Urinary tract infections: the most effective dietary supplements

Urinary tract infections are common conditions that affect various parts of the urinary system, such as the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. They are primarily caused by bacterial overgrowth, particularly intestinal bacteria, and manifest as burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate and, sometimes, fever or abdominal pain. Women, because of their anatomy, are particularly at risk, with a high likelihood of recurrence. Urinary tract infections affect about 5% of women each year. One in five women will experience it at least once in her life, and 45% will have a recurrence within 6 months after their first infection.

Mechanisms of urinary tract infections

Urinary tract 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 they are not eliminated effectively, these bacteria can penetrate the cells of the bladder walls, where they form intracellular colonies. These colonies enter a latent state, making the bacteria invisible to the immune system and resistant to conventional antibiotic treatments. When conditions become favorable (stress, decreased immunity, dysbiosis), these latent bacteria reactivate, causing a new infection, often called a recurrence.

Bacterial biofilms: key to recurrent infections

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

Types of urinary tract infections

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

Symptoms

Symptoms include frequent urges to urinate, burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and in some cases fever or lower back pain. Risk factors are varied: • In women: pregnancy, menopause, use of spermicides or diaphragms. • In men: benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis. • Common factors: diabetes, immunosuppression, urinary tract malformations, kidney stones.

Natural treatments

To relieve and prevent lower urinary tract infections, natural remedies can be used. When symptoms of urinary irritation are not caused by a bacterial infection, specific remedies are recommended: • Roman chamomile essential oil for its antispasmodic effect. • Pilosella, horsetail and cranberry To treat an acute cystitis: • Blend of essential oils of niaouli, cinnamon and juniper. Dosage: 2 drops in honey or a vegetable oil, 3 times a day. • Infusions of bearberry or heather for their antiseptic and diuretic effects.