Debbie Cotton
Head of Clinical Innovation, Invivo Healthcare
The human bladder contains a ‘microbiome’ of friendly and beneficial bacteria that needs looking after, explains Debbie Cotton, Head of Clinical Innovation at Invivo Healthcare.
What is ‘the microbiome’?
It’s the community of bacteria that lives in our environment and on and in our bodies, influencing our health in positive and negative ways. Every part of our body has its own unique microbiome, which includes friendly bacteria as well as potentially harmful bacteria. Much has been written about the importance of the gut microbiome over the years and how its balance affects gut health. Recently, however, scientists have discovered that the bladder has its own microbiome, too.
The bladder doesn’t contain bacteria because urine is sterile. Isn’t it?
Actually, scientific opinion has changed on this point. Open any medical textbook that hasn’t been updated lately, and you’ll read: ‘Urine is sterile and doesn’t contain bacteria unless there is an infection’ — or words to that effect.
However, we now know this isn’t the case thanks to DNA testing technology that has identified microbiomes in places on the body that we just didn’t know about before. Research now shows consistently that the human urinary bladder contains an indigenous microbiome, both in men and women.
Why is this an exciting development?
Because some of these friendly microbes might possibly have a beneficial — or protective — effect on the bladder. More research is needed to fully understand this, but a hypothesis is forming that they may prevent the growth of pathogenic (harmful) bacteria and contribute to the health of the epithelial lining. This could reduce chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other conditions of the bladder.
Is the gut microbiome connected to the urinary microbiome?
All microbiomes are connected. Even the microbiome in your house is connected to the microbiome in your gut. Some of the same friendly bacteria found in the gut microbiome are similar to species found in the vaginal and urinary microbiomes. Keeping your gut microbiome and vaginal microbiome full of friendly bacteria can stop translocation of pathogens from one microbiome site to another.
Plus, the microbes in your gut microbiome make metabolites, which impact your immune system and are also excreted from your urinary bladder. These may have an impact on other microbial colonies around the body’s niches.
Exposing yourself to food types that
either feed or contain Lactobacilli
bacteria may be really helpful.
How do we know when the urinary microbiome is working as it should?
That’s tricky. Without testing, it’s much harder to tell if it’s working well. We only know that it has been disrupted when symptoms start appearing. However, anyone who suffers from UTIs should certainly consider ways to support their bladder microbiome.
How can I support my gut and urinary microbiome?
Exposing yourself to food types that either feed or contain Lactobacilli bacteria may be really helpful. These microbes can be found in fermented foods such as traditionally made whole-food yoghurts, kefir, fermented vegetables — such as kimchi, sauerkrauts — and other fermented foods.
Lactobacilli like to eat prebiotic fibres found in fruit, vegetables and grains — so having a diet rich in these fibre-rich plant foods is a supportive option. Including diversely coloured plant foods in your diet can also be helpful, as the plant chemicals that create the pigmentation known as polyphenols are also a great way of feeding your friendly bacteria.
What should I avoid that might be damaging to the microbiome?
Avoid douches because these can remove bacteria from the vaginal microbiome that communicate with the bladder. Don’t use harmful chemicals around the house, and change your diet if it includes lots of ultra-processed foods.
Of course, we all need antibiotics sometimes, but their overuse could be damaging. Many people won’t have heard of the microbiome. However, it’s important to understand that friendly bacteria live in our bladder — and need looking after.
