Urinary Tract Infection (Holistic)
About This Condition
- Check out cranberry
To treat and to prevent recurrences, drink 4 to 10 ounces (114 to 296 ml) of cranberry juice a day or take 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice a day
- Try an enzyme preparation
To enhance antibiotic effectiveness, take 400 mg a day of proteolytic enzymes, such as bromelain and trypsin
- Aim for a strong immune system with a multivitamin
Take one a day to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies and to better resist infections
- If you have a UTI, see a healthcare provider Existing infections may require treatment with antibiotics
About This Condition
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections of the kidney, bladder, and urethra.
UTIs are generally triggered by bacteria and are more common when there is partial blockage of the urinary tract. In some people, UTIs tend to recur.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a UTI usually begin suddenly and include frequent urination that is irritating or burning, a persistent urge to urinate even after the bladder has been emptied, and cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen. The urine often has a strong or unusual smell and may appear cloudy. In more serious infections, fever, chills, pain in the back below the ribs, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also be present.
Holistic Options
Acupuncture might be of some benefit for women with recurrent UTIs. A controlled study compared acupuncture to sham (“fake”) acupuncture or no treatment in a group of women with recurrent UTIs. After six months, the women receiving real acupuncture had half as many UTI episodes as the sham group and only one-third as many as the untreated group, a significant difference.1
The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.
| Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|
| Check out cranberry | To treat and to prevent recurrences, drink 4 to 10 ounces (114 to 296 ml) of cranberry juice a day or take 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice a day To treat and to prevent recurrences, drink 4 to 10 ounces (114 to 296 ml) of cranberry juice a day or take 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice a day |
| Watch your diet | Cutting back on sugar, alcohol, and fat may support healing after infection and may help prevent recurrences. When healthy volunteers consumed a large amount (100 grams) of refined sugar, the ability of their white blood cells to destroy bacteria was impaired for at least five hours. Consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol has also been shown to suppress immune function. Reduced intake of dietary fat has been shown to stimulate immunity. For these reasons, many doctors recommend a reduced intake of sugar, alcohol, and fat during an acute infection and for prevention of recurrences. |
| Avoid allergenic foods | Work with a knowledgeable health practitioner to find out if you have allergies to foods that increase your susceptibility to urinary tract infections. People who have recurrent or chronic infections should discuss the possible role of allergies with a doctor, since chronic infections have been linked to allergies in many reports. Identifying and eliminating foods that trigger problems may help reduce the number of infections. |
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
| Supplement | Why |
|---|---|
2 Stars Bromelain 400 mg daily | Taking bromelain during a UTI may enhance antibiotic effectiveness. The proteolytic enzymes, bromelain (from pineapple) and trypsin may enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics in people with a UTI. In a double-blind trial, people with UTIs received antibiotics plus either bromelain/trypsin in combination (400 mg per day for two days) or a placebo. One hundred percent of those who received the enzymes had a resolution of their infection, compared with only 46% of those given the placebo. This study used enteric-coated tablets. Enteric-coating prevents stomach acid from partially destroying the bromelain. Most commercially available bromelain products today are not enteric-coated, and it is not known if non-enteric coated preparations would be as effective. |
2 Stars Cranberry 4 to 10 ounces (114 to 296 ml) of cranberry juice daily or 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice per day | Supplementing with cranberry has been shown to help treat and prevent recurrences. Modern research has suggested that cranberry may prevent urinary tract infections. In a double-blind trial, elderly women who drank 10 ounces (300 ml) of cranberry juice per day had a decrease in the amount of bacteria in their urine. In another study, elderly residents of a nursing home consumed either four ounces (120 ml) of cranberry juice or six capsules containing concentrated cranberry daily for 13 months. During that time, the number of UTIs decreased by 25%. A small preliminary trial found that supplementation with encapsulated cranberry concentrate (400 mg twice per day for three months) significantly reduced the recurrence of UTIs in women (aged 18 to 45) with a history of recurrent infections. Cranberry juice has also been found to be as effective as the antibiotic cefaclor for preventing UTIs in children who had recurrent UTIs because of a condition that causes urine to flow backwards from the bladder into the ureters (vesicoureteral reflux). In that study, the children received a cranberry juice concentrate that was equivalent to 200 ml of cranberry juice per day. Research has suggested cranberry may be effective against UTIs because it prevents E. coli, the bacteria that causes most urinary tract infections, from attaching to the walls of the bladder. Cranberry is not, however, a substitute for antibiotics in the treatment of acute UTIs. Moreover, in children whose UTIs are due to “neurogenic bladder” (a condition caused by spinal cord injury or myelomeningocele), cranberry juice supplementation did not reduce the rate of infection. Drinking 10–16 ounces (300–500 ml) of unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice is recommended by many doctors for prevention, and as part of the treatment of UTIs. Alternatively, 400 mg of concentrated cranberry extracts twice per day can be used. |
2 Stars Probiotics 1 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, twice a day | Double-blind research found that probiotics may help prevent UTI recurrence. In a double-blind study of postmenopausal women who had a history of recurrent UTIs, treatment with a probiotic preparation reduced the number of recurrences over a one-year period by 51%. The preventive effect of the probiotic was almost as great as that of an antibiotic (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) and, unlike antibiotic treatment, probiotic therapy did not lead to the appearance of antibiotic- resistant bacteria. The preparation used in this study provided 1 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, and was taken twice a day for one year. Previous research has shown that this probiotic product is particularly effective for preventing genitourinary infections. Additional research is therefore needed to determine whether other probiotic strains would also help prevent UTIs. |
