract. Sour cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help reduce inflammation in the urinary tract and support overall urinary tract health.
New Nordic’s Cran Berry™ Gummies
There’s an easier way to help prevent UTIs and maintain good urinary tract health than drinking bitter, unsweetened cranberry juice. Cran Berry™ Gummies from New Nordic pack 450mg of Cranberry Extract in every dose of delicious gummies. These gummies champion scientifically proven Cranberry Extract as well as Sour Cherry Extract, the latter not just to deliver good flavour, but synergistically add to the effects of the cranberries.
These natural gummies are vegan, non-GMO, and gluten and dairy-free. What’s more, Cran Berry™ Gummies can be taken daily for a continuous period. There are no known safety concerns for long-term use. Meaning, you can safely incorporate them as part of your daily routine to prevent UTIs and keep in good health year-round.
Take as a preventative measure to avoid UTIs, as well as in the weeks following a UTI to prevent recurrence, which is very common.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Avoid UTIs
In addition to taking cranberry-forward supplements, there are several simple lifestyle changes you can make:
- Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection.
- Urinating after sex can also help flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during intercourse.
- Avoiding irritating feminine products, such as scented washes or wipes, can also help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria.
In conclusion, most women will suffer a urinary tract infection in their lifetime, but you can help prevent the likelihood and frequency of recurrence. While antibiotics are often used to treat UTIs, some people are turning to herbal remedies to support urinary tract health and proactively prevent these infections. Cranberry Extract and Sour Cherry Extract, the medicinal ingredients in New Nordic’s Cran Berry™ Gummies, are great natural options to get ahead of infections and help prevent the very common problem of recurrence. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies and always read and follow the label.
