View source for Urinary Tract Infection

== What Does It Mean? ==
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacterial overgrowth, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), which ascends the urinary tract and leads to inflammation and discomfort.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Bacterial Overgrowth – Pathogenic bacteria colonizing the urinary tract.
* Poor Hydration – Insufficient water intake reduces urine flow, allowing bacterial proliferation.
* Microbiome Imbalance – Gut and vaginal flora imbalances can contribute to recurrent UTIs.
* Hormonal Changes – Menopause or hormonal fluctuations may alter vaginal and urinary microbiota.
* Urinary Retention – Incomplete bladder emptying can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
* Frequent Antibiotic Use – Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant bacterial strains and dysbiosis.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Frequent and urgent need to urinate
* Burning sensation during urination
* Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
* Pelvic discomfort or lower abdominal pain
* Presence of blood in urine (hematuria)
* Fatigue or malaise

== 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
|-
|C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
|Increased
|0.00-0.55 mg/L
|-
|Urine Color
|Abnormal (Cloudy)
|Yellow
|-
|Creatinine
|Elevated
|0.80-1.10 mg/dL
|-
|Color
|Cloudy/Dark
|Yellow
|-
|Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
|Increased
|0.00-1.00 mm/hr
|-
|Fat
|Typically not present
|None
|-
|Leukocyte Clumps
|Present
|None
|-
|Leukocyte Esterase 
|Positive
|Negative
|-
|Monocyte %
|Decreased or Normal 
|4.00-7.00 %
|-
|Mucous
|Present
|None
|-
|Neutrophil %
|Increased
|48.00-60.00 %
|-
|Nitrite
|Present
|Negative
|-
|pH
|Increased
|7
|-
|RBC’s
|Increased
|None
|-
|Specific Gravity
|Normal or Decreased
|1.005-1.030
|-
|Transparency (Clarity) 
|Decreased
|Clear
|-
|Triple Phosphate Crystals
|Present
|None
|-
|WBC
|Increased
|5.5-7.5 cells/µL
|-
|WBC’s (Urine) 
|Present
|0 cells/µL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===
Addressing UTIs involves reducing bacterial overgrowth, supporting immune function, and optimizing urinary tract health.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''                                          Function''' 
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|D-Mannose Powder
|Prevents E. coli from adhering to the bladder wall
|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 vaginal flora
|4 capsules without food,  daily
|-
|Vita Defense 
|Immune system support 
|1 capsule without food, daily 
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Increase Water Intake: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
* Optimize Vaginal & Gut Microbiome: Consume probiotic-rich foods and reduce sugar intake.
* Urinate Frequently: Avoid holding urine to reduce bacterial accumulation.
* Avoid Irritants: Minimize caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners that can irritate the bladder.
* Hygiene Practices: Wipe front to back and urinate after intercourse to reduce bacterial introduction.