Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem for many women, with a recent study by the Washington University School of Medicine in the USA suggesting that 25% of women experienced a second UTI within six months of the first. The study involved 31 women, of whom 15 had recurrent UTIs and 16 did not. Each participant provided urine, blood, and stool samples over the course of the year.
What The Study Discovered
Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in the volume of E. coli and other UTI-causing bacteria in the gut or bladder between the two groups. The researchers concluded that there was a link between recurrent urinary tract infections and disruptions in the gut microbiota and chronic inflammation. Participants with recurrent UTIs were found to have less diverse gut microbiota compared to those who did not suffer recurrent infections.
Antibiotics To Treat UTIs
The most common way to treat many diagnosed UTIs is with antibiotics. However, while effective at clearing infections in the bladder, these usually fail to eliminate harmful UTI- causing bacteria in the gut. These gut bacteria can later migrate back to the bladder, causing another infection. Additionally, repeated use of antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota, destroying beneficial bacteria and potentially making individuals more susceptible to future infections. These include bacteria that produce butyrate, which is a short-chain fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties and potentially protective effects against UTIs. This chronic imbalance in the gut microbiota may impair the immune system’s ability to flush out harmful bacteria from the bladder, and therefore, it is unable to protect itself.
The takeaway from the study is that the gut microbiota has a critical role to play in preventing recurrent UTIs, and that the key to breaking the cycle of urinary tract infections is to look at other, more holistic ways of improving gut health.
How To Improve Your Gut Microbiome?
Gut health is a leading issue in contemporary healthcare, but there are unfortunately no overnight solutions to improving your gut biome. The gut-bladder connection and its role in recurrent infections is now a subject of considerable study in clinical trials, and results are now calling for a shift in how recurrent UTI’s are treated. Holistic and microbiome-friendly approaches are now being encouraged, these include eating whole foods, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut and drinking plenty of water to flush out harmful bacteria. Probiotics can also help some people to strengthen their gut microbiota, and many healthcare providers also suggest rebalancing strategies such as faecal transplants or even vaccines. Avoiding or limiting caffeine and ultra-processed foods can also help, and establishing regular sleep patterns has also been seen to be beneficial in improving the gut microbiota.
Find Out More
Our Suresign range includes fast and accurate UTI tests to help patients diagnose the presence of common urinary tract infections, without having to make a GP appointment. If you are an individual looking for information about our tests, please get in touch to find out about local stockists – Suresign can be purchased at pharmacies throughout the UK and ROI. If you are a pharmacy and would like to find out more, please contact one of our sales team for prices and stock information.
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