Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can leave you feeling uncomfortable and frustrated. The burning sensation and persistent urge to urinate are all too familiar for many, and for some, these infections are a recurring nightmare. While traditional medicine often leans heavily on antibiotics for treatment, a functional approach encourages us to look deeper, addressing the symptoms and underlying causes, aiming to foster long-term health and resilience against recurrent UTIs.
Understanding the UTI Landscape
At their core, UTIs are infections that can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the ureters, bladder, urethra, and kidneys. While these infections are common, experiencing them repeatedly is not normal. It's important to listen to your body; recurring UTIs can signal an underlying imbalance that needs to be addressed. Think of it like this: your urinary tract is like a garden, and when the weeds, aka "bad bacteria," take over, you need to do more than pull them out. You need to improve the soil, the terrain.
You probably know the usual suspects regarding symptoms: that burning sensation, the constant urge to pee, even when you just went. But sometimes, UTIs can throw curveballs with more serious signs like blood in your urine, fever, or back pain. If you notice any of these symptoms—especially blood in the urine, fever, or severe back pain—it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate testing and diagnosis.
Symptoms of UTIs
Strong urge to urinate, burning sensation, frequent urination with small amounts
Cloudy or colored urine, strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain in women
Pain with urination (dysuria)
Frequent urination in small volumes
Urinary urgency
Other symptoms: blood in urine (hematuria), lower abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, fevers, chills, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting (possible kidney infection).
So, who's more likely to get these pesky infections?
Certain groups may be more susceptible to UTIs, including:
Women: Due to anatomical differences, the shorter urethra increases the risk
Pregnant Women: Hormonal and physical changes can heighten vulnerability.
Menopausal women (hormonal and physical changes): Urinary frequency, incontinence, urethral irritations, and tendencies for bladder infections are common in menopausal females. The outer urethral area has estrogen-sensitive tissue that can become dry, thin, and degenerative, leaving a female vulnerable to these urinary tract problems. The most common cause is estrogen deficiency in these specific tissues, which can occur even if she takes a systemic form of estrogen.
Women who have undergone a hysterectomy.
Older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
Individuals with diabetes (high blood sugar, susceptibility to infections)
Those with a history of UTIs
Catheter users (introduction of bacteria)
Long Covid or Persistent Spike Protein" syndrome (PSP) following vaccinations: UTIs can develop after having an infection with the coronavirus or even increased reoccurring UTIs post-COVID vaccine. It's like our bodies are saying, "Hey, I'm already dealing with enough here." Whether the wild virus or post-vaccine, some people may become more prone to UTIs because the coronavirus has an affinity to bind to ACE2 receptors, which can be found in the urinary tract and allow the virus to enter the cells and cause damage."
Testing for UTIs
Early testing is crucial for detecting infections. To assess and diagnose a UTI, the typical procedure is to run a standard Urine Analysis (UA) test, which evaluates color, clarity, glucose, proteins, ketones, pH, red/white blood cells, and nitrite. Specific markers (leukocytes, nitrites, proteins, glucose, red blood cells) can indicate various conditions.
Sometimes, you need a more comprehensive look to give more information to understand what we are dealing with. That's where tests like the UTI Zoomer come in, which includes a standard UA and combines advanced pathogen detection and antibiotic resistance testing and evaluates bacterial and fungal pathogens in the urinary system. It's like having a detective on the case, figuring out exactly what's causing the problem.
Other tests we may look at could include a CBC, CMP, EBV, Candida, mycotoxins, or other chronic low-lying infections, sex hormones, and vitamin D.
Beyond Antibiotics: Unveiling the Root Causes
Conventional medicine often focuses on antibiotic treatment. While antibiotics can effectively eliminate bacteria, they can also disrupt the delicate balance of your microbiome—the trillions of beneficial bacteria inhabiting your gut and other areas, including your vagina. It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. You might get the nut, but you also make a big mess. This disruption can weaken your immune system, potentially leading to a vicious cycle of infections and antibiotic resistance.
Functional medicine takes a different approach. Instead of merely treating the symptoms, we investigate the underlying causes of recurring UTIs:
Pathogenic Microorganisms: The most common cause of UTIs is bacteria — mainly Escherichia coli, responsible for about 90% of bladder infections linked to E. coli.— but viruses and fungi can also cause an infection.
Other bacteria are Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and fungi like Candida.
Viral causes: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HPV, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
Imbalances in the Microbiome: The vaginal microbiome is a complex ecosystem. An imbalance, with a reduction in beneficial bacteria, creates an environment ripe for pathogenic bacteria or yeast to flourish. Similarly, the urobiome (the microbial community in urine) plays a crucial role in urinary health—a healthy urobiome acts as a natural defense against infections.
Lifestyle Factors: Stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and inadequate hydration weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
What does a functional medicine approach to UTIs look like?
When I work with clients who are struggling with frequent infections, including UTI, my approach focuses on restoring balance and strengthening your body's natural defenses:
1. Supporting Your Body's Natural Drainage and Detoxification Systems: This involves addressing factors hindering your body's ability to transform and eliminate toxins efficiently.
2. Rejuvenating Your Foundational Health: Prioritizing lifestyle changes like adequate sleep, regular exercise, stress reduction techniques (yoga, meditation, etc.), and a nutrient-rich whole foods diet (minimizing sugar and processed foods) are foundational to overall health. Basic hygiene practices such as wiping from front to back and urinating after sex can also make a difference.
3. Targeted Nutritional Support:
Certain nutrients can play a key role in preventing and managing UTIs:
Vitamin D: Crucial for immune function.
D-Mannose: A natural sugar that binds to E. coli, helping to prevent it from adhering to the urinary tract walls.
Cranberry Extract: Contains compounds that may inhibit bacterial adhesion. If you choose cranberry juice, opt for unsweetened varieties.
Curcumin: Possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Probiotics: Supporting the healthy balance of your vaginal microbiome with a high-quality probiotic is crucial. One of my favorites is Vaginal Balance by Microbiome Labs.
Biofilm-disrupting supplements: These supplements may help break down bacterial biofilms, which can protect bacteria from antibiotics.
4. Hydration is Key: Adequate hydration (my best recommendation is consuming distilled water) helps flush out the urinary tract, preventing bacterial buildup.
Taking Charge of Your Health
Recurrent UTIs don't have to control your life. By addressing the root causes and building up your body's natural defenses, you can break free from the cycle of infections and experience long-term urinary health. Remember, while the information is informative, it's always vital to consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and personalized treatment. If you're struggling with recurring UTIs, a functional medicine approach could be the answer you've been seeking. Book a call with me, Eli, to start your journey toward deeper, long-lasting wellness. Let’s work together to make health and energy your new normal.
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