3 EXPERT TIPS TO BREAK THE UTI CYCLE NATURALLY
Recently, I had the opportunity to be a guest expert speaker at the British Association of Urological Nurses (BAUN) Conference in Liverpool. It was such a privilege to share my passion for helping people with persistent bladder pain and recurring UTIs.
My presentation, ‘Fuelling Urinary Health: Building Resilience to UTIs through Food,’ sparked some fantastic conversations with equally passionate urology nurses about how nutrition and integrative strategies can support urinary health and reduce the risks of UTIs.
UTIs are frustratingly common, and when they recur frequently, they can become increasingly complex to treat. Worse still, repeated infections can lead to long-term bladder discomfort and trigonitis if not properly managed — not to mention the impact they can have on your emotional wellbeing and relationships.
But here’s the good news!
By supporting your body’s natural defences, you can reduce the risk of recurring infections and promote healing, even if symptoms have become persistent, it’s not too late.
Here are the 3 key takeaways I shared with the urology nurses at the conference to help break the UTI cycle and build long lasting urinary health through food.
1. ANTI-ADHERENT FOODS: NATURE’S FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE
Some foods contain compounds that can stop bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls — an essential step in preventing infections from taking hold.
One of the most well-known is D-mannose, a natural sugar found in fruits like blueberries, apples, and cranberries. Research shows that D-mannose can bind to harmful bacteria, like E. coli, and help flush them out of the urinary tract before they cause trouble.
Incorporating these foods into your diet regularly could give your bladder a natural boost against infections. Find out more in my free ebook, here.
2. IMMUNE-SUPPORTIVE FOODS: STRENGTHENING YOUR DEFENCES
Your bladder isn’t just a passive organ; it’s actively defended by your immune system. For this defence to work optimally, your body needs the right nutrients and a healthy mucosal lining.
Vitamin A supports the integrity of mucosal barriers, while Vitamin D is a powerful regulator of the immune response. Zinc plays a crucial role in immune cell function, and beta-glucans — found in foods like oats and mushrooms — can enhance your body’s ability to fight off infections.
By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, you’re giving your bladder the tools it needs to stay strong and protected.
Recurring UTIs disrupt the health of the bladder’s mucosal lining and increases the risk of trigonitis and further infections. Supporting the immune system is one of the main pillars in the Heal your Bladder programme, here.
3. FLORA MODULATION: THE POWER OF A HEALTHY MICROBIOME
Did you know your bladder has its own microbiome? While most people think about gut health, the bladder also relies on a delicate balance of beneficial bacteria to protect against harmful invaders, known as the urinary microbiome.
Recurrent antibiotic use can disrupt this balance, making it harder for your bladder to defend itself from infections. Instead of relying solely on antibiotics, consider strategies that support a healthy balanced microbiome. This might include probiotics tailored to urinary health and foods that nourish beneficial bacteria.
Urinary and vaginal microbiome screening is included in Heal your Bladder so we can identify which bacteria are present, missing, in need of some support and to identify if a yeast imbalance is contributing to symptoms in the bladder and/or vagina. This is particularly common where there has been a history of antibiotic use. Check out my free webinar for more information on how microbiome screening can provide valuable insights and lasting relief from UTIs and painful bladder symptoms.
PREVENTION OVER CURE: BUILDING RESILIENCE
It’s not just about fighting UTIs when they happen. True urinary health means building resilience so harmful bacteria struggle to survive in the first place. Integrative approaches, such as optimising your nutrition, create an environment where your bladder can thrive naturally.
“By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, you’re giving your bladder the tools it needs to stay strong and protected.”
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
If you’re tired of the UTI cycle and want to learn more about building your urinary resilience, book a Clarity Call with me now to explore how we can work together to support your urinary health.
REAL-LIFE SUCCESS STORIES:
To give you an example of what’s possible when you focus on building resilience and supporting your body’s natural defences through integrative strategies such as nutrition, I want to share a client success story. Leah found long lasting relief and freedom from UTIs by integrating these strategies on the Heal your Bladder programme. Read her story here.
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