UTIs , PD And An Anecdotal Report Of A Potential Remedy

[chartist]

People with PD are at increased risk for getting UTIs and the symptoms can often be significantly worse in PwP according to this April 2022 article :

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl....

Here are two very relevant quotes from the article :

' UTI is a leading cause of acute hospitalization in patients with PD [8, 9]. Even when not the primary cause for admission, UTIs are often found incidentally at higher rates in patients with PD compared to the general population [10]. Patients with PD who undergo surgeries, both elective and emergency, are also known to be at higher risk of UTI [11]. In one review of nine retrospective studies of 433 patients with PD, UTI was reported to be one of the most frequent orthopedic postoperative complications, in frequencies up to 49% [12]. The risk of UTI is elevated in patients with PD following total hip arthroplasty (OR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.09–1.76; p = 0.007) [11, 13], while one-third of patients with PD develop UTI after total knee arthroplasty [13, 14]. These studies highlight the particular risk PD patients undertake when undergoing operative admissions. As UTI-induced motoric dysfunction in PD likely contributes to an increased risk of falls [15] and PD-associated bladder dysfunction increases the risk of UTI, future studies are necessary to clarify the exact directionality of the relationship between UTI and orthopedic injury. '

' Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common precipitant of acute neurological deterioration in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and a leading cause of delirium, functional decline, falls, and hospitalization. Various clinical features of PD including autonomic dysfunction and altered urodynamics, frailty and cognitive impairment, and the need for bladder catheterization contribute to an increased risk of UTI. Sepsis due to UTI is a feared consequence of untreated or undertreated UTI and a leading cause of morbidity in PD. Emerging research suggests that immune-mediated brain injury may underlie the pathogenesis of UTI-induced deterioration of PD symptoms. '

Standard medical treatment for UTIs involve the use of highly potent antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin. Unfortunately potential side effects from cipro and other highly potent antibiotics used for this purpose can be severe and many as discussed here :

drugs.com/ciprofloxacin.htm...

Here are some of the side effects listed in the above link :

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

low blood sugar - headache, hunger, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, or feeling shaky;

nerve damage symptoms - numbness, tingling, burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet:

serious mood or behavior changes - nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, thoughts of suicide; or

signs of tendon rupture - sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions).

In rare cases, ciprofloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, the main blood artery of the body. This could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

Also, stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);

any skin rash, no matter how mild;

muscle weakness, breathing problems;

little or no urination;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

increased pressure inside the skull - severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea,

vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Common ciprofloxacin side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

headache; or

abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ciprofloxacin side effects (more detail)

Since standard antibiotics can sometimes cause significant side effects, I would like to try and avoid side effects if at all possible. I make a drink at home that I have found useful for the purpose in my family and myself and I will describe how I make it below.

A WORD OF WARNING :

I am only describing what I make for my family and myself, but can not recommend this for anyone else because it is not tested or approved for UTI treatment and if anyone decides they want to try it, they should absolutely consult their doctor or professional medical care provider first and get their doctor's approval and supervision before making and using this mix. I am just giving an anecdotal report of my experience and I am not a doctor so I can not give medical advice. UTIs can be serious health issues, especially in people with PD, so having your doctors approval and supervision is imperative. Perhaps your doctor will allow the use of this drink in combination with their planned treatment.

What I Make

A potent antimicrobial that can fight UTIs is Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), not to be confused with Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract (GSPE). This is available as a liquid concentrate. For an active UTI, I make a mixture of a few ingredients in a 500 ml bottle of filtered drinking water :

1- 500 ml bottle of filtered drinking water and pour out or drink one to two ounces to make room for the other ingredients.

6 - drops of GSE liquid concentrate. GSE is a broad spectrum antimicrobial with a very good safety profile.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/158...

A relevant study quote :

' These preliminary data thus suggest an antibacterial characteristic of dried or fresh grapefruit seeds (C. paradisi) when taken at a dosage of 5 to 6 seeds every 8 hours, that is comparable to that of proven antibacterial drugs.'

The following study suggests the effectiveness of GSE for this purpose :

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

A relevant quote from the review :

' Despite the limitations of the studies, the consistent results observed among all studies give support to the general findings that D-mannose may be useful in the treatment of UTI/cystitis symptoms. '

The Four Ingredients

1 - level half teaspoon of sea salt. I use pink sea salt, but other types of sea salt should work. It acts as an antibacterial.

