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The urogenital tract (vagina, cervix, periurethra, and urethra)
is a haven for many bacterial species. The bacterial ecology
in this area is dynamic and subject to easy change. Therefore,
maintaining an optimal balance of the beneficial flora is
very important.
Many factors, such as recurring vaginal infections (80% percent
of all women) or urinary tract infections (20% percent of
all women), can upset the delicate flora balance in the urogenital
tract.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI) include strong
or foul-smelling urine, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability,
and pain while urinating. The conventional treatment for UTI
is antibiotics. Unfortunately, the infection usually recurs
once the antibiotic regimen has ended. In some cases, antibiotic-resistant
disease-causing bacteria develop and proliferate, producing
toxic side effects (see Probiotic Use During Antibiotic Treatment.
In some cases, UTIs are related to vaginal yeast overgrowth.
In such cases, the use of antibiotics are ineffective and
may actually provoke the yeast to proliferate more vigorously,
and encourage the infection to return with added pain and
discomfort.
In women, the urethra is short and the opening is very close
to the anus, making it prone to contamination from fecal bacteria.
Good hygiene in this area, therefore, is highly recommended.
After urinating or moving your bowels, always wipe from front
to back. In addition, take daily showers and wash vaginal
and rectal areas carefully. Avoid bubble baths, and choose
to wear "breathable" cotton underwear.
Most important, maintain a daily Probiotic supplement program
that includes L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, and
L. bulgaricus super strains. Balancing the urogenital
and gastrointestinal flora to optimize the presence of L.
acidophilus will play a long-lasting role in preventing
vaginal and urinary tract infections.
RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC REGIMEN
If you are diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, take
2 capsules each of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum
(or 1 teaspoon each powder), along with 1 teaspoon L. bulgaricus
powder mixed in 6 to 8 ounces unchilled filtered water, two
times daily, for 14 days.
Instead of the above regimen, take 2 combination capsules
that contain all three super strains in an oil-matrix carrier,
two times daily, for 14 days.
In addition to either of the above daily oral regimens, use a yogurt douche to help alleviate the burning and itching of urinary tract infection. To 8 ounces of "true" plain yogurt from your local health food store, add 1/2 teaspoon each L acidophilus powder (NAS or DDS-1 strain)
and L. bulgaricus powder (LB-51 strain). Use the douche
as often as you want to alleviate discomfort. The best time
to use it is before bedtime.
A packaged 14-day program to help alleviate urinary tract
infections and vaginitis is available in most health food
stores. This product includes vaginal suppositories complete
with inserter, and a 14-day supply of high-quality L. acidophilus
capsules.
Once the infection has passed, maintain a daily regimen of
1 capsule each of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum (or 1/2 teaspoon each powder), along with 1/2 teaspoon L. bulgaricus powder mixed in 6 to 8 ounces
unchilled filtered water, three times daily. (Or take 1 combination
capsule that contains all three super strains in an oil-matrix
carrier, two times daily.)
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