Alternative ways to prevent and treat UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect 50% of women at least once in their life and occur annually among 12%. Three percent of men contend with an annual UTI. The fatigue, pain when urinating, and embarrassment that UTIs can cause aren't minor. Wouldn't it be great to prevent them or treat them effectively without having to go on antibiotics? Well, it just may be.
According to an online comment in JAMA Internal Medicine, there are multiple studies that support the use of cranberry juice, concentrate and tablets to prevent and treat UTIs. And there is no downside when used by themselves to see if they are effective or taken in conjunction with medication.
Other supplements that help KO bacteria in the bladder, such as E. coli, or prevent them from adhering to the lining of the bladder and causing trouble, include probiotics, especially Lactobacillus GG, vitamin C, berberine, and d-mannose, a simple sugar related to glucose. A Veterans Affairs site suggests 100 milligrams of vitamin C daily for prevention and 1,000 milligrams every two hours for two days, then 1,000 milligrams three times a day for five to 10 days at the first sign of symptoms. They also suggest berberine tea three times daily (0.5-1 grams of dried root to 150 milliliters of boiling water; simmer for five to 10 minutes, then strain). It's not for anyone pregnant or for infants.
Talk with your doctor about these approaches to managing UTIs. For more information on dealing with recurring infections, check out "15 Natural Ways to Support Urinary Tract Health" at iHerb.com/blog.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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