1 1/2 - level teaspoons of D-Mannose powder added to the bottle of water. The powder avoids me having to swallow capsules. D-Mannose is the active component in cranberry juice.

6 Drops grapefruit seed extract

500 ml bottle of filtered water

Using a smaller funnel I add the three ingredients to the bottle of water and shake until all is dissolved and I drink the bottle within an hour. I make and take 2 or 3 of these bottles per day and continue for a day or two after symptoms are gone. Usually, the first day I take 3 bottles and see how I am feeling. If I notice improvement, I will go down to 2 bottles per day. I start this drink at the first hint or sign of a UTI, before it is raging. It is my experience, that when I start at the first indication of a UTI, the drink has been very effective for me and I have not noticed any side effects in myself.

The D-Mannose binds to E. coli and prevents it from attaching to the urinary tract surfaces allowing the bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract when I urinate. E coli accounts for the majority (about 90%) of UTIs.

ucsfhealth.org/conditions/u....

A relevant quote :

' The most common bacteria found to cause UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli). Other bacteria can cause UTI, but E. coli is the culprit about 90 percent of the time. '

On a related note, Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract (GSPE), not to be confused with GSE, can act as a preventative against UTI caused by Enterococcus faecalis and it has a very good safety profile as well as a multitude of health benefits. Here is a link to a product I use at the label recommended dose of 1200 mg (3 capsules) :

amazon.com/Carlyle-Grape-Ex...

Here are links to some of these products to give you an idea of what to look for :

D-Mannose Powder:

amazon.com/s?k=d+mannose+po...

Pink Himalayan Sea Salt :

amazon.com/s?k=pink+sea+sal...

GSE Liquid Concentrate :

amazon.com/Nutribiotic-Liqu...

amazon.com/Nutribiotic-Liqu...

Art

[Shorebird]

Thank you, Art!

[chartist in reply to Shorebird]

You're welcome, Shorebird!

Art

[garygjs]

Cheers, Art.

Worthwhile noting that there's pretty decent evidence for the use of D-mannose as a prophylatic in this regard. The powder is super easy to use: can be readily mixed in most drinks.

I deploy it on a daily basis ( alongside Vit C, for which there's a little bit of evidence).

[garygjs in reply to garygjs]

I might add: I also have Bearberry Leaf Extract on hand - widely used in Germany - should I suspect there's a UTI present.

[chartist in reply to garygjs]

Yes, it has been around and has an established track record, being an active component of cranberry juice. So more of a concentrated form.

If I were a person who had a history of regular UTIs and I had PD, I would definitely consider using this drink or similar to a lesser extent, but regular basis to act as a preventative given the potential severe complications that UTIs can cause in PwPs.

Art

[LindaP50 in reply to garygjs]

Hubby with PD, after his 3rd uti - all which hospitalized him - prescribed 4 capsules of 500mg each of Vitamin C. Also doubled up his tamulosin from 1 capsule to 2 capsules. Been on this since August 2022. So far so good. Fingers crossed.

[chartist in reply to LindaP50]

It does seem like prevention for PwPs who have shown a tendency toward UTIs is a prudent approach.Art

[LindaP50 in reply to chartist]

Indeed.

[Juliegrace]

The links to the products are not live.

[chartist in reply to Juliegrace]

I'll go back and fix them.

Art

[chartist in reply to Juliegrace]

The links are fixed now.

Art

[park_bear]

Nothing wrong with using over the counter remedies if they can be effective. However, if one needs an antibiotic, there are many good urinary antibiotics available without resorting to fluoroquinolones. Prescribing a fluoroquinolone such a cipro as a first choice is nuts, given the well-known potential severe adverse effects that you have documented in your post. If one does need a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, potential adverse effects can be mitigated by taking magnesium at a different time of day.

[chartist in reply to park_bear]

" Prescribing a fluoroquinolone such as cipro as a first choice is nuts, given the well-known potential severe adverse effects that you have documented in your post. "

I couldn't agree more!

Art

[LindaP50]

My husband PWP, first overnight stay in a hospital was due to a UTI at the age of 80yr. Repeatedly reminded staff about hubby having PD and UTI's are more extreme. Luckily this stay was before COVID and I was able to stay in his room 24/7, which if you know me, I did.

[chartist in reply to LindaP50]

It can be very good for your husband having you as a proactive advocate in his corner!

Art

[MarionP]

Wow. Very helpful very useful very very good. Had no idea how dangerous the stuff was.

