Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infectious disease (1). Most of the time, UTIs are thought of as infections caused by bacterial contamination. After all, the urethra is an opening that is very close in proximity to the anal opening. Therefore, some of the natural bacterial inhabitants of the large intestines can cause significant problems upon getting access to the urinary tract and the urethra. (2)

Though it is correct that the intestinal E.coli bacteria causes many UTIs, there is a much less commonly regarded source of UTIs. Fungal UTIs are the most frequent nosocomial fungal infection (a healthcare-associated infection) worldwide. Treating a UTI with antibiotics is a primary treatment, and because of this – the most common fungal agent that causes UTIs, Candida albicans, appears to have evolved new antifungal resistance mechanisms. (1, 3)

Candida is one of the most successful microorganisms at adhering to surfaces. Their adhesion capacity is an essential part of their success at living symbiotically inside of the body. Unfortunately, the capacity to adhere to cells turns into solid grounds to support candidal infections. (6)

The other factor that helps candida be more pathogenic is its ability to form biofilms. A biofilm is a colony of candida that collaborates to live together and functions as a semi-unit. When such a unit is built, it becomes complicated for the immune system and any medications to reach deep enough into the colony to break it down and end the infection (7, 8). The following people have the highest risk of getting a candidal UTI: 

• Older individuals

• Women

• Antibiotic users

• Sexually active individuals

• Immune compromised individuals

• Hospitalized patients

• Kidney stone sufferers

• Users of catheters or prostheses 

• Those suffering malnutrition

• Those with inadequate individual hygiene (5)

Probiotics are the body’s first line of defence outside of the human immune system. Those tiny symbiotic bacteria that live on our bodies can maintain our health by producing chemicals that talk to our immune system (9). Additionally, they can keep us safe as they compete with other, more pathogenic bacteria. Unfortunately, overuse of antibiotics highly disrupts the microbial balance of the body. While antibiotics can be life-saving, when heavily prescribed, they can lead to other issues like the issue of candidal UTIs and an overall increase in candida colonies, especially for women. When the microbial balance is disrupted, it is imperative to reintroduce probiotics to ensure that the body can rebalance its symbiotic relationships. (10, 11)

Women often think that their UTIs are recurring or that their previous UTI has not cleared when they experience vaginal/ urinary symptoms after using antibiotics for a UTI. Unfortunately, the issue can be much more profound as removing some bacterial colonies can lead to an overpopulation of yeast in the vagina or even a fungal UTI. (12)

Cranberries are suitable for healing the urinary system, but their use appears not to be reliable. While science shows excellent benefits from the astringent effect of cranberries, and their capacity to reduce the microbial load in the urinary system, cranberry use is limited by the amount of sugar any preparation contains (13). While many assume that taking a little bit of cranberry juice may help them recover, high-sugar cranberry juices may not be very effective. Most bacteria flourish on sugar consumption. Additionally, most juices are not concentrated enough to contain active constituents. A high-quality, medicinal preparation of cranberry is one that is free of sugar and is concentrated enough to have an active amount of therapeutic components. (14)

Sorrel Hibiscus is enjoyed as a refreshing drink all over the world. Their therapeutic value is well regarded in terms of blood pressure control. However, their capacity to prevent and clear a broad range of UTIs is rarely discussed (15). While hibiscus is shown to be antimicrobial, it appears to be much more of an overall agent of balanced urinary health than simply an antimicrobial agent. Hibiscus is shown to have the following benefits: 

• Inhibits Candida adhesion

• Inhibits Candida biofilm formation

• Is shown to decrease the rate of microbial growth 

• Decreases microbial load

• Is a reliable diuretic (16)

Serrapeptase 

It is often crucial to consider biofilm formation when it comes to fungal urinary tract infections. As previously outlined, candida is very good at sticking to cells, so it is complicated for any antimicrobial agent to make its way deep into a colony and clear it. Thus, it is always best to make sure that we introduce any form of therapy with an agent that helps the treatment penetrate deep into the colony. (17)

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down inflammatory markers and has many applications for pain and general health. Studies show that serrapeptase is effective at breaking down biofilms. As a well-tolerated agent, serrapeptase can be used therapeutically with antimicrobials, antibiotics and anti-adhesion agents to increase the speed of microbial clearance and make the therapy more effective overall. (18)

One fantastic bonus offered by serrapeptase is its capacity to reduce inflammation. The inflammatory discomfort that can e felt during a UTI can be significantly relieved with the application of serrapeptase. Additionally, as the inflammatory load decreases, it becomes easier for the body to heal tissues. (19)