If you find yourself fighting yet another UTI, you should know that your infection can recur due to poor bowel problems. Yes, there is a link between UTI and gut health. The good bacteria in our intestines play an important role in preventing such infections. However, antibiotics prescribed to treat these infectious diseases can disrupt this delicate balance. This can lead to digestive problems, poor intestinal health, and even recurrent infections. Therefore, it is a very vicious cycle that needs to be addressed when you want to be free from frequent UTIs and naturally support both your urinary and gut health.
What is UTI?
Urinary tract infections are bacterial infections that affect the urinary system, including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), or the kidney (renal lone nephritis). “The most common symptoms of infection are burning during urination, with chronic abdominal pain, more than the average urgency and frequency,” explains urologist Dr. Avinash Arora. The American Journal of Kidney Disease states that UTIs are some of the most common infectious diseases they encounter. Diagnosis is made through urine testing and urine culture.
Is gut health related to UTI?
Yes, our gut has an important role to play in UTI. The intestine contains the flora of bad microorganisms, both good and bad. When the gut flora is balanced, it can help control harmful urinary bacteria such as E. coli. “At the same time, the imbalances most frequently caused by excessive antibiotics, stress, or poor diet can promote the growth of bad bacteria, which grow and move into the urinary tract, leading to infections,” explains Dr. Alora. Keep your gut healthy with a fiber-rich diet, probiotics, and hydration.
The effect of UTI on gut health
As we have already discussed, urinary tract infections can have a major impact on your gut health. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
1. UTI antibiotics can affect the microbiota
In most cases, doctors prescribe US antibiotics when they have a urinary tract infection. These may help treat infections, but they can have a major impact on our gut health. A study published in the Journal of Microecology states that the use of this antibiotic is problematic because it can unintentionally disrupt delicate equilibrium in the human intestine. It can lead to disruption in the balance of good bacteria in the intestine. Therefore, you can experience digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
2. Increased risk of recurrent UTIs
Additionally, the intestine can increase the risk of recurrence of urinary tract infections. A healthy gut microbiota can help prevent infection. The intestine is a reservoir of bacteria that cause infections like E. coli. When the gut microbiota becomes unbalanced, this harmful bacteria can thrive and confer other infectious diseases. This can weaken your immunity.
3. Increases inflammation
When you get an infection, this causes inflammation in our bodies. This can often lead to other intestinal problems, such as leaky intestines. Leaky gut is what allows toxins and bacteria to enter our bloodstream. This increases inflammation even further. He says that this chronic inflammation can lead to recurrent urinary infections.
Utis and Gut Health: What is the link?
Urinary tract infections do not have a direct effect on gut health, but patients with recurrent infections are often placed in antibiotic treatment courses. “These drugs can cause bacterial imbalances in the gut. A decrease in the number of healthy bacteria also reduces the body’s immunity and ability to prevent infection,” explains Dr. Alola.
Similarly, poor gut health can lead to excessive growth of bad bacteria due to several other reasons such as bad diet and stress. These can travel into the urinary tract and lead to infection. Therefore, healthy gut is important for the stronger immune system to prevent these infections. Talk to your doctor about probiotics, prebiotics, and nutrient-rich dietary courses that can improve your digestive system.
Are there any defects that could cause UTI?
Yes, some specific defects can be indirect causes of urinary tract infections. Vitamin D helps the body produce antibacterial peptides and prevents UTIs. People who suffer from low iron and zinc levels are more likely to spread infections due to their low immunity. Vitamin B is essential for maintaining the health of mucosal barriers, including those that line the bladder and urethra.
When these nutrients are low, the body’s immune response changes and makes you vulnerable to infections. Therefore, you need to maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support your overall immunity. Eating foods rich in probiotics can also be helpful.
There are many ways that UTIs can lead to gut health problems. It is also true that gut health problems increase the likelihood of catching more urinary tract infections. This cycle can be destroyed by taking probiotics that help restore balance in the gut. Also, eat fiber-rich foods, avoid processed foods and excess sugar, and stay hydrated.
Could this post have an impact on gut health on recurrent utis? It first appeared in Health Shot.
