There have been many times over the last 6 weeks of self-isolation that I have heard of a
friend, client or family member having a Urinary Tract Infection. Why during this Covid-19 isolation are UTI’s seemingly more apparent? And what can you do about it?
Up to 60 percent of women will have a UTI at some point in their lifetime, and 1 in 4 will experience recurring infections, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). While men can get them, too, women are much more likely to contract one due to their shorter urethra (the tube that urine flows out of). This makes it all too easy for UTI-causing bacteria to pass through and enter the bladder.
For some experiencing a Urinary Tract Infection will be a new set of symptoms that they have never experienced before and for others they will know the signs. These types of infections are often reoccurring and crop up during stressful times of our lives. Why would feeling stressed lead to an occurrence of UTI?
The urinary tract is constantly exposed to bacteria that live in the digestive system, but
generally the urinary tract resists infection by gut microorganisms otherwise we would be constantly in a state of UTI. This resistance to infection is mainly due to the cells of the urinary tract which provide a barrier to infection. The majority of UTI’s in healthy individuals are caused by Escherichia coli bacteria that originate from the gut.
When we encounter persistent stress such as we are seeing in this ongoing period of uncertainty, our ability to fight off such potentially threatening bacteria is reduced. Stress can reduce the production and function of the white blood cells which are produced to fight
off an infection such as a UTI leaving us exposed to the bacteria taking hold. Additionally,
feelings of stress may lead to anxiety and palpitations; the knock-on effect of which could be insomnia, a condition which is also capable of reducing our ability to fight infections.
During self-isolation we may also be engaging more readily than usual in some of the other
triggering factors:
· Sex
· A high sugar diet
· Wearing uncomfortable underwear
With more time on our hands, more need for comfort and perhaps the need to delve to the
bottom of the underwear drawer as we get more out of routine with daily chores (such as washing clothes) the above could well feature.
Symptoms of UTI’s include painful urination, a strong urge to urinate with little relief, cloudy
or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pressure or pain, extreme fatigue, and sometimes even a fever if the infection has become more serious. It is important to seek a GP diagnosis as delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, such as a kidney infection in which you may also experience flank pain.
Working on prevention of an infection is wise as once an infection sets in, antibiotics will be required which will of course be necessary but as with any drug they come with a set of unwanted side effects. Two fabulous supplements that will offer a level of protection if you are susceptible to such infections are Cranberry Plus by BioCare and D Mannose by CytoPlan (D Mannose is a compound found in cranberries).
It may seem rather intangible that cranberries are capable of reducing the negative effects
of E Coli. The particularly problematic strain of E Coli implicated here carries on its surface tiny arm-like feelers called fimbriae that secure the bacteria to the surfaces of urinary tract cells. Urinary flow would simply wash the bacteria away if it were not for these tentacle-like projections. Once attached to the wall of the bladder the bacteria can then start reproducing.
Back in the early 1920’s it was mistakenly thought that the tart, sour cranberry juice
increased the acidity of urine, creating an environment in which bacteria failed to thrive. It was not until the 1980’s that it was discovered that the acidity was not enough to kill the bacteria and that the beneficial effect was down to compounds called proanthocyanidins. These compounds found abundantly in cranberry prevent the E Coli bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall. If they cannot attach then they fail to replicate.
Studies published online in The Journal of Molecular Nutrition & Food Research show that cranberry extract appears to be more effective at preventing future bacterial infections than treating existing ones.
A fine example of the power of plants to prevent the onset or progression of infection and disease.
A summary of how to prevent a UTI during this COVID-19 period for those susceptible to these infections
Preventative approach to UTI
· BIOCARE Cranberry Plus – 1 per day OR CYTOPLAN D Mannose 1 gram per day for maintenance
For acute infection or preventative approach to UTI
· Drink plenty of water – a minimum of 2 litres per day
· Be wary of bacterial transference during sex - many women develop UTIs after sexual intercourse because the motion can transfer bacteria from the bowel or vaginal cavity into the urethra. To lower your risk, urinate within 30 minutes before and after being sexually active
· Avoid delaying urination – go when
you need to go! Delay allows more time for bacterial growth between voids.
· Ditch the uncomfortable underwear and opt for breathable cotton to avoid warm areas in which bacteria thrive. G-strings are also very capable of transferring bacteria.