DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been consuming at least 4 ounces of pure honey every day because of repeated urinary tract infections. Shouldn’t that help, or should I try D-Mannose? I’m an 80-year-old female.
DEAR READER: Bladder and urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter the urethra because of an interruption in the usual flow of urine, kidney infection, kidney stones, urethral strictures, an enlarged prostate in men or poor general hygiene. Some patients with disorders such as diabetes, cancer and HIV are at increased risk of developing UTIs.
Symptoms may vary according to sex, age, and the location of infection in the urinary tract, and may include a frequent urge to urinate, pain, burning, a strong odor, a bloated feeling, cloudy urine or urine that has a reddish color because of the presence of blood.
Honey is known to contain anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, making it effective for some people in fighting bacteria that cause bladder infections, but honey may not always be the answer.
If symptoms worsen or even fail to improve, I recommend you seek medical attention. If you are prone to frequent attacks, I suggest your physician order a clean-catch midstream sampling for analysis. This will allow him or her to determine which antibiotic will be most effective. Treatment will likely be through the use of an oral medication unless a person requires hospital admission and the use of intravenous antibiotics.
The best home remedy is prevention. This can be accomplished by increasing daily fluid intake, emptying the bladder at the first indication of needing to urinate, wearing cotton underwear, eating cranberries, blueberries and pineapple, drinking tea made with mint or olive leaf, or taking a vitamin C supplement. Cranberries and blueberries contain antioxidants thought to help the immune system. Pineapple contains bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties that are believed to lower symptoms. Vitamin C is thought to increase urine acidity, which in turn reduces the growth of bacteria. Teas containing mint or olive leaf are antibiotic in nature.
Developing research suggests that eating yogurt enriched with L acidophilus daily might lower the chance of developing bacterial vaginal infections. However, it may not be effective when there is a history of repeated UTIs.
Studies on the effectiveness of most home remedies remain questionable because of inconsistent dose recommendations and a host of other facts. Some people may find remedies extremely effective, while others may require prescription-strength medication for control.
I think 4 ounces of honey every day is excessive. Remedies often call for 1 teaspoon of honey mixed with cider vinegar, cinnamon or a pinch of salt. I’ve never known a person to take 4 ounces. I urge you to speak with your physician about your habit and ask his or her opinion as to whether it is appropriate.
D-Mannose is a sugar supplement used for preventing UTIs. It might prevent certain kinds of bacteria from sticking in the urinary tract and causing infection. It appears to be safe for most adults, but might harm the kidneys, cause loose stools and bloating in high doses. Readers who would like related information can order my Health Reports “Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections” and “Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order for each report to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title(s), or print an order form from my website’s direct link: www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.
