Probiotics for UTIs | Will Probiotics Help UTI?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be uncomfortable, and if you have one, you’ll likely want treatment fast. While antibiotics are the standard treatment, there are other ways to support your health while experiencing a UTI, including hydrating often and using probiotics.

Probiotics for UTIs offer a natural way to support your health during and after antibiotic treatment, helping to maintain a balanced and healthy urinary tract.

In this blog, we’ll explore how probiotics may aid in the prevention and management of UTIs and how to incorporate probiotics into your routine.

Understanding UTIs and their causes

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. If you’ve ever had a UTI, you’ve likely experienced its hallmarks.

Common Symptoms of UTIs include:

• Urinary urgency, pain, stinging
• Back pain (in severe cases)
• Foul-smelling urine
• Cloudy urine
• Small amounts of urine, despite the urgency
• Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen

Why Women Are More Prone to UTIs

While it can happen to anyone, women are more likely to get a UTI than men. This is because UTIs are usually the result of Esherichia Coli (E. Coli) bacteria migrating from the rectum to the urinary tract. Since women have shorter urethras than men, the bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to enter their urinary tract.

Women experience other factors that can also increase their risk. For example, the decrease in estrogen that perimenopause triggers can thin the tissue of the vagina and decrease its natural lubricants. This, in turn, can affect the natural pH of the vagina, making it easier for problem bacteria to thrive there.  

Sexual activity is another big driver of UTIs since it can transport bacteria from the skin to the opening of the urethra. Similarly, improper hygiene practices like wiping from front to back can import bacteria from the anus into the urinary tract. And anything that can affect the bacterial composition of the vagina or alter its pH — like douching or using spermicide — can also be a source of trouble.

Beyond these, additional risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• Taking certain epilepsy and diabetes medications (SGLT-2 inhibitors)
• Catheter use
• Immunosuppression
• Pregnancy

The Role of Probiotics in UTI Prevention

Understanding the Urinary Microbiota

The urinary microbiota consists of various bacteria essential for maintaining urinary health. An imbalance, often caused by harmful bacteria like E. coli, can lead to UTIs. Probiotics help restore this balance by creating a protective barrier that prevents harmful bacteria from thriving.

There isn’t one “ideal” microbiome, as factors like diet, age, medications, and probiotic use influence it. Each person’s microbiome is unique. However, maintaining specific populations of beneficial bacteria is crucial for a healthy urinary tract and reducing the risk of infections.

If your inner microbiome is out of balance, whether it’s in your urinary tract or your gut, it can lead to health issues and an increase in infections.

Definition and Characteristics of Probiotics

Probiotics help rebalance your body’s beneficial bacteria. For starters, these beneficial bacteria can actually form a protective film on the inside walls of the urinary tract. This makes it more difficult for pathogens to gain a toehold there, helping to enhance your body’s response to harmful pathogens like E. coli in the urinary tract. Certain strains, such as Lactobacillus for UTIs, may be particularly effective.

The Relationship Between Antibiotics and Probiotics

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat UTIs, but they can also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in both the gut and the urinary tract. Probiotics help restore this balance, even when taken alongside antibiotics, reducing the risk of recurrent UTIs. Since 70-80% of the immune system is in the gut, probiotics enhance immune response, helping the body fight infections more effectively. Additionally, balancing the gut microbiome can decrease E. coli levels, reducing the risk of developing UTIs in the first place.

Types of Probiotic Strains for UTI Prevention

If you’ve taken probiotics before, you’ve likely heard of Lactobacillus for UTIs. There are over 160 species of Lactobacillus, though not all have been deeply researched. However, some have shown effectiveness in preventing UTIs.

If you’re wondering which probiotic is good for urinary tract infection, studies have shown benefits with the following species of Lactobacillus on its label.

• L. rhamnosus GR-1, 
• L. reuteri RC-14 (previously known as L. fermentum RC-14), 
• L. casei shirota, 
• L. crispatus CTV-05. 
• Conversely, L. rhamnosus GG had minimal effects in smaller studies.

Effectiveness of Probiotics in UTI Treatment

While behavioral changes and good hygiene practices can help minimize your risk, they can’t always stop you from getting a UTI. The microbes in your urinary tract also play a key role. If they’re robust, they can protect you against pathogenic microbes.

On the flip side, you may become more susceptible to UTIs if you don’t have enough beneficial bacteria in your urinary tract. The good news is that probiotics can help:

• Probiotics restore balance by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. In fact, probiotics restore the bacterial balance in your body by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. And studies show that they work—women who took probiotics had fewer UTIs than those who didn’t.
• Good strains of bacteria occupy space, leaving less room for harmful bacteria.
• Lactobacillus ferments carbohydrates into lactic acid, producing antibacterial peptides that kill “bad” bacteria.
• Slightly acidic pH: Probiotics increase acidity in the urinary tract, making it less hospitable for UTI-causing bacteria.

Combining Probiotics with Antibiotics

The discomfort of a UTI makes speedy relief a must. Thankfully, antibiotics are a highly effective treatment option that goes to work almost immediately. Most people begin to experience some symptom relief within 24-48 hours of beginning their course of antibiotics.

However, antibiotics don’t just kill the harmful bacteria that are infecting your urinary tract. They also eliminate many of the beneficial organisms that inhabit the gut, disrupting its natural balance. Studies back this up, showing that individuals treated with antibiotics had higher levels of pathogenic species and lower microbial variety afterward. 

Since antibiotics can unintentionally affect beneficial bacteria and their intended targets, you might think there’s no point in taking probiotics while on antibiotics. However, you can effectively combine the two treatment modalities— you can either take them together or leave two hours of time between when you take your antibiotic and probiotic.

