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/
COPD
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In COPD there is damage to the airways and our lungs. This damage can block the airways and make it hard to breath. COPD often entails production of mucus, which triggers a cough. COPD is considered to be a chronic, progressive disease that worsens over time. In the US COPD refers to emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Most people who have been diagnosed with COPD have a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. (1)
Just a quick rehash on chronic bronchitis. This is a condition that involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is characterized by a chronic cough and mucus production. For more details please see my blog on bronchitis. Emphysema, the other part of the equation of COPD is a condition where the alveoli (part of the lungs) are destroyed due to expose to irritating gasses, cigarette and particulate matter. (2)
People who have CODP develop a chronic, smoker – like cough that is chronic and does not subside even after months or even years. COPD also involves excessive mucus formation that may be transparent, white, pale green or yellow in color. One of the symptoms that most people with COPD find to be the most problematic is shortness of breath. The shortness of breath usually worsens with physical exertion. Another common symptom is a feeling of tightness in the chest, usually when you are inhaling. There may also be wheezing, which can impact speech as well as breathing. As the COPD becomes more advanced it can begin to affect oxygen levels and thus can lead to cyanosis or blue lips and nails. This can also lead to mental confusion. As the heart tries to get oxygen rich blood around the body it will try to compensate for the lower oxygen levels by pumping faster to get more blood to circulate. Thus you will feel a rapid heart rate. In later stages there may be weight loss. (3) Lastly there may be a lack of energy and even swelling of the ankles, feet or legs. (2)
In the US one of the leading causes of COPD is smoking. In the developing world one of the most common causes is actually air pollution. Another causes of COPD is a rare genetic condition called Alpha -1 antitrypsin deficiency. (1) Risk factors for developing COPD include exposure to things such as tobacco, fumes from burning fuel, and exposure to dust and chemicals. Having asthma is also a risk factor. Lastly having the genetic disorder Alpha -1 antitrypsin deficiency is also a risk factor. (2)
COPD can have severe complications. Having COPD increases your risk of respiratory tract infections such as colds. COPD also increases your risk of heart disease such as heart attack and even high blood pressure. COPD also increases the risk of lung cancer. Lastly COPD can increase the risk of developing depression. (2)
Just like with bronchitis we want to concentrate on our overall lung and immune system health. How can we do that? Well there a number of things that I will review.
Our next product highlight will be L Lysine!
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