Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) has a long history of use as a treatment for urinary tract infections, but only recently have researchers studied why this herb is helpful in managing this condition. Uva ursi constains glycosides called arbutin and methylarbutin, which transport into hydroquinone once they are in the intestinal tract. Hydroquinone is a potent [...]

 

You may be most familiar with saw palmetto as a supplement for BPH, where studies show it can be effective in relieving symptoms of the prostate disorder. However, because BPH is characterized by urinary tract symptoms, some of which are similar to those associated with urinary tract infections, saw palmetto may be helpful in relieving [...]

 

Probiotics, or “good bacteria,” are microorganisms that normally live in the intestinal tract. These good bacteria need to stay in balance with the “bad” bacteria to help maintain health and to help prevent infections, such as urinary tract infections. A recent study in Clinical Infectious Diseases reported that a 10-week course of probiotics given to [...]

 

For decades, pollen extracts (aka cernilton, rye grass pollen, flower pollen, bee pollen) have proven successful in treating the various urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH and prostatitis. Despite a lack of scientific studies, some men use pollen extracts to get relief from symptoms of urinary tract infections, because some of them are similar to [...]

 

Green tea’s potent health-promoting abilities are attributed to catechins, powerful antioxidants that have demonstrated an ability to help manage urinary symptoms associated with BPH. In addition, however, green tea has also inhibited the growth of the bacteria Escherichia coli, which are the main organism that causes urinary tract infections. In a lab study, green tea [...]

 

D-mannose is a natural occurring simple sugar found in cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, and other berries. It is frequently used to treat urinary tract infections, and may be even more effective when combined with cranberry supplements. Unlike glucose, D-mannose is absorbed much slower by the body, and it goes directly to the bloodstream from the upper [...]

 

Cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially a special type of proanthocyanidins (PACs), called A-type PACs, which differ from the PACs found in other foods. Only the A-type PACs in cranberries can prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, and this ability makes cranberries helpful in managing urinary tract infections. [...]