UTI & The Microbiome: Dr. Ashley Girard, N.D. (Part 4)

In this video series, Dr. Ashley Girard, a naturopathic doctor based in Ontario, Canada, shares how naturopathy can help people facing chronic UTIs and bladder conditions.
Long-term use of natural antimicrobials, especially the more potent ones, can potentially negatively affect the healthy microbiome of the gut. However, sometimes the benefits of taking these herbs may outweigh the risk, compared with taking an antibiotic which is more likely to cause more damage to the microbiome.
Dr. Girard supports the use of some cranberry products when aiming to prevent recurrence of UTIs. She shares that there is strong research in favour of using 36mg of proanthocyanidins (PACs), which she personally uses for UTI prevention. This is very safe, including during pregnancy.
D-mannose is also recommended, but it is worth considering that it may be fairly specific to E. coli and must be taken at the right frequency in order to be reliable. Lifestyle habits, such as drinking enough water and trying to keep your stress levels down, are also worth considering when trying to prevent UTIs.
Herbs that are used to treat an active infection could also be used in the same way as a prophylactic antibiotic. For example, for people who experience UTIs after sex, taking a herbal remedy after sex may help. In addition to PACs and D-mannose, taking an oral probiotic could be helpful, possibly in combination with a vaginal probiotic. Dr. Girard especially recommends looking for probiotic pessaries that contain L. crispatus, which is associated with fewer lower urinary tract symptoms.
The recommended number of billions or CFU in probiotics depends on the individual and factors like antibiotic usage. Rather than focusing on the number of billions, the most important thing is to look for probiotics that contain multiple different strains, ideally 10-15.
Where C. difficile is an issue, it is always important to work with a medical doctor and take the prescribed antibiotics, because it is life-threatening. Herbal adjuvants, like berberine products, can be taken alongside the antibiotics to support their effectiveness.
The exact mechanism of action is not yet fully understood, however it appears that gut bacteria can travel to the urinary tract and cause infection. Dr. Girard discusses how inflammation could often be to blame, as this could have a systemic impact on the body and filter down to the bladder.
Coffee, alcohol and sugar may be particular triggers for many people. Dr. Girard suggests that avoidance doesn’t necessarily have to be the answer. It may be more about minimizing irritants and maintaining a healthy level which is tolerable for the individual. Dr. Girard also shares how vitamins may play a significant role too.
If a biofilm is suspected, biofilm disruptors can be considered as potential adjuvants to antimicrobial therapy to help break it down. The guidance of a professional should be sought out to select the appropriate biofilm disruptor, as they can vary greatly in terms of their strength.
Dr. Girard believes it is definitely possible to return to a healthy microbiome after frequent antibiotic use, even if it takes time. Going back to her core principles as a naturopathic doctor, she believes in the body’s innate ability to heal.
Dr. Ashley Girard is a Naturopathic Doctor based in Ontario, Canada. You can learn more about Dr. Girard and her work at bladdercare.ca
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About Live UTI Free
Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We do not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostics methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. liveutifree.com/
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