This safe and effective combination of natural ingredients prevent UTIs by several mechanisms like inhibition of bacterial flora, anti-adherence of E. coli, acidification of urine and avoidance of germ resistance.
In body, Cranberry, D-mannose and Hibiscus produce synergistic effect on the urinary tract infections. D-mannose, because of its structure cannot be metabolized the way other sugars can, meaning this supplement is safe for diabetics and others who are avoiding sugar for any reason.
Indications: In Urinary tract infections
About UTIs:
What are UTIs? Urinary tract infections are bacterial in nature and can occur in various areas of the urinary system. They typically enter via the urethra (urethritis), can advance up into the bladder (cystitis) and even into the kidneys (pyelonephritis), which can become a serious health concern.
Causes of UTIs: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the bacterial strain involved in 85% of UTIs. Because of a shorter urethra and its close proximity to the anus, E. coli infections in the urinary tract can occur easily in women. E. coli is common bacteria normally found in the intestine, but is highly undesirable in the urinary tract where they can multiply quickly causing infection. Even worse, E. coli cell walls have "sticky" projections that allow them to adhere to bladder lining and multiply, making them very difficult to wash out. Bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus cause most remaining UTIs. Yeasts such as Candida albicans are rare in UTIs but are rising.
What Causes Recurrent UTIs?
Bacteria can enter the urinary tract from the outside to cause a UTI to come back, or a recurrent infection can be caused by bacteria that remain in the urinary tract after a previous infection.
Risk factors for UTI incidence increase with:
Sexual intercourse, diabetes, pregnancy, menopause, a weak immune system, blockages in the urinary tract and the use of harsh skin cleansers, birth control pills, contraceptives, spermicides and by eating contaminated chicken.
Symptoms of UTIs:
● Painful and burning urination
● Frequent and often urgent need to urinate
● Blood in urine
● Lower abdominal pain or cramps
● Chills
● Odorous or cloudy urine
● Pain during intercourse
About Composition:
Cranberry: Cranberry is a popular fruit and juice; it is also the most popular natural ingredient for dealing with UTIs. It is considered more effective in preventing than treating UTIs without contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Cranberry delivers two key actions:
1) Acidifies the urine to reduce bacterial growth, and
2) Prevents adherence of the bacteria in the bladder's lining because of the A-type linkage in proanthocyanidins.
Proanthocyanidins, which are found in cranberries, may interfere with the adhesion of bacteria (particularly E. coli) to the walls of the urinary tract. By preventing E. coli from binding to the urinary tract cells, proanthocyanidins can keep bacteria from fully colonizing and invading the urinary tract.
D-Mannose: D-mannose is a simple sugar that many find helpful for UTIs. It works by coating the E. coli. Being even stickier than the E. coli, d-mannose prevents adherence of the bacteria in the lining of the bladder allowing the bacteria to be washed out. D-mannose, even in large quantities, does not cause any adverse side effects, and cannot be metabolized the way other sugars can, meaning this supplement is safe for diabetics and others who are avoiding sugar for any reason.
How is D-mannose different from cranberry extract?
Although D-mannose is found in cranberries, cranberries don't contain enough of the sugar to have the same effect. At the same time, cranberry extract contains proanthocyanidins that also prevent E. coli from adhering to the urethra and bladder. Cranberry extract also has a potent immune-stimulating effect. The two, when taken together, produce a beneficial synergistic effect on the urinary tract system.
Hibiscus Extract:
The hibiscus plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa) has been traditionally used to treat urinary infections, menstrual cramping, high blood pressure, sooth the respiratory tract and has been used externally for skin and hair health. Hibiscus is rich in a variety of natural compounds, such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, polysaccharides and organic acids that have led it to being further studied for its ability to prevent and treat UTIs.
How it works?
Hibiscus extract works through several modes of action:
1. Inhibition of bacterial flora: Unlike cranberry or D-mannose, Hibiscus extract actually demonstrated the ability to decontaminate the E. coli and Candida albicans involved in UTIs. Studies have shown that it can decontaminate E. coli from medium within a single day due to its phenolic compounds.
2. Anti-adherence of E. coli: Like cranberry, Hibiscus extract has anthocyanidins, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids that help to prevent E. coli from adhering to bladder walls, allowing the bacteria to be washed out.
3. Acidification of urine: The hibiscus acted as cranberry in acidifying the urine, making it more difficult for bacteria to grow. It can change the normal pH of urine at 7.5-8.0 to 5.6.
4. Avoidance of germ resistance: Although Hibiscus extract is able to decontaminate such bacteria as E. coli, it does not carry with it the risk of antibiotics overuse. Excessive antibiotic use can result in bacterial resistance over time, leading to increased infection risk and limited treatment success. Hibiscus extract also reduced pain during urination and a reduction in urine odour.
Side Effects:
● Gastrointestinal upset
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
Precautions:
● If pregnant or lactating, consult your physician before taking this product.
● Hibiscus might decrease blood sugar levels. The dose of your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.
● Hibiscus might lower blood pressure.
● Stop using hibiscus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery as it might affect blood sugar levels.
Drug Interactions:
●Cranberry may be contra-indicated for individuals on blood thinning medications.
●Hibiscus may reduce chloroquine plasma levels, decreasing the effectiveness.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry and dark place.