A lot of women have challenges with UTIs aka urinary track infections and for a variety of reasons. Lets first look at the simple causes, then what allows for the causes to occur.
- Gut bacteria, i.e., E. coli
- Urethritis ie. STDs — while UTIs are not considered contagious, they can spread if caused by a STD
- Abnormalities in the urinary tract
- Various birth control methods ie. diaphragms
- Urinary tract surgery]
- Other medical conditions ie. diabetes, MS, stroke
- Compromised immune system
- Kidney stones
- Pregnancy or menopause
- Multiple sex partners
Many of these conditions are caused by a poorly functioning or compromised immune system. As you probably know, about 72% of your immune system is in your gut. In order for your gut to function effectively it requires:
- Enzymes — for metabolism
- Glutathione — for cellular functioning
- Pre/probiotics — healthy microbiota
- Transfer factor — to teach your immune system how to function
So like most of your bodily functions, we need to start with a healthy gut/immune system. These four components help to stabilize your gut: small and large intestines/colon.
Many people need to start with a healthy gut detox, then address their diet and thus improve the body’s capacity to prevent UTIs.
Foods that help repair the gut:
- Ginger — helps promote digestive enzymes
- Omega 3s — helps resolve inflammation
- Bone broth — for both gelatin, collagen and glucosamine repair gut membrane
- Peppermint — carminative for the gut
- Granny smith apples/cabbage — fiber, quercetin, broad spectrum good bacteria
- Baking soda routine in the AM and apple cider vinegar in the PM — regulates pH of the gut
- Coconut — anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial
- Lemon — vit C, detox, and promotes bile production
When you improve your gut’s immune system you help prevent UTIs in the urinary system.