A significant concern for women, cystitis affects nearly one in ten women in France every year. This painful and disruptive bladder infection is primarily caused by Escherichia coli, a common bacterium in humans. Found in the intestine, this bacterium constitutes around 80% of our gut flora.
So, what exactly is Escherichia coli? How can such a familiar bacterium in our body cause urinary tract infections? And how can we address it naturally? Find the answers in this article.
Escherichia coli: What is it?
First identified in 1885 by Austro-German pediatrician Theodor Escherich, Escherichia coli is a bacterium naturally present in the gut microbiota. It plays a vital role in the body and is transmitted through the maternal microbiota at birth.
Well-known in the scientific community and the subject of numerous studies, Escherichia coli is classified as a bacillus, an elongated bacterium. Resembling a rod-like shape, E. coli is also identified as a Gram-negative bacterium. The term Gram-negative refers to the Gram staining process, a technique developed by Danish physician Hans Gram to categorize bacteria. Under this method, bacteria are divided into Gram-positive and Gram-negative groups. Under a microscope, Gram-negative bacteria appear pink, while Gram-positive ones display a violet color.
Despite its bad reputation and unusual name, Escherichia coli plays a critical role in the production of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for blood clotting, making it a key component of the circulatory system. Newborns are often given vitamin K supplements to counteract the risk of hemorrhages due to their underdeveloped gut flora.
Escherichia coli also excels in maintaining a healthy digestive system and ensuring the efficient digestion of food. Found in all warm-blooded animals, Escherichia coli consists of various strains, most of which are harmless. However, a few pathogenic strains can cause gastroenteritis, meningitis, or urinary tract infections.
Among these is enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), an infectious agent transmitted through contaminated food or water. Known as EHEC, this strain produces a toxin called verotoxin, which has a cytotoxic effect. This means it has the capability to damage specific cells in the body.
Escherichia Coli: A Common Cause of Urinary Tract Infections?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), commonly referred to as cystitis, are linked to Escherichia Coli in nearly 80% of cases. Why? The bacteria multiply and travel from the intestines to the anus, eventually reaching the bladder, where they cause significant damage.
Women are 50 times more likely than men to develop a UTI. This increased susceptibility is due to the anatomy of the female urinary system. The shorter length of the urinary tract in women significantly raises the risk of bacterial contamination.
In women, the spread of a urinary tract infection occurs in three stages:
- The close proximity of the anus to the external urinary opening allows E. Coli to move from the anal to vulvar region. From there, it ascends the female urethra and settles in the bladder. The intestinal origin of Escherichia Coli explains its abundance around the anus.
- Once in the sensitive intimate areas, these bacteria hinder urination and block proper bladder emptying, encouraging the retention of urine.
- E. Coli continues to multiply in the bladder, resulting in a urinary tract infection.
Beyond anatomy, which, as highlighted above, facilitates Escherichia Coli infections, several other factors contribute to the development and spread of the bacteria. These include sexual activity, insufficient hydration, and intestinal issues like constipation or diarrhea. To minimize risk, it is crucial to stay hydrated, urinate frequently, and adopt the habit of cleaning intimate areas after intercourse.
If a UTI is not diagnosed promptly, treated effectively, or if the prescribed antibiotics are inappropriate, it may lead to acute pyelonephritis. Although rare, this complication occurs when bacteria travel from the bladder to the kidneys. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of acute pyelonephritis, as bodily changes during pregnancy make them more susceptible to UTIs and their potential complications. Regular medical monitoring is essential to prevent such issues.
How to Treat Yourself Naturally?
+ Acts as prevention and treatment for early urinary tract infections and cystitis. Solberry reduces the risk of urinary infection by four times (studies). + Effective against 95% of urinary infection causes. Works 24/7, unlike standard Cranberry and Hibiscus extracts. + Box of 60 capsules. One-month supply (2 capsules/day). Patented extracts. Vegan.
Urinary tract infections are painful and highly disruptive to daily life. However, it is possible to naturally address infections like cystitis. The key lies in maintaining a good lifestyle and a balanced diet, both solid and liquid.
Start with drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day. Additionally, thyme infusions can be a helpful remedy. A potent antibacterial and antiviral, thyme may reduce infection risks, soothe symptoms, and even combat cystitis. Similarly, lemons, rich in vitamin C and known for their antiseptic properties, offer a sustainable solution against cystitis.
Despite these options, the two most effective foods for combating cystitis are cranberries and apricots. Cranberries, small berries packed with proanthocyanidins—a powerful antioxidant—help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. Several studies have explored this, confirming cranberries’ effectiveness against urinary tract infections. Apricots, on the other hand, offer anti-cystitis benefits due to their alkalizing effect, which helps restore the body's acid-base balance, often disrupted during an urinary tract infection.
In addition to these traditional remedies, there is another natural option that supports the bladder and overall health during urinary infections. This often-overlooked yet highly effective solution is dietary supplements.
One such supplement is Solberry from Solage Laboratories. Formulated with Hibiscus flower (200 mg), Cranberry (500 mg), and vitamin C (180 mg), Solberry helps prevent and treat early-stage urinary tract infections and cystitis. Studies suggest that Solberry reduces the risk of infection fourfold.
In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle combined with a moderate but regular intake of dietary supplements can enhance urinary health and reduce reliance on antibiotics, which are not recommended for long-term use and may not always be beneficial.
References :
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- Julianna Bailey, Stefanie Krick and Kevin R. Fontaine - The Changing Landscape of Nutrition in Cystic Fibrosis: The Emergence of Overweight and Obesity - nutrients. 2022, 14, 1216.
- Julie K Byron - Urinary Tract Infection - Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract.2019 mars;49(2):211-221.
- David RP Guay - Cranberry and urinary tract infections - Drugs. 2009; 69(7): 775-807.
- Ruth G Jepson, Gabrielle Williams, Jonathan C Craig - Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections - Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Oct 17; 10(10): CD001321.
- Ann E Stapleton - Systematic review with meta-analysis: Cranberry-containing products are associated with a protective effect against urinary tract infections - Evid Based Med. 2013 Jun; 18(3): 110–111.
- Sabiha Jahan Liya, Romana Siddique - Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Some Commercial Fruit (Apple, Papaya, Lemon and Strawberry) Against Bacteria Causing Urinary Tract Infection - Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp). 2018 Aug 16;8(3):95-99.