A Holistic Guide to UTIs
- 9 hours ago
- 7 min read
This post was collaborated with Jessica Bunkelman, FNP with Complete Renewal Health & Wellness, and is for educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before giving supplements to yourself or your child. *This post contains affiliate links.
What is a UTI?
A UTI (urinary tract infection) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, most commonly the bladder. It’s usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying. UTIs are very common, especially in women.
Common Symptoms
Burning or pain when urinating
Frequent or urgent need to pee (even if little comes out)
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Lower abdominal discomfort or pressure
Fever or back pain (in more advanced cases)
Conventional Treatments
Antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection
Increased fluid intake to help flush the urinary tract
Pain relief options (like phenazopyridine)
Follow-up testing in some cases
Should You Test?
If symptoms persist beyond 3-5 days, testing is recommended. Otherwise, it’s often reasonable to begin treatment based on symptoms. Those who experience recurrent UTIs can usually recognize the signs early and may choose to start their usual protocol or contact their healthcare provider for a urinalysis and, if needed, an antibiotic.
Are At-Home Tests Reliable?
Yes and no. They can be a helpful tool to get a general idea of what you’re dealing with and guide whether to start holistic options or seek medical care. They can also be useful after trying a protocol to help confirm things have cleared up.
Should You Retest?
If someone has recurrent UTIs (typically defined as 3 or more in a year or 2 or more within a few months), retesting after treatment can be helpful to rule out a more resistant strain of bacteria. For a one-time or first infection, retesting isn’t always necessary, as resolution is often clear based on symptoms improving.
Can You Treat UTIs Naturally?
Yes, but like anything, it needs to be caught and addressed early. However, natural approaches may not be the best first-line option for everyone.
In pregnancy, UTIs are typically treated more conservatively with antibiotics due to the proximity of the infection to the uterus and the potential risks to the pregnancy if left untreated. Supportive natural measures can still be used alongside prescribed treatment and for ongoing maintenance, such as D-mannose or cranberry.
If choosing a natural approach, it’s generally reasonable to continue for 3-5 days as long as symptoms are not worsening. If there is no improvement or symptoms progress, antibiotics should be considered to help prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys.
Treating UTIs
Bio-film Buster (any age)
One of the first things to consider when dealing with a bacterial infection, whether you’re using natural approaches or antibiotics, is a biofilm buster.
Biofilms are protective communities that bacteria (and sometimes fungi) build around themselves, allowing them to hide from the immune system and making them harder for treatments to reach. Because microbes inside biofilms are more resilient, they can contribute to lingering or recurrent infections. They’re often compared to brick houses without doors, making it difficult to fully access and eliminate what’s inside. If those “houses” aren’t broken down, some bacteria can remain and potentially lead to symptoms returning later.
Usnea and scutellaria can both support biofilm disruption and urinary tract health, making them two strong options to consider. Scutellaria is generally better suited for longer-term use, so it may be the preferred choice for ongoing support beyond a couple of weeks if someone has recurrent UTIs.
Usnea: take for 2 weeks
Scutellaria: Take for 2 weeks, regardless if symptoms are starting to get better. If recurrent UTIs 4-6 weeks. If doing these alongside antibiotics continue through antibiotic course and 6-8 weeks after
0-25lb: 3 drops/day
25-50lb: 5 drops/day
50-75lb: 8 drops/day
75+lb: 5-8 drops 3x/day
D-Mannose/Cranberry (any age)
A D-mannose and cranberry combo help support urinary tract health by making it harder for certain bacteria, especially E. coli, to stick to the lining of the urinary tract. Instead of attaching and multiplying, the bacteria are more likely to be flushed out during urination. This can help reduce the risk of infection taking hold and support the body in clearing it more effectively.
Take for 2 weeks, regardless if symptoms are starting to get better. If recurrent UTIs 4-6 weeks. If doing these alongside antibiotics continue through antibiotic course and 2 weeks after (4-6 if recurrent).
0-50lbs: ½ capsule opened and sprinkled into food
50-100lbs: 1 capsule
100+lbs: 2 capsules
0-75lbs: ½ scoop in an 8oz cup of juice
75+lbs: 1 scoop in 8oz cranberry juice
*You can do any juice, but this is an easy way to get the cranberry along with the d mannose
*You can also use this as prevention for some kiddos and adults if they have high frequency times
Uva Ursi / Albizia (16yr+, 10yr+)
Take for 2 weeks, regardless if symptoms are starting to get better. If recurrent UTIs 4-6 weeks. If doing these alongside antibiotics continue through antibiotic course and 2 weeks after (4-6 if recurrent).