[chartist in reply to MarionP]

The sad part about the side effects of the fluoroquinolone group of drugs, is that people often don't even realize that they are experiencing a drug related side effect. I think blown tendons can happen many months after a drug cycle is complete. It would be easy for a person with PD to mistake one of these drug side effects for a new disease symptom.

Looking at the list of potential side effects, a doctor might not even be able to know all of them and if a doctor did and told them to you before taking the drug, a patient might not be willing to take such a drug, unless there were no other option.

Art

[Millbrook]

Thanks so much Art!

[chartist in reply to Millbrook]

You're very welcome!Art

[JeanieBeanie]

I am the wife of HWPD and I have had a series of UTI's over 18 months with several courses of antibiotics which did not help. Then one day I saw an article by an Indian doctor addressing the problems of UTI's in women with PD. He said to use a probiotic containing Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Reuteri if possible. I found one and took 1 a day with 2 D-mannose a day and have not had a UTI since last September.

[LindaP50 in reply to JeanieBeanie]

Thanks for the info. Good luck!

[Router_ in reply to JeanieBeanie]

Which probiotic did you end up using?

[JeanieBeanie in reply to Router_]

Vitality vits in Uk.

Ingredients

[Despe in reply to JeanieBeanie]

Are these the strains? L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri? Looking for one with all these strains. Thank you.

[JeanieBeanie in reply to Despe]

Rhamnosus most important and reuteri good. This also has Plantarum in which has been posted about before on HU.

[chartist in reply to JeanieBeanie]

I think when it comes to PD and people who have a track record of UTIs, preventatives are a great idea. If I had that history, I would definitely go the preventative route, and should I have a breakthrough episode, consider the drink mix which can also be used as a preventative in less frequent dosages.

Art

[chartist]

To update this thread on UTIs, which people with PD are at increased risk for, I would like to talk about another friend who decided to try this homemade remedy. Last Friday morning, a friend called me to say that they woke up with a severe UTI. This friend is also immunocompromised which makes UTIs even more difficult to treat because the immune system only gives a modest response to the increased bacterial threat. As discussed in the following link, recovery from a UTI takes significantly longer in people who are immunocompromised :

nortonhealthcare.com/news/h...

Here is a relevant quote from the article :

' Acute UTI in people with diabetes or who are immunocompromised: should expect to feel better after 7 seven to 14 days of antibiotics. '

I brought the needed ingredient to my friend and explained how to make the drinks as explained in the original post above. They started taking 3 drinks a day because they said this was possibly the worst UTI they ever had. I mentioned that the remedy may take longer to work because they are immunocompromised and they said they were already aware of that because in previous UTIs the length of infection was always longer for them.

I stayed in steady contact with my friend once they had started taking the three drinks per day. The symptoms my friend mentioned were a constant severe headache, urgent need to urinate that made it impossible to get to the bathroom in time, strong burning sensation when urinating, only a small amount of urine being discharged, frequent trips to the bathroom, urine flow reduced to a trickle, severe fatigue, loss of appetite and the need to sleep almost constantly except for frequent trips to the bathroom.

My friend told me that they felt bad up until midday Monday when the symptoms started to subside and by Monday evening they felt much better, but still very tired. This morning my friend said they felt almost normal, but a little low on energy, but was still able to get up and go shopping with no problem with having to run to the bathroom. The headache is gone, the burning sensation is gone. The frequent trips to the bathroom are gone and the urinary flow rate is normalized. Fatigue has significantly reduced, but still some fatigue.

I suggested to my friend to continue using the daily drinks for a few more days to try and make sure the bacterial infection has been completely eradicated

So this is another friend that this UTI remedy has worked for and today only being the fifth day in an immunocompromised individual, the remedy seems to be working on a timeline similar to or better than antibiotics and without any noticeable side effects.

To add a bit more confirming science to this UTI remedy, a fairly recent narrative review suggests that D Mannose, a main component of this remedy, may be a complementary and alternative for treatment of frequent UTIs :

nutritionj.biomedcentral.co....

Here is a relevant quote from the review :

' Research suggests that supplemented D Mannose could be a promising alternative or complementary remedy especially as a prophylaxis for recurrent UTIs. When excreted in urine, D Mannose potentially inhibits, Escherichia coli, the main causative organism of UTIs, from attaching to urothelium and causing infection. '

Art

[JCRO in reply to chartist]

Highly recommend D Mannose. It’s worked brilliantly for me in the past with recurrent LUTIs.