View source for Urinary Imbalance

== What Does It Mean? ==
Urinary Imbalance refers to dysfunctions within the urinary system, including bacterial overgrowth, dysbiosis, and improper elimination of toxins. It can lead to recurrent infections, inflammation, and compromised kidney function if left untreated.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Dysbiosis & Bacterial Overgrowth – Imbalance of healthy vs. pathogenic bacteria in the urinary tract.
* Poor Hydration – Inadequate water intake reduces urinary flow and increases bacterial retention.
* Nutrient Deficiencies – Lack of immune-supportive nutrients impairs urinary tract defense.
* Chronic Inflammation – Ongoing irritation can weaken bladder and kidney function.
* Hormonal Imbalances – Estrogen fluctuations may affect urinary tract integrity and microbiota.
* Frequent Antibiotic Use – Can disrupt beneficial flora and lead to resistant bacterial strains.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Urgency and frequent urination
* Pain or burning sensation during urination
* Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
* Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
* Incomplete bladder emptying sensation
* Fatigue and systemic inflammation

== Lab Test Findings ==
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Change'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Bacteria
|Increased
|None seen/Few CFU/mL
|-
|Blood
|Possible presence
|Negative cells/uL
|-
|Creatinine
|Elevated
|0.80-1.10 mg/dL
|-
|Epithelial Cells, Squamous
|Increased
|0-10 /hpf
|-
|Hyaline Cast
|Present
|None /lpf
|-
|Leukocyte Esterase
|Present
|Negative
|-
|Mucous
|Present
|None
|-
|Nitrite
|Present
|Negative
|-
|pH
|Increased
|7
|-
|RBC’s
|Increased
|None
|-
|WBC’s
|Increased
|0 cells/µL
|-
|Yeast 
|Not Present
|None
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===
Correcting urinary imbalance involves restoring microbial balance, reducing inflammation, and optimizing urinary function.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''                                        Function''' 
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|D-Mannose Powder
|Prevents harmful bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract
|1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily
|-
|Vita Buffered C Powder
|Provides antioxidant and immune support
|¼  scoop of powder with food, twice daily
|-
|Vita-Biotic
|High-dose probiotic to restore gut and urinary flora
|4 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Vita Defense 
|Immune system support
|1 capsule without food, daily 
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Increase Hydration: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to flush bacteria and toxins.
* Optimize Gut & Urinary Microbiome: Consume fermented foods and probiotics to support a healthy microbiome.
* Minimize Sugar & Processed Foods: Reduce dietary factors that promote bacterial overgrowth.
* Urinate Regularly: Avoid holding urine to prevent bacterial colonization.
* Practice Proper Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene practices to prevent infections.