Protocol · Urological Health
Urinary Tract Infection Prevention and Support Protocol
Cranberry and D-Mannose are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Urinary Tract Infection Prevention and Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Cranberry | Amount listed: 36 mg PACs daily (standardized extract; or 500 ml unsweetened cranberry juice) | Proanthocyanidins (PACs) prevent E. coli adhesion to bladder wall; reduces recurrent UTI risk by ~25-35% | Not graded yet | ||
| D-Mannose | Amount listed: 2 g daily for prevention; 2 g three times daily during acute infection (as adjunct) | Simple sugar that binds to E. coli fimbriae, preventing bacterial adhesion; as effective as low-dose antibiotics for prevention | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 1–10 billion CFU daily (L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 best studied) | Restore healthy vaginal and urinary microbiome; Lactobacillus strains compete with pathogens | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Acidifies urine which may inhibit bacterial growth; supports immune function | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (maintain >30 ng/mL) | Supports immune function and antimicrobial peptide production in urinary tract | Not graded yet | ||
| Garlic | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg garlic extract daily (or 2–3 fresh cloves) | Allicin has antimicrobial properties against UTI pathogens including drug-resistant bacteria | Not graded yet | ||
| Bearberry (Uva Ursi) | Amount listed: 400–800 mg standardized extract daily (short-term use only - max 2 weeks) | Contains arbutin which is converted to hydroquinone with antimicrobial properties; traditional remedy | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Supports immune function; may enhance antimicrobial defenses in urinary tract | Not graded yet | ||
| Horseradish | Amount listed: 1,000–2,000 mg dried root daily (often combined with nasturtium) | Contains glucosinolates with antimicrobial properties; traditional European remedy for UTI | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections of the bladder (cystitis) or kidneys (pyelonephritis). They are extremely common, especially in women - about 50% of women will have a UTI in their lifetime. Recurrent UTIs (3+ per year) affect 25% of women who have had one UTI.
CRITICAL: Active UTIs require medical treatment with antibiotics. This protocol is for PREVENTION and SUPPORT, not replacing antibiotics for active infection.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY:
- Fever, chills, back/flank pain (may indicate kidney infection)
- Blood in urine
- Symptoms worsening despite home measures
- Pregnancy (UTIs can cause preterm labor)
- Diabetes or immunosuppression
BASIC PREVENTION MEASURES:
- Stay well hydrated (6-8 glasses of water daily)
- Urinate when you need to - don't hold it
- Urinate before and after sexual activity
- Wipe front to back
- Avoid irritating products in genital area
Cranberry* is the best-studied supplement for UTI prevention. The proanthocyanidins (PACs) prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Standardized extracts with 36mg PACs daily are most effective. Juice must be unsweetened (sugar feeds bacteria).
D-Mannose* is a sugar that works similarly - bacteria bind to it instead of your bladder lining. Studies show it's as effective as low-dose antibiotics for prevention.
Probiotics* help maintain healthy vaginal flora that protects against UTI-causing bacteria.
Expected timeline: Prevention supplements work best with consistent daily use. For acute symptoms, see a doctor - antibiotics work within 24-48 hours.