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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, they are also a common problem that about 50% of women will face in their lifetime. A strategy that may help is finding natural ways to support your urinary tract health and prevent infections.
D-Mannose:
The first supplement I want to discuss is D-mannose. While cranberry may be all the rage, this supplement is often overlooked. D-mannose is a natural occurring sugar that is found in cranberries and works by binding to bacteria so it can be flushed out in the urine. Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of D-mannose in the treatment and prevention of UTIs, and one study reported comparable efficacy to Nitrofurantoin (an antibiotic commonly used to treat UTIs) when used as prevention.
Cranberry Supplements:
Cranberry is one of the most popular and well-known supplements associated with urinary health. A meta-analysis containing 7 randomized controlled trials suggests that cranberry may be effective in preventing UTI recurrence in generally healthy women. The proposed mechanism behind cranberries is through the prevention of bacterial adhesion (the attachment of bacteria to the bladder). When it comes to supplementing cranberries, it is important to ensure that if using juice there is no added sugar.
Probiotics:
Urinary tract health is often thought to be closely related to vaginal health and flora. Due to conflicting results, more research is needed to fully examine the relationship between probiotics and UTI prevention. However, a meta-analysis reports promising data of various oral and suppository probiotics. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC14 were the most commonly studied probiotic strains and are important to look for on a label when shopping for a probiotic geared toward women’s health.
When considering the addition of supplements to your UTI prevention regimen, it’s important to always consult with your doctor. Prevention is key and incorporating these UTI supplements into your daily routine may help to significantly enhance your urinary tract health and take a step towards a life free from the discomfort of UTIs.
*Studies/references are linked and highlighted throughout the article