From lifestyle habits to targeted nutritional support, simple steps help keep the urinary microbiome in balance, says Sarah Brereton, Nutritional Therapist.

It is essential to maintain a delicate balance with both the gut and urinary microbiome for optimal health. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to urinary tract imbalance, often resulting in uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms.

Women are generally more prone to urinary infections because the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder) is shorter than in men. This means bacteria can travel more easily upwards into the urinary tract, and potentially to the bladder or kidneys.

Common contributing factors to urinary imbalance include dehydration, constipation, holding urine for prolonged periods, poor wiping habits, certain medications, and other medical conditions. Hormonal fluctuations (particularly during perimenopause, when oestrogen levels decline) can also increase susceptibility to recurrent urinary issues in women.

Recognising the symptoms

• Lower back or abdominal pain.

• A sudden or frequent urge to urinate.

• Pain or burning when urinating.

• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

• Blood in the urine. (If you notice blood in your urine, always consult your GP.)

Practical ways to support urinary health

There are many simple lifestyle habits that can help maintain urinary balance:

• Stay well hydrated

• Empty your bladder promptly when you feel the urge

• Practise good hygiene, wiping from front to back

• Urinate after intercourse

• Avoid douches and fragranced wipes in the genital area, as these can disrupt the microbiome

Nutrition also plays an important role. Fermented foods such as kefir and sauerkraut can help support beneficial bacteria. Specific microbiotic strains, including L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri, are known to help populate and maintain this delicate environment.

Increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables rich in polyphenols and antioxidants can also support the mucosal lining and help maintain a healthy pH balance.

Targeted nutritional support

Cleanmarine D-Mannose Complex is a maximum-strength formulation containing five ingredients that may support urinary health: D-Mannose, polyphenol-rich cranberry and grape seed extract, and the active friendly bacteria strains L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus.

Studies show:

• D-Mannose helps prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls.¹

• Cranberry extract helps prevent bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infections.²

• L. reuteri is a beneficial friendly bacteria that helps maintain a healthy microflora balance in the urogenital tract.³

• L. rhamnosus helps control bacterial overgrowth and produces bacteriocins that can directly target pathogenic bacteria.⁴

• Grape Seed Extract is rich in polyphenols known for their antioxidant properties and immune system support.

Cleanmarine D-Mannose Complex is suitable for both women and men and can be taken alongside antibiotics. Don’t exceed the maximum recommended daily intake. 

¹ Domenici L. et al. Eur. Rev. Med. Pharmacol. Sci. 2016.

² Foo L.Y. et al. J Nat. Prod. 2000;63:1225–1228.

³ Grin P.M. et al. Can J Urol. 2013 Feb;20(1):6607–14.

⁴ Petricevic L. et al. Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. 2008.