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Urinary tract infections, recurrent UTIs & the neurogenic bladder
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common diseases in humans, and they occur even more often in individuals with a neurogenic bladder. UTIs can range from minor irritation to life-threatening situations such as sepsis.
Spina Bifida & the neurogenic bladder
Adopting a simple routine to one’s daily care can considerably impact the management of UTIs and recurrent UTIs. Millions of people in the US have a neurogenic bladder. Individuals with various disabilities, including spina bifida & spinal cord injuries, navigate life with a neurogenic bladder.
Tips to help you avoid getting a UTI:
- Empty bladder when needed. Allowing the bladder to overfill can lead to its stretching or backflow..
- Use the method of voiding that you and your health professional have determined appropriate.
- Dehydration can increase the risk of bladder infections. Drinking water helps the body dilute urine and allows bacteria flushed from the urinary tract.
- Choose water over caffeine beverages (coffee, tea, sodas).
- Keep the genital area as dry as possible.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes. Tight-fitting jeans and nylon underwear trap moisture and create an environment for bacteria to grow.
- If cathing, use a clean method.
All-natural options to help support bladder health
Here are some proactive options to help boost immunity, increase energy, improve bladder health and reduce pain and inflammation.
Food ingredients and nutrients such as thyme, mushrooms, ginger, garlic, sage, zinc, echinacea, and elderberry, are examples of natural remedies to enhance immunity.
- Cranberry fruit powder (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Native American Indians used to combat UTIs. The cranberry fruit contains anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins (PAC), and phenols. Combined, they act as a natural plant defense system to target and fight off pathogens or harmful bacteria. Cranberries help fight UTIs by preventing pathogens from adhering to the bladder wall.*
- D-mannose works by preventing bacterial adherence to uroepithelial cells (Hu 2016; Kranjčec 2014). The D‐mannose inhibitors can block uropathogenic E coli (UPEC) adhesion to the bladder wall.* The bacteria are then essentially eliminated by urination.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an all-purpose and powerful vitamin that helps support the body in countless ways. It’s an antioxidant that helps form connective tissue, maintain bones and blood vessels, and it may include protection against immune system deficiencies. The human body cannot produce vitamin C; we only get it through diet or supplementation.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a culinary spice used for centuries due to its medicinal value. As a probiotic, Turmeric can feed and support the good and necessary bacteria (probiotics) in the digestive and urinary tract. Turmeric helps combat inflammation.*
And for General Health – the Superfoods:
Moringa (Moringa oleifera). Moringa offers antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties*. It is called “The miracle tree“ and might be considered Mother Nature’s multivitamin. It contains 96 nutrients, 18 essential amino acids, anti-inflammatories, and 48 antioxidants; vitamins: B1 (thiamine), Riboflavin (B2), B3 (niacin), B6, calcium, Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin A, phosphorus, and zinc. Its abundant nutrients are easily absorbed and utilized by the body, and daily use can help restore nutritional imbalances.*
Baobab pulp fruit powder (Adansonia digitata) The baobab tree is known as the “Upside Down Tree.” The baobab fruit powder is rich in vitamin C and carries antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.* Baobab pulp fruit powder contains fiber and substantial quantities of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It has a pleasant taste and is good in recipes.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Warning: Pregnant or lactating women, diabetics, hypoglycemics, and people with known medical conditions or taking drugs should consult a licensed physician or pharmacist before taking dietary supplements.
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This Blog is sponsored by Übee Nutrition.
References
Ross, S. (2018). Ross-Freid Symposium UTI in the Neurogenic Bladder. https://www.med.unc.edu/urology/wp-content/uploads/sites/637/2018/04/ross-freid-sympostium-uti-in-the-neurogenic-bladder.pdf.
Hisano M, Bruschini H, Nicodemo AC., Srougi M., Cranberries and lower urinary tract infection prevention. Clinics. 2012;67(6) 661–667.
Kranjčec B, Papeš D, Altarac S. D-mannose powder for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a randomized clinical trial. World J Urol. 2014 Feb;32(1):79-84. doi: 10.1007/s00345-013-1091-6. Epub 2013 Apr 30. PMID: 23633128.
Chudow M, Adams B. ABC’s of Vitamin Supplementation in Critical Illness. J Pharm Pract. 2021 Dec;34(6):934-942. doi: 10.1177/0897190020958234. Epub 2020 Sep 16. PMID: 32935619.
Kocaadam B, Şanlier N. Curcumin, an active component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), and its effects on health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017 Sep 2;57(13):2889-2895. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1077195. PMID: 26528921.
Mushtaq BS, Hussain MB, Omer R, Toor HA, Waheed M, Shariati MA, Sergey P, Heydari M. Moringa Oleifera in Malnutrition: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2021;18(2):235-243. doi: 10.2174/1570163816666191105162722. PMID: 31692437.
Foltz M, Zahradnik AC, Van den Abbeele P, Ghyselinck J, Marzorati M. A Pectin-Rich, Baobab Fruit Pulp Powder Exerts Prebiotic Potential on the Human Gut Microbiome In Vitro. Microorganisms. 2021 Sep 17;9(9):1981. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9091981. PMID: 34576876; PMCID: PMC8467054.