Uva ursi (bearberry) PREFERRED CHOICE has been traditionally used for urinary tract support because it contains compounds that can help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. It also promotes urine flow, which helps flush the urinary tract, and supports the body’s natural response to irritation, making it a common option in short-term UTI support protocols.
Should be used with caution in those with kidney concerns, as it acts as a diuretic and its compounds are processed through the kidneys.
16yr+ 1-2 capsules twice daily
Albizia (if kidney concerns, or if struggling with flank pain)
Uva ursi is preferred, but if someone has kidney concerns or kidney history, instead they should consider Albizia. Albizia has supportive effects on the immune system and can help calm inflammation. While it’s not a primary antimicrobial for UTIs, it can play a supportive role by helping the body respond more effectively to infection, reducing irritation in the urinary tract, and may help ease discomfort such as flank pain.
Can start at 10yr or 75lb
75-100lbs: 1 capsule daily
100+lbs: 2-3 capsules daily
Vaginal Probiotics (5yr+)
If someone is on antibiotics or dealing with recurrent UTIs, more emphasis should be placed on a vaginal probiotic. For occasional, one-time infections, restoring vaginal flora is usually not as necessary.
Top evidence-backed strains for UTIs:
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1
Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14
These are the most studied combo for recurrent UTIs and have been shown to reduce recurrence and help restore healthy vaginal flora
Very promising (especially for prevention)
Lactobacillus crispatus
Strong evidence for reducing recurrence, especially when it successfully colonizes the vaginal microbiome
Integrative Therapeutics contains both RC14 & GR-1
repHresh - RC-14
BioDoph-Fem - Lactobacillus crispatus
Fem-Dophilus - Lactobacillus crispatus
5-10yr: quarter of a capsule
10-16yr: half a capsule
17yr+: One capsule
If recurrent UTIs 4-6 weeks. If doing these alongside antibiotics continue through antibiotic course and 2 weeks after (4-6 if recurrent)
UT Synergy - if you want to simplify (16yr+)
This combination contains D-mannose and uva ursi, so you could take this along with cranberry juice and a bio-film buster like usnea or scutellaria and call it a day.
Take for 2 weeks, regardless if symptoms are starting to get better. If recurrent UTIs 4-6 weeks. If doing these alongside antibiotics continue through antibiotic course and 2 weeks after (4-6 if recurrent).
D-mannose is a type of sugar that can help prevent certain bacteria (like E. coli) from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, so they’re more likely to be flushed out when you pee.
Hibiscus supports a healthy balance of bacteria and provides antioxidant support.
Uva ursi (bearberry) and nettle have traditionally been used to help increase urine flow and create an environment that’s less friendly for unwanted bacteria.
Horsetail and parsley also support urine flow and the body’s natural response to irritation in the urinary tract.
Horsetail and uva ursi in this supplement acts as a diuretic, meaning it increases urination to help flush out bacteria. While that can be helpful for UTIs, it may not be ideal for younger children who may not understand the need to drink extra fluids to stay well hydrated.
Aloe vera helps soothe the lining of the urinary tract, which may feel irritated during a UTI.
What about phenazopyridine?
It’s not typically considered a first-line option, as it provides symptom relief rather than treating the underlying infection.
It is a dye that can turn urine orange and may stain surfaces, which may be a consideration for some. In cases of more severe discomfort, it may be used short term, but only for a day or so while awaiting evaluation, testing, and appropriate treatment.
UTI Red Flags
Blood in the urine warrants prompt medical evaluation, as it may indicate a kidney stone or involvement of the kidneys. This may be accompanied by flank pain, though not always. If an infection spreads to the kidneys, antibiotics are typically necessary, although how this progresses can vary from person to person based on factors like immune function, microbiome balance, and hygiene practices.
Prevention Strategies
Wipe front to back after using the toilet to help prevent contamination
Urinate after intercourse to help flush out bacteria
For kids: change diapers frequently
Ensure regular baths with soap fully rinsed off
Allow the area to air dry when possible
Be mindful in warmer months, as sweaty diapers and prolonged moisture can create an environment where bacteria thrive
UTI Root Causes
E. coli is the most common bacteria behind recurrent UTIs.
Contributing factors can include:
improper bathroom hygiene
females - wiping back to front
incomplete bladder emptying
poor hygiene overall or after intercourse
not urinating after intercourse
certain birth control methods like spermicides
hormonal changes, especially during menopause
shifts in vaginal pH
biofilms allowing bacteria to persist
weak immune system
diabetes (bacteria thrive on excess sugar)
candida overgrowth
dysbiosis
anatomical abnormalities
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