Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Understanding Probiotics Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND If there’s one topic that is sure to confuse people it’s the topic of probiotics. Invite health has a powerful line up of probiotics. But how are they different? How do you know which one is right for …
URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI) ~ EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, BUT HAVE NEVER ASKED
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs as they are commonly referred to as, can affect people of all ages for various reasons. However, women seem to be much more at risk for UTIs than men. In this article we’ll discuss what UTIs are, how they are commonly contracted, how to lower our risk and how to get rid of one once diagnosed.
What exactly is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? According to the Cleveland Clinic, a UTI is an infection that affects the urethra, kidneys and/or bladder. It occurs when bacteria enters the urethra and causes the infection. This can happen in a number of ways, however there are a few common causes that should raise our awareness. These common causes can be a history of developing UTIs in childhood, hygiene, a suppressed immune system, menopause, certain medications such as birth control and sexual activity.
Let’s break these down and discuss if there’s anything we can do to lower the risk of developing a UTI. According to the article ‘Risk Factors and Predisposing Conditions for Urinary Tract Infections’ from The National Library of Medicine : National Center for Biotechnology Information, having a history of UTIs (in childhood or adulthood) naturally increases ones risk factor of recurrence. Menopause can also be a factor as when we get to this stage in life, there is a reduction of estrogen and Lactobacilli, causing the vaginal pH to decrease.
While personal or family history can increase risk, so can having a suppressed immune system. This can be due to such issues like having diabetes or heart disease. Those that experience any health related issue that may require a catheter also increases the risk of UTIs.
When using some medications or birth control devices such as a diaphragm, can also increase risk. Women experiencing menses also have a higher risk for UTIs. This is because there can be addition bacteria and/or blood that can enter the urethra and therefore causing the UTI. It is important to remember to practice good hygiene all the time, with extra attention when using birth control devises and during menses. Try using a good antibacterial soap or vaginal wipes. Another thing to remember is to make sure you wipe front to back after urination to help keep the area as clean and bacteria-free as possible.
Lastly, the risk of UTIs from being sexually active. This can happen when you start seeing a new partner or frequent activity. This can sometimes throw off your pH while increasing normal bacteria in the region. This is normal, as bacteria can be transferred from hands, mouths and genitals. It is a good idea to wash hands and brush teeth/rinse with antibacterial mouthwash, along with daily showers, before sexual activity. Urinating after intercourse can also lower risk of UTI.
According to The Mayo Clinic, if you experience symptoms of UTI, such as but not limited to, painful urination, pelvic or lower back pain, suddenly have pink, red, brown or cloudy urine, have strong urine odor, nausea and/or vomiting and even a fever, contact your doctor. If your doctor does diagnose you with UTI it is often that you will be prescribed an antibiotic. Please, I cannot stress this enough, take the antibiotic if it is recommended and take as prescribed. If the infection goes untreated, there can be elevated problems that arise including sepsis. Once you can completed your doctor’s recommendation and the infection has been deemed cleared up, I like to recommend a daily probiotic, like Probiotic Hx or Probiotic Maintain, to help the good gut bacteria.
RENALAID: I love a scoop of this in a glass of water everyday instead of traditional cranberry juice that so many of us tend to gravitate to for urinary tract support. Using Renalaid eliminates the sugar and has the added benefits of D-Mannose, Olive Leaf and a Probiotic Blend.
CRANBERRY FRUIT EXTRACT: We’ve all heard to drink cranberry juice to help maintain a healthy urinary tract. However, juices can have a tendency of being sweet and sugary, processed and a little too diluted. Using a Cranberry Fruit Extract in a capsule form can help you incorporate the benefits of cranberry without the added sugar, processing and calories.
PROBIOTIC HX WOMEN: This Probiotic is formulated to support the needs of women’s health. It is made up of Garlic Bulb, Thyme and a blend of different strains of Lactobacillus. I like to recommend this as a “therapeutic” probiotic, in addition to a general everyday probiotic like Probiotic Hx, for women that are very prone to such issues like Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and/or Yeast Infections.
CRANBERRY SMOOTHIE
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup ice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
1 teaspoon raw honey
1 scoop Renalaid
2 capsules Cranberry Fruit Extract
1 capsule Probiotic Hx Women
Add ingredients to a blender along with the contents of the Cranberry Fruit Extract and Probiotic Hx Women. Blend everything together until smooth. Pour into a glass, drink and enjoy!
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353453
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502981/
www.webmd.com/women/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9427198/
www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36874013/
APRIL HEALTH AWARENESS~ AN INTODUCTION TO OUR TOPIC OF THE MONTH
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
April is an interesting month when it comes to health and wellness. It’s Public Health Awareness Month, but as always, awareness months are always sharing and overlapping. April also reminds us to be aware of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Alcoholism. Due to many of these being connected by lifestyle, the reproductive system, the liver and kidneys, it makes a lot of sense for these issues to all be part of our awareness for April.
As the hot summer months are fast approaching, many of these health related topics can more easily impact day to day lives. Many people are out and about, vacationing, swimming, participating in summer parties and sometimes this can lead to some over indulgence and letting our guard down.
Throughout the month, we’ll be discussing topics such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Pinkeye, Herpes/Cold Soars and Hepatitis. Having a basic understanding on how some of these viruses are spread and contracted can be invaluable. As we explore each topic throughout the month, we’ll also take a look at common ways these are spread and contracted, as well as ways to lower our risk of exposure.
Learning how to incorporate the right supplementation the appropriate way can be a key factor in protecting ourselves or recovering from certain public health issues. This month is a great time to discuss the benefits of such nutrients like L-Lysine, Green Tea, Mushrooms, Resveratrol, D-Mannose and Olive Leaf. Understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system and how to detox in a safe and healthy way can make all the difference.
SUMMER IMMUNITY PINA COLADA POPSICLE
1 cup ice
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup pineapple chunks
1 scoop Oranges Hx
1 scoop Daily Detox
2 capsules Probiotic Maintain Or 1 capsule Probiotic Hx
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add everything into a blender with the contents of the Probiotic Maintain Or Probiotic Hx capsules. Blend until smooth and pour into Popsicle molds. Freeze until solid, overnight is best. Eat and enjoy!
MORNING POWERHOUSE TEA
1 cup hot water
1 green tea bag
3 droppers Green Tea Tx
Lemon wedge, optional
Seep green tea bag in hot, boiling water for 5 minutes. Add in Green Tea Tx and stir until combined into tea. Add Lemon if desired. Sip slowly and enjoy once tea is at your preferred temperature.
COOL OFF GAZPACHO
2 beefsteak tomatoes
3 capsules Mushroom Hx
2 capsules Aged Garlic
Fresh black pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste
1/4 avocado, diced
Cilantro, for garnish
Combine the tomatoes, pepper, sea salt and the contents of the Mushroom Hx and Aged Garlic capsules into a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have the consistency of a chunky soup. Pour into a bowl and garnish with cilantro and avocado. Eat as a mid-day snack and enjoy!
As you can see, we’ll be navigating these public health related issues this month with ease and learning how to manage our risk through lifestyle, supplementation and delicious, healthy recipes. I look forward to navigating this journey of learning together with you.
