MedibiotiX

What is the microbiome?

The microbiome is a complex environment of bacteria and other microorganisms. They live in many different sites of the body, including the gut, skin, mouth, and urogenital system.

However, the gut is the primary location of the human microbiome and has a major contribution towards our health and wellness by protecting our bodies from disease-causing microorganisms, developing our immune systems, and enabling us to digest our food to produce energy.

The gut microbiome is very diverse, but not all the bacteria in the gut are beneficial for our health. "Bad" bacteria are associated with infection or illness (such as some strains of Escherichia coli [E.coli]), whilst the "good" bacteria (such as Bifidobacteria) help keep the "bad" bacteria in check.

A healthy, balanced microbiome means there are more "good" bacteria than "bad" bacteria and this balance is essential for good overall health.

What is the vaginal microbiome?

The vagina also hosts its own microbiome, which is on intricate and dynamic environment that constantly changes according to the stage of the menstrual cycle. Every female has her own unique vaginal microbiome composition which changes over the course of her life.

Like the gut, the vagina also contains different types of bacteria and not all of them ore "bad". In fact, in normal circumstances, the "bad" bacteria in the vagina are outnumbered by the "good" bacteria to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome environment.

The human vaginal microbiome is dominated by a type of "good" bacteria called Lactobacilli, which interacts with our immune system and establishes a defense against harmful organisms. Lactobacilli bacteria also create an acidic environment in the vagina, protecting females from disease causing infections.

The link between the gut microbiome and recurrent UTIs

What is a urinary tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are amongst the most common bacterial infections, affecting approximately 150 million people globally every year. A UTI con involve any part of the urinary system, including the tubes that transport urine (urethra and ureters), bladder, and kidneys. UTls are caused by a wide range of disease-causing microorganisms, but are most commonly caused by certain strains of E.coli.

Symptoms of UTI, if they do occur, may include

A strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away
A burning feeling when urinating
Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine
Urine that appears cloudy
Signs of blood in the urine
Strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional.

What role does the gut microbiome play in the risk of developing an UTI?

Women who experience frequent UTls often have decreased diversity and density of healthy bacterial strains in the gut microbiome. This allows disease-causing bacterial strains to thrive. Certain strains of E.coli, a bacteria, are known to cause UTls and these are thought to grow in the gut as a result of this decreased gut diversity.

Other bacteria, such as Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus, can also be involved. These bacteria may promote inflammation which damages the gut lining and allows the disease-causing bacteria to leave the gut and travel to the urinary tract, where they can cause a UTl.

There is a correlation between an increase in "bad" bacteria in the gut with a higher prevalence of UTls. Therefore, it is important to support the gut microbiome to prevent an overload of "bad" bacteria, thus preventing subsequent infections in the urogenital tract.

A solution that meets your needs

To ease the discomfort and burden associated with UTls, we have designed a solution based on the most up-to-date scientific knowledge to support women's health by optimizing the microbiome. It contains two strains of bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HNOOl and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14, which have been carefully selected to complement each other's beneficial effects.

Together these two strains can help:

Support vaginal health by stimulating healthy bacterial growth
Prevent bacteria from travelling and attaching to the bladder lining
Reduce inflammation
Support the growth of healthy microflora and modulate the microbiota composition
To reduce some forms of vaginal discomfort, such as itching and abnormal discharge

The following ingredients have been shown to be beneficial:

D-mannose: A natural sugar shown to prevent bacteria attaching to the wall of the urinary tract, allowing them to leave the body in the urine
Cranberry extracts: Are well-known for their ability to help prevent UTls as they promote the passing of bacteria in the urine
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): A prebiotic supplement that has a stimulating effect on the growth and digestive activity of healthy microflora in the intestine
Quercetin: Found in fruits and vegetables. It reduces infection and minimizes damage to the vaginal lining
Grape seed extract: Is anti-inflammatory and prevents cells dying by reducing stress. It also contains a natural compound that helps to prevent bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection
Vitamin D: Important for the maintenance of a healthy urinary tract system. Low levels are associated with an overactive bladder and UTls
Heather extract: Is anti-inflammatory, helps to kill bacteria, and flushes out the bacteria in the urine