In this video series, Dr. Ashley Girard, a naturopathic doctor based in Ontario, Canada, shares how naturopathy can help people facing chronic UTIs and bladder conditions.
Especially in acute uncomplicated UTI, herbs can successfully and safely eradicate urinary pathogens. Dr. Girard explains that herbs are not necessarily ineffective with recurrent or chronic UTI patients, but these cases are more complex. For example, you may also need to consider chronic inflammation, or issues with hormones and the immune system.
Herbal remedies are generally safe to use without additional antibiotics. However, Dr. Girard points out that antibiotics must be used to treat UTIs during pregnancy, as infection during this time is associated with higher risks. Once an infection during pregnancy has been successfully treated, naturopathic doctors may implement a prevention strategy to prevent recurrence during the rest of the pregnancy.
Dr. Girard shares examples of patients who have resolved their UTIs and are now infection-free following herbal UTI treatment without antibiotics. She also underlines that neither one approach is necessarily better than the other. There is even research to suggest that some herbal remedies may enhance the effectiveness of certain antibiotics, e.g. garlic extract and Macrobid (nitrofurantoin). She has seen some patients become infection-free after herbal treatment alone, while others may do better with a combination. It all depends on the individual.
As someone who has recovered from recurrent UTIs herself, Dr. Girard enjoys giving hope to her patients that they can get better. After a decade of infections, she used only natural medicine for a year which ultimately helped her get better. She acknowledges that healing doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be small relapses. However, she shares that through this process, you learn what supports and maintains the overall health of your body. This can empower you to manage these small relapses yourself, likely with fairly minimal intervention. Feeling a sense of control over your symptoms and knowing what to do in the event of a relapse can hugely help.
Dr. Girard also discusses how inflammation is the breeding ground for infection. Because of this, it is important to address any inflammation in order to avoid resistance to treatment, or recurrence.
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Dr. Ashley Girard is a Naturopathic Doctor based in Ontario, Canada. You can learn more about Dr. Girard and her work at bladdercare.ca
Check out the playlist for the entire interview: • Dr. Ashley Girard
A Naturopathic Approach to UTI: • A Naturopathic Approac...
Herbal Treatment for Recurrent UTI: • Herbal Treatment For R...
UTI & the Microbiome: • UTI & The Microbiome: ...
Hormonal Therapy for Recurrent UTI: • Hormonal Therapy For R...
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About Live UTI Free
Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We do not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostics methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. liveutifree.com/
Post-production: Melissa Wairimu melissawairimu...