If you suffer from bladder pain or reoccurring UTIs, you’re probably doing all the things to avoid the next painful onset: wiping properly, drinking enough water, and perhaps drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills.
We know that bladder discomfort can happen when bacteria enters the urinary system by way of the urethra. Most commonly, this bacteria comes from the bowel. But why is that harmful bacteria in the bowel in the first place, or is something else causing the issue?
We must look to the gut microbiome!
Your digestive system contains a beautiful ecosystem of bacteria known as the gut microbiome. I say beautiful because the “good” bacteria are responsible for keeping the “bad” bacteria at bay. Studies show a beneficial relationship between the gut microbiome, nutrition, and overall immunity since the gut lining houses 70% of the cells that make up your immune system.
Simply put: a healthy gut microbiome = a properly-functioning digestive system = a strong immune system = less “bad” bacteria in the bowel = less bladder urgency and pain.
Unfortunately many people seeking answers to their bladder issues are not getting the full picture. Why? Because research about the gut, nutrition and healthy practices have not fully integrated into our traditional medical system.
Misconception #1 - Bladder irritation is always a UTI.
Since UTIs are commonly known, people experiencing bladder urgency or pain may jump to the conclusion that they have a UTI. However that’s not always the case.
Bladder irritation often occurs when the body isn’t properly breaking down and eliminating waste. Undigested food particles have to be filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, and then transferred to the liver which creates bile that is stored in the gallbladder before elimination. If you experience bladder irritation, it’s essential to identify what’s really going on so that you can find an effective treatment plan.
Misconception #2 - The only thing to do is minimize “bad” bacteria from entering the urinary tract.
Too many people think that the only thing to prevent bladder irritation is to minimize the “bad” bacteria from entering the urinary tract. This is only part of the picture.
Looking at the issue holistically, this is what we know: Cultivating a healthy microbiome through nutrition and supplementation can get to the source of what is causing the irritation or infection, and may be a particularly helpful treatment for reoccurring or chronic issues.
When it comes to developing a healthy gut, there is no one-size fits all diet. (You can read more about this in my article Healthy Food Trends That May Not Be Healthy For You.)
A Holistic, Science-Based Approach to Bladder Irritation and UTIs
With each of my clients, I take a science-based approach to understanding their unique digestive needs. Developing a healthy gut microbiome—as well as identifying food irritants and optimizing digestion—can have a big impact on reducing chronic symptoms of all kinds and boosting overall health and vitality.
Please take advantage of the free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for working together.
The Tummy Whisperer is here for you!