2 Stars Vitamin C Refer to label instructions | Supplementing with vitamin C may treat acute UTIs and help people who are prone to recurrent UTIs. Many doctors recommend 5,000 mg or more of vitamin C per day for an acute UTI, as well as long-term supplementation for people who are prone to recurrent UTIs. Vitamin C has been shown to inhibit the growth of E. coli, the most common bacterial cause of UTIs. In addition, supplementation with 4,000 mg or more of vitamin C per day, results in a slight increase in the acidity of the urine, creating an “unfriendly” environment for some infection-causing bacteria. In one controlled trial, pregnant women who supplemented with 100 mg of vitamin C per day experienced 56% less UTI frequency, compared with a placebo. |
1 Star Asparagus Refer to label instructions | Asparagus may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Birch Refer to label instructions | Birch may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Blueberry Refer to label instructions | Blueberry may help prevent and treat UTIs by keeping bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract. Blueberry contains similar constituents as cranberry, and might also prevent bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary bladder. However, studies have not yet been done to determine if blueberry can help prevent bladder infections. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Buchu Refer to label instructions | Buchu leaf preparations have been historically used as a urinary tract disinfectant and diuretic. Buchu leaf preparations have a history of use in traditional herbal medicine as a urinary tract disinfectant and diuretic. However, the German Commission E monograph on buchu concludes that insufficient evidence supports the modern use of buchu for the treatment of UTIs or inflammation. |
1 Star Couch Grass Refer to label instructions | Couch grass may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star D-Mannose Refer to label instructions | D-Mannose may help treat UTIs by binding to bacteria that would otherwise attach to the urinary tract lining. Some bacteria that typically cause urinary tract infections can attach themselves to the lining of the urinary tract by binding to molecules of mannose that naturally occur there. Theoretically, if enough D-mannose is present in the urine, it would bind to the bacteria and prevent them from attaching to the urinary tract lining. One animal study has demonstrated this protective effect, but whether it would occur in humans is unknown, and no human research has investigated the effectiveness of oral D-mannose for the prevention or treatment of urinary tract infections. |
1 Star Goldenrod Refer to label instructions | Goldenrod may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Goldenseal Refer to label instructions | Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder Goldenseal is reputed to help treat many types of infections. It contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder. Goldenseal and other plants containing berberine (such as Oregon grape) may help in the treatment of UTIs. These herbs have not, however, been studied for the treatment of UTIs in humans. |
1 Star Horseradish Refer to label instructions | The volatile oil of horseradish has been shown to kill bacteria that can cause UTIs. The volatile oil of horseradish has been shown to kill bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections. The concentration that is required to kill these bacteria can be attained in human urine after oral ingestion of the oil. One early study found that horseradish extract may help people with urinary tract infections. Further studies are necessary to confirm the safety and effectiveness of horseradish in treating urinary tract infections. |
1 Star Horsetail Refer to label instructions | Horsetail may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Java Tea Refer to label instructions | Java tea may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Juniper Refer to label instructions | Juniper may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Lovage Refer to label instructions | Lovage may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Multivitamin Refer to label instructions | Taking a multivitamin–mineral may help to avoid deficiencies and to better resist infections. Since the immune system requires many nutrients in order to function properly, many people take a multivitamin-mineral supplement for “insurance.” In one double-blind trial, healthy elderly people who used such a supplement for one year showed improvements in immune function, as well as a significant reduction in the total number of infections (including non-urinary-tract infections). |
1 Star Nettle Refer to label instructions | Nettle may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Oregon Grape Refer to label instructions | Oregon grape contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder. Goldenseal is reputed to help treat many types of infections. It contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder. Goldenseal and other plants containing berberine (such as Oregon grape) may help in the treatment of UTIs. These herbs have not, however, been studied for the treatment of UTIs in humans. |
1 Star Parsley Refer to label instructions | |
1 Star Plantain Refer to label instructions | Plantain has anti-inflammatory effects an may be beneficial in some people with UTIs. Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of plantain, it may be beneficial in some people with UTIs. However, human trials have not been done to confirm this possibility or to confirm the traditional belief that plantain is diuretic. |
1 Star Spiny Restharrow Refer to label instructions | Spiny restharrow may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. |
1 Star Uva Ursi Refer to label instructions | Uva ursi may help treat UTIs by killing bacteria in the bladder and urinary tract. An extract of uva ursi is used in Europe and in traditional herbal medicine in North America, as a treatment for UTI. This herb is approved in Germany for treatment of bladder infections. The active constituent in uva ursi is arbutin. In the alkaline environment of the urine, arbutin is converted into another chemical, called hydroquinone, which kills bacteria. A generally useful amount of uva ursi tincture is 3–5 ml three times per day. Otherwise, 100–250 mg of arbutin in herbal extract capsules or tablets three times per day can be used. Uva ursi should only be used to treat a UTI under the close supervision of a physician. |
1 Star Vitamin A Refer to label instructions | Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of many infection, supplementing with it may restore levels and help support the immune system. Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of many infections. Although much of the promising research with vitamin A supplements and infections has focused on measles, vitamin A is also thought to be helpful in other infections. Some doctors recommend that people with urinary tract infections take vitamin A. A typical amount recommended to correct a deficiency is 10,000 to 25,000 IU per day. |
1. Aune A, Alraek T, LiHua H, Baerheim A. Acupuncture in the prophylaxis of recurrent lower urinary tract infection in adult women. Scand J Prim Health Care 1998;16:37-9.
Last Review: 06-08-2015
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