Urinary Tract Infections

Description

Urinary Tract Infections, UTIs, are infections, most commonly caused by bacteria with 70 percent of infections arising from a particular type of E. coli bacteria. According to the National Institutes of Health UTI's are the second most common type of infection in the body. They can involve the Parenchyma of the Kidney, the Renal Pelvis, the Ureter, the Bladder, the Urethra, or combinations of any of these organs.  Often the entire Urinary Tract is affected.

 UTIs account for about 8.1 million doctor visits annually, the majority of which occur in women. The occurance of UTIs increases with age in both men and women.

 50% of women experience UTIs at least once during their life. Postmenopausal women are particularly prone to UTIs - a large proportion of women aged 65+ experience at least one UTI each year.

Alkaloids

 Berberine may inhibit the ability of Detrimental Bacteria to adhere to the wall of the Bladder and may thereby help to prevent and control Urinary Tract Infections.  ^[1]

Carbohydrates

 Mannose (2,500 - 5,000 mg every four to six hours or more) may alleviate and help to prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) (by coating Eschericia coli Bacteria (which are responsible for 90% of UTIs), preventing them from adhering to the walls of the Bladder and Urinary Tract.  ^[2]

Enzymes

 Bromelain may enhance the effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Antibiotics for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infections.  ^[3]

Organic Acids

 Hippuric Acid (formed within the body from the metabolism of Benzoic Acid and Quinic Acid) may inhibit the Detrimental Bacteria (especially Eschericia Coli) that cause Urinary Tract Infections.  ^[4]

Microorganisms

 Bacteria - Beneficial (probiotics) may help to prevent and treat Urinary Tract Infections:  ^[5]

 Lactobacillus acidophilus may help to prevent and treat Urinary Tract Infections.  ^[6]

 Lactobacillus rhamnosus (consumed orally) may help to prevent Urinary Tract Infections.  ^[7]