Prevent and Treat UTI with Probiotics

Updated on December 17th, 2019
probiotics for uti

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are widespread clinical bacterial infections. UTI afflicts nearly 40% of women all over the world. It can be discomforting and painful. Besides, patients complain about frequent recurring bouts of UTI.

Various medicines are available for UTI treatment. Studies show that probiotics for UTI are just as beneficial. As per numerous studies, probiotics work effectively in keeping recurrent UTI at bay. These help to replenish the good bacteria that reside in the vagina.

Besides, they help to maintain good vaginal health. The antimicrobial properties of probiotics work to control the harmful bacteria. And ultimately, the bad bacteria are washed off, restoring the vaginal health.

How Do Probiotics Work

Probiotics Benefits
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When taken orally or inserted into the vagina, probiotics replenish the good bacteria. Once this is achieved, the infection comes under control and is appropriately cured.

Studies have shown that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 are the best strains of bacteria. These control the infection efficiently and help to maintain good vaginal health.

According to various researches, during UTI, bacteria like E.coli start to multiply within the vaginal area. They gradually replace good bacteria like lactobacilli. This is how the infection occurs. It causes extreme abdominal pain, difficulty in urination, fever, and progressively can affect the kidneys and bladder.

[Also Read: Natural Treatment for UTI]

Best Probiotics for UTI That You Must Try

Many types of probiotic(1) supplements are available in the market. You can purchase them in the form of drinks, supplements, in powdered form, capsules. Also, probiotic suppositories are available that can be inserted into the vagina. But of course, you need to use the applicators.

You can choose from a wide range of probiotics products. There is a probiotic suppository for UTI which resembles tampons. This can be easily inserted into the vagina. The good bacteria in the probiotic suppository helps to restore the good vaginal bacteria. It fights against the bad ones that infect the vaginal and urethral tract causing UTI.

[Also Read: Essential Oils for UTI Treatment]

Foods that Contain Probiotics

Probiotics Foods
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Many experts suggest trying whole foods that contain probiotics, instead of opting for supplements. There are plenty of probiotic foods that are highly healthy, like:

  1. Yogurt: It is made from milk which is fermented by good bacteria, mainly lactic and acid bacteria.
  2. Sauerkraut: It is made with finely chopped cabbage that is fermented by lactic acid bacteria.
  3. Miso: It is a fermented food that contains active bacteria that are good for the gut. Miso soup is tasty and healthy
  4. Pickled cucumbers: Cucumbers fermented in a solution of salt and water. Live, active cultures of good bacteria grow on pickled cucumbers. This makes them suitable for gut and overall health.
  5. Cheese: (Gouda, mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage cheese)

[Also Read: Herbal Remedies for UTI]

Possible Side Effects

Probiotics are good for our overall health. So there are no known harmful side effects of probiotics for urinary tract infections. In some unusual cases, probiotics can cause stomach discomfort like excessive bloating. Some people take yeast-based probiotics supplements. For people taking such supplements, the most common problem can be constipation. Also, they might feel thirsty very often. So, if you face any such problem, consult your doctor right away.

How to Use Probiotics for Treating UTI

uti problems
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Probiotics supplements can be ingested daily. It is available in a powdered form which can be added to food or water.

Certain probiotic medicines can be inserted into the vagina as well. And to carry out this process, the pills come with distinctive applicators. However, it is essential to consult with the doctor before using probiotics to treat UTI.

If you are using antibiotics for UTI, then you might have to take medicine once for three days in a week. But in the case of a probiotic suppository, it just needs to be used once a week or even less. It depends on the type and degree of infection. Kindly consult your doctor first.

[Also Read: Benefits of Using Baking Soda For UTI]

Evidence to Support Probiotics for UTI

In one study to curb the urinary tract diseases, intra-vaginal suppositories were applied to 50 women. It was seen that recurrence of UTI was reduced to a great extent in those women.

Some studies(2) have shown that Lactobacillus species can produce hydrogen peroxide and biosurfactants. Now, these can make the vaginal mucosa acidic. Apart from regulating the vaginal microbiome, this makes lactobacillus the most sought-after probiotic agent. It helps in treating UTIs effectively.

According to studies and researches, probiotics are one of the effective ways to treat UTIs. Probiotics have high medicinal values that can treat other diseases as well. And, they keep the overall health in a good state.

However, it is wisest to first consult your doctor before using probiotics. Report to your doctor in case you face any problem after using probiotics for UTI.

[ Read: Foods to Avoid with UTI ]


FAQs

1. Can Probiotics Cause UTI?

No, probiotics help treat the built-up harmful bacteria in the vagina. Probiotics for UTI prevention work as well. Ask your doctor for better treatment options.

2. Can Kids Under 15 Use Probiotics Supplements to Treat UTI?

Kids might react differently than adults. Hence, kindly consult your doctor to see better diagnosis and treatment.

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