Belinda Reynolds How To Manage UTI's Naturally Interview

Belinda Reynolds How To Manage UTI's Naturally Interview

About 25% of women experience recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), with almost 95% being caused by Escherichia coli. UltraBiotic Urinary Care is an evidence-based formula to help combat pathogenic bacteria and promote a healthy urinary tract.

Key Features and Benefits:
Cranberry and Lactobacillus plantarum both inhibit the binding of E. coli to the wall of the urinary tract, reducing the incidence and frequency of recurrent cystitis.
Lactobacillus plantarum may assist in the restoration and maintenance of healthy flora in the urogenital tract, guarding against cystitis and colonisation of pathogenic bacteria.
Cranberry may assist in relieving and alleviating urinary odour with incontinence by reducing fermentation of unfriendly bacteria.
Pomegranate is a rich source of the antioxidant ellagic acid.
Vitamin D stimulates the body's antimicrobial defence system in the urogenital tract.
Uses CranPACs® highly concentrated cranberry extract, providing standardised proanthocyanidins 36mg per daily dose.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Cranberry contains strong antioxidant proanthocyanidins (PACs) that are active against E. coli, helping to reduce the frequency of recurrent cystitis.

According to a 2012 Cochrane review, cranberry must be standardised to at least 36mg proanthocyanidins daily in divided doses to effectively reduce the adherence of E. coli to the urinary epithelium and reduce the frequency of UTIs. Divided dosing maintains a stronger urinary concentration of PACs over a longer period, enabling the PACs to maintain their ability to reduce the adhesion of E. coli to the urinary epithelium over 24 hours.

Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum competitively inhibits the proliferation of pathogens in the urogenital and intestinal tracts, allowing good bacteria to flourish. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid, creating an acidic environment in the urogenital tract. Through the creation of an acidic environment, along with competitive inhibition, they deter the adherence of pathogenic bacteria to the urogenital epithelium.

Lactobacillus plantarum and ellagic acid
L. plantarum also exhibits tannase activity, allowing it to break the bonds of tannins. Punicalagin (in pomegranate) is an ellagitannin that binds with proteins in the gastrointestinal tract to form indigestible complexes. Tannase from L. plantarum helps to cleave the tannin, freeing up the antioxidant ellagic acid.

Ellagic acid reduces the ability of unfriendly urinary E. coli to reproduce by impacting on its DNA replication.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 stimulates innate cathelicidin production in the urinary epithelium when exposed to pathogenic bacteria. Cathelicidin is a potent endogenous antimicrobial, used as a first-line defence by the body.

What is a modified release capsule?
Incorporating advanced technology, a modified release capsule allows the release of active ingredients in the gastrointestinal tract to be delayed for therapeutic benefit. Regular capsules must release active ingredients within 30 minutes, whereas modified release capsules release their contents after 30 minutes.

UltraBiotic Urinary Care is presented in a modified release capsule to ensure the pomegranate and lactobacilli reach the lower intestinal tract for optimal metabolism and efficacy. Ellagic acid is metabolised at a greater efficiency in the lower digestive tract.

Interview with Belinda Reynolds

Question: What causes UTI's?

Belinda Reynolds: Being female immediately increases our chances of getting a UTI. This is because the female urethra is shorter in length than the male, making it much easier for bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), to enter the vagina. Many things can cause this, such as wiping back to front, or sexual intercourse where bacteria already in the vagina is pushed into the urethra. Another cause of UTIs is holding the bladder for too long, which can weaken the bladder muscle so the bladder does not empty completely when urinating.


Question: Why is it important to manage UTI's naturally?

Belinda Reynolds: Often if we get a UTI, the first thing we do is go to the doctor for anything that will get rid of the pain! More than likely we will be given antibiotics to ease the symptoms. Although antibiotics will remove the UTI, taking antibiotics on a common basis, especially if you are susceptible to UTIs, may cause a problem. The E. coli bacteria has been shown to become resistant to some antibiotics used to treat UTIs, weakening the power of the medicine. Antibiotics can be harmful to the good bacteria too, as the antibiotics fight both good and bad to eliminate the UTI, which may cause other conditions.

