Supplement Series: Urinary Tract Infection
According to Chinese Medicine, Urinary tract infections are part of a group of symptoms called lin zheng 淋证. In Chinese theory, UTI’s are caused by damp heat collecting in the Lower Jiao (burner). Acute UTI is considered to be an exterior excess pattern and the treatments will focus on clearing heat and draining dampness. Chronic persistent UTI involves both exterior excess and interior deficiency patterns, and treatments aim to reinforce the healthy qi, clear heat and drain dampness. This theory makes a lot of sense when we consider the most common triggers for UTI which include S3X, swimming/bathing especially in public, tight underwear/pants, hygiene and dehydration.
In this blog, I am going to give you my favorite foods that dry dampness according to Chinese Medicine and the supplements I recommend in my practice.
Foods that Dry Dampness
For Acute UTI, I recommend doing a 10 day damp drying diet. For Chronic UTI, I recommend 1-3 months of a damp drying diet. The foods below are foods that dry damp. Damp is created from sweet foods, greasy foods and dairy. I recommend avoiding these foods while drying the dampness in your system. .I also recommend avoiding spicy foods as they perpetuate the heat .
Fruits
Lemon
Plum
Vegetables
Alfalfa
Celery
Corn
Daikon Radish
Kohlrabi
Button Mushroom
Mustard Leaf
Onion
Pumpkin
Radish
Scallion
Turnip
Meat / Fish / Seafood
Anchovy
Mackerel
Beans
Adzuki
Job's Tears
Kidney
Grains
Barley
Rye
Herbs
Garlic
Green Tea
Horseradish
Jasmine Tea
Marjoram
Parsley
Probiotics to Support the Feminine Ecology
Probiotics specific to vaginal health are key to keeping our system balanced by supporting healthy vaginal immunity, ph and ecology of microflora. I love this easily accessible oral probiotic because it has the perfect blend of probiotic strains proven to support vaginal health. It doesn’t have to be refrigerated and it’s easy to swallow. Plus, Vitanica is an awesome company. This is a great supplement to add to your daily regimen.
Cranberry to Support Bladder and Urinary Tract Tissue Health
Cranberry is well known to prevent UTI when taken immediately after a trigger. I recommend CranStat Extra as it combines cranberry with herbs: Buchu leaf, Uva ursi, Pipissewa herb, Oregon grape root, and Marshmallow root, all of which contribute to bladder and urinary tract health and mucosa health. This is a great supplement to take for prevention when exposed to triggers and at pre-onset or onset of a UTI.
Vitamin C to balance urine pH
Vitamin C helps to make urine more acidic which actually helps resolve UTI to resolve. Whenever possible, I like to choose food based supplements. This blend by Innate is a phenolic blend of orange, wild blueberry and cranberry. 400 mg is the recommended dosage and is safe to take on an empty stomach. It is great to take for prevention of UTI, pre-UTI and during, as well as to build immunity in the colder months.
Use the links above to save 15%. Clicking the links will bring you to FullScript, my online prescription dispensary. In order to purchase, you will need to create your own account with FullScript. This will allow you to keep track of your supplements and easily reorder or subscribe if you prefer.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Furthermore, this blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.