Urinary Infections: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Urinary infections are common conditions that affect various parts of the urinary system, such as the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. They mainly result from bacterial proliferation, especially intestinal bacteria, and are characterized by painful urination, frequent urges to urinate, and sometimes fever or abdominal pain. Women, due to their anatomy, are particularly exposed with a high risk of recurrence. Urinary infections affect about 5% of women each year. One in five women will experience it at least once in their lifetime, and 45% will have a recurrence within 6 months following their first infection.

Mechanisms of Urinary Infections

Urinary infections are generally caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, which migrate from the anus to the urethra and bladder. Once in the urinary system, these bacteria use adhesins located on their pili to attach to the mucosal walls. This mechanism allows them to resist urinary flow and colonize tissues. When not effectively eliminated, these bacteria can penetrate into the cells of the bladder walls, where they form intracellular colonies. These colonies enter a dormant state, making the bacteria invisible to the immune system and resistant to conventional antibiotic treatments. When conditions become favorable (stress, decreased immunity, dysbiosis), these dormant bacteria reactivate, causing a new infection, often referred to as a recurrence.

Bacterial Biofilms: Key to Recurrent Infections

A biofilm is a complex structure formed by bacteria that organize into colonies and encase themselves in a protective matrix called glycocalyx. This matrix, composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and minerals, acts as a barrier against immune defenses and antibiotics. Biofilms are particularly problematic in recurrent urinary infections as they: • Protect bacteria from treatments. • Enable bacteria to communicate to coordinate their defenses. • Release individual bacteria to colonize other areas. Biofilms are often responsible for cystitis recurrences, maintaining reservoirs of bacteria in the cells of the bladder wall. Even after treatment, these biofilms remain active and can trigger a new infection.

Types of Urinary Infections

Urinary infections are divided into two main categories: lower and upper infections. Lower infections affect the bladder, urethra, and, in men, the prostate. They include: • Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder caused by Escherichia coli. Typical symptoms: painful urination, cloudy and foul-smelling urine, sometimes blood in the urine. • Urethritis: Infection of the urethra, often due to bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. • Prostatitis: In men, inflammation of the prostate, causing pelvic pain and urinary disorders. Upper infections concern the kidneys and can lead to serious complications: • Acute Pyelonephritis: Inflammation and bacterial infection of the kidneys, with high fever and back pain. • Chronic Pyelonephritis: Results from recurrences or poorly treated infections, leading to progressive kidney damage.

Symptoms

Symptoms include frequent urges to urinate, painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and, in some cases, fever or back pain. Risk factors vary: • In Women: pregnancy, menopause, use of spermicides or diaphragms. • In Men: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis. • Common Factors: Diabetes, immunosuppression, urinary tract abnormalities, kidney stones.

Natural Treatments

To relieve and prevent lower urinary tract infections, natural solutions can be employed. When the symptoms of urinary irritation are not caused by a bacterial infection, specific remedies are recommended: • Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for its spasmolytic effect. • Pilosella, horsetail, and cranberry To treat acute cystitis: • Blend of Niaouli, Cinnamon, and Juniper essential oils. Dosage: 2 drops with honey or a vegetable oil, 3 times a day. • Tisanes of bearberry or heather for their antiseptic and diuretic effects.