Bladder infections can be terribly uncomfortable and may seriously impact your lifestyle. Some people believe that taking acidophilus supplements can help treat this condition, but no scientific evidence supports this. In fact, failing to properly treat a bladder infection could put you at serious risk of developing worse infections.
Causes of Bladder Infections
Bladder infections are one type of urinary tract infection or UTI. These infections occur when bacteria, usually from the digestive tract, makes its way into the urethra and settles somewhere along the urinary tract, such as in the bladder. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several things may cause a bladder infection, including using scented products, taking birth control pills, using spermicides and having several sexual partners.
Identifying Bladder Infections
Several symptoms make it easy to tell whether or not you have a bladder infection. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, typical symptoms include abdominal pain, urinary urgency and frequency, painful or burning urination and bloody urine. If these symptoms are accompanied by back pain, nausea, chills and fever, the infection has likely spread to the kidneys.
About Acidophilus
Acidophilus is shorthand for Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a kind of probiotic. Probiotics are bacteria that are normally found in the digestive tract and aid with the process of digestion. According to MayoClinic.com, you can buy food products as well as supplements that contain active, live cultures of acidophilus such as yogurt, kefir, miso and soy.
Effects
Even though no evidence exists to suggest acidophilus can treat bladder infections in any way, it may be able to prevent them. According to a study published in the "Indian Journal of Urology," a low count of vaginal Lactobacillus acidophilus can increase a woman's risk of developing a urinary tract infection. However, further study must be done before probiotics can be recommended as an effective bladder infection preventative.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Urinary Tract Infection in Women; June 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Urinary Tract Infection (UTI); June 2010
- "Indian Journal of Urology"; Prevention and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection with Probiotics: Review and Research Perspective; D. Borchert et al.; 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Acidophilus; August 2011