Unlike antibiotics, complementary medicines such as cranberry, vitamin D, pomegranate and probiotics may not only relieve symptoms but also reduce the incidence and frequency of UTIs. Probiotics for example, regulate vaginal flora and produce lactic acid, preventing bacteria from colonising in the urethra.


Question: Why was it important for BioCeuticals's to release UltraBiotic Urinary Care?

Belinda Reynolds: About 25% of women experience recurrent UTIs.

BioCeuticals is committed to developing and providing premium-quality practitioner-only integrative medicines. The ingredients that have gone into the development of UltraBiotic Urinary Care are beneficial for UTIs. Developing UltraBiotic Urinary Care meant we were able to provide a high-quality product, underpinned by scientific research, that a health practitioner can use when treating patients.

Question: How do we know which probiotic is best for us?

Belinda Reynolds: To ensure people get the right supplementation for their needs, they should see an experienced practitioner.


Question: Where can women purchase UltraBiotic Urinary Care?

Belinda Reynolds: BioCeuticals is a range of practitioner-only complementary medicines, and can only be purchased through a healthcare professional. They are sold in some pharmacies and health food stores that have health practitioners on staff. To find a practitioner, visit http://www.bioceuticals.com.au/find-a-practitioner


Question: What role does Vitamin D3 play in preventing and treating UTI's?

Belinda Reynolds: Vitamin D stimulates the body's antimicrobial defence system and is responsible for activating the formation of cathelicidin, which is an antimicrobial agent concealed by cells in the bladder lining upon exposure to E. coli. Unlike antibiotics, vitamin D produces germ-killing peptides to eliminate bad bacteria, leaving good bacteria unharmed and leaving the bacterial balance undisturbed.


Question: How do the UltraBiotic Urinary Care work?

Belinda Reynolds: UltraBiotic Urinary Care has a revolutionary new herbal-probiotic combination, and is an evidence-based formula that promotes the maintenance of urinary tract health. It contains cranberry extract and Lactobacillus plantarum to decrease the ability of unfriendly bacteria to adhere to the urinary tract lining. It also includes antioxidant pomegranate and vitamin D3 for healthy urinary tract support.

It works as the cranberry and L. plantarum to inhibit the binding of E.coli to the wall of the urinary tract and reduce the incidence and frequency of recurrent cystitis. Vitamin D is used to stimulate the body's antimicrobial defence system in the urogenital tract. It also contains pomegranate, a rich source of the antioxidant ellagic acid.

All of these natural ingredients work in a 'friendly" manner, without upsetting the vaginal flora.

Question: How can we help to support a healthy urinary tract?

Belinda Reynolds: Taking high quality products such as UltraBiotic Urinary Care that will not upset the vaginal flora is important to try and avoid recurring UTIs. Good hygiene practice when using the toilet, and drinking plenty of water will also help.

These supplements may not only prevent symptoms and resolve the UTI, but also help to keep a healthy urinary tract in the future.


Question: What originally inspired you to become a Dietician and Naturopath?

Belinda Reynolds: I graduated with an Honours Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2003, and have been involved in the complementary medicines industry for nearly 14 years - nine of these working for BioCeuticals as a Practitioner Sales Consultant, Team Leader, Presenter, Educator and Writer, with an involvement in Marketing and Product Development. Outside of this I have spent time working in hospitals and lectured at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies. My greatest passion, professionally, is assisting practitioners in developing their knowledge by presenting new research in the area of integrative medicine. Now a mother of two, pre- and postnatal, infant and child health have evolved as subjects particularly close to my heart.


Speak to your healthcare practitioner for more information about urinary tract health. When taking supplements, make sure to always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare practitioner.

For more health articles, go to www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/articles

Interview by Brooke Hunter