Are Probiotics or Cranberry Pills Better for Preventing UTIs?

When it comes to preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs), probiotics and cranberry products are two common natural remedies. But which one is more effective? Let’s explore the benefits of each and understand how they work to maintain urinary and vaginal health.

Can Cranberry Pills Help with UTIs

Cranberry pills, often recommended for UTI prevention, contain compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs). These compounds can prevent bacteria, especially E. coli, from adhering to the bladder walls, reducing the risk of infection. While cranberry pills and juice do not treat an existing UTI, they may lower the frequency of recurrent infections.

Studies show that taking cranberry pills regularly could help promote bladder health, potentially reducing the risk of infections over time. The benefits of cranberry pills extend to overall vaginal health as well, as they can help maintain a balanced pH and protect against bacteria that could cause discomfort or infections.

Common questions include:

• Can cranberry pills help with UTIs? Yes, they may help prevent them, but they should not be relied upon as a standalone treatment.
• Is cranberry juice good for bladder infection? While cranberry juice offers similar benefits to pills, the pills often have a higher concentration of active compounds without added sugars.

Do Probiotics Help Prevent UTIs?

Probiotics, especially strains like Lactobacillus, are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in the vaginal and urinary tracts. They work by crowding out harmful bacteria and maintaining a slightly acidic environment that’s less favorable for infection-causing organisms. Regular probiotic intake has been associated with fewer UTIs and improved vaginal health, making it a helpful addition to your preventive routine.

Cranberry vs. Probiotics: Which is Best for You?

Both cranberry pills and probiotics can effectively reduce UTI frequency, but they work in different ways. If you’re looking for a targeted approach to improve bladder health and reduce infection risk, cranberry pills for UTI may be more suitable. If you want overall urinary and vaginal health support, adding probiotics to your daily regimen could offer broader benefits.

How to Incorporate Probiotics into UTI Prevention

Beneficial populations of bacteria may provide protection against infection. Unfortunately, since they often end up as collateral damage during antibiotic treatment, it’s a frustrating truth that treating a UTI can increase your risk of developing a future UTI.

Luckily, incorporating probiotics into your daily routine can be an effective way of maintaining good urinary tract health and avoiding recurrent urinary tract infections. In fact, studies show that taking probiotics preventatively may reduce recurring UTIs by as much as half. 

Since probiotics are live microorganisms, make sure to store them according to their label’s direction. For example, if they’re supposed to be refrigerated and you leave them on the counter, this could reduce their potency — or even stop them from working altogether.

Probiotics can provide a valuable complement to antibiotics when it comes to treating urinary tract infections. They can also be a potent tool for preventing future ones.

How to Choose the Right Probiotic Supplement for UTIs

When selecting a probiotic for bladder infection, consider the following:

• Strain Specificity: Look for strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, which are known to support urinary and vaginal health.
• Colony-Forming Units (CFUs): A higher CFU count, usually ranging from 5 to 10 billion, can be more effective for replenishing beneficial bacteria. However, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage for you.
• Delivery Method: Probiotics are available in capsules, powders, and even suppositories. For targeted support, vaginal probiotic suppositories might offer a more direct approach, while oral supplements provide systemic benefits.

Can Probiotics Be Used as a Home Remedy for UTIs?

Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine can be an effective option if you’re looking for natural ways to manage or prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Probiotics not only help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the body but can also support urinary and vaginal health, reducing the risk of recurring infections. Some home remedies pair well with probiotics for UTI prevention and relief.

1. Yogurt and Fermented Foods

Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are rich sources of Lactobacillus strains, which can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract. Consuming these foods regularly can increase the beneficial bacteria levels, potentially reducing the risk of UTIs.

• How to Use: Add a serving of plain, unsweetened yogurt to your breakfast, or enjoy fermented vegetables as a side dish. Aim for at least one serving of probiotic-rich food per day.

2. Probiotic Supplements

Probiotic supplements can be a convenient way to boost your intake of beneficial bacteria. Look for supplements containing strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, which are particularly effective for urinary health.

• How to Use: Follow the dosage instructions on the label, and take the supplement daily to maintain a balanced microbiome in the urinary tract. Be consistent, as probiotics often need a few weeks to show their full effects.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with Probiotics

Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can support urinary health. Combining it with probiotic foods or supplements can enhance the overall effectiveness of UTI prevention.

• How to Use: Add one to two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV to a glass of water and drink it once a day. Follow up with a probiotic-rich meal or supplement to maximize the benefits.

4. Hydration with Probiotics

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest yet most effective home remedies for preventing UTIs. Proper hydration helps flush out bacteria, reducing the risk of infections. Adding probiotics to your diet can enhance this effect, as they maintain the beneficial bacteria needed for a healthy urinary tract.

• How to Use: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Pair this with a daily probiotic supplement or a serving of fermented foods to maintain optimal urinary health.

5. D-Mannose with Probiotics

D-Mannose is a natural sugar that can help prevent UTIs by stopping bacteria from sticking to the bladder lining. Combined with probiotics, it offers a more comprehensive approach to UTI prevention.

• How to Use: Mix D-Mannose powder with water and take it as directed. Combine it with a probiotic supplement to boost its effectiveness.
  
  

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI—like burning during urination, frequent urges to go, or cloudy urine—it’s important to consult a healthcare professional promptly. While home remedies like probiotics can help prevent infections, they may not be effective in treating an active UTI. In these cases, antibiotics could be your best treatment option. Connect with a primary care provider on Maple today for quick advice from a Canadian-licensed doctor or nurse practitioner, no matter where you are in Canada.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency, like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.