URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AFFECT 80% OF WOMEN Canadian women make about 500,000 visits to doctors per year due to UTIs. Half of all women over the age of 65 experience at least one infection per year. UTIs affect 80 percent of women at least once in their lifetime. The vast majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria (E. coli) that are commonly found in the vagina and/or colon and rectal area and are introduced through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Women are more susceptible to infection than men because their urethra is shorter and situated closer to the anus. Risks that can create a vulnerability to UTIs are blockages in the urethra (due to either past infections or structural abnormalities), stress, pregnancy, food allergies, sexual intercourse, oral contraceptive use, diaphragms, diabetes, a weakened immune system and hormonal imbalances brought on by menopause. Waiting too long to urinate also increases your risk. Candida overgrowth is also a contributing factor. Women with recurring vaginal infections have more UTIs. Antibiotic therapy is the most common treatment. Bacterial resistance, candida yeast overgrowth, irritable bowel and stomach upset are a few side effects from this treatment. Furthermore, if you have recurring UTIs, antibiotics can become less effective. Today, many experts recommend that natural treatments using cranberry and probiotics be used first before antibiotics if no fever or pain is present. Cranberries effectively treat UTIs. The proanthocyanidins (tannins) in cranberry inhibit E. coli from sticking to bladder walls and halt infection. Several studies have indicated that using CranmaxTM, an extremely potent form of cranberry, provided relief for UTIs. It takes 34 pounds of cranberries to produce one pound of CranmaxTM. All the vital parts are used including the pulp, seeds, skin and juice. Most cranberry products use only dehydrated juice. In a Canadian Journal of Urology study, 150 women between 21 and 72 years of age were followed for one year. Those given CranmaxTM had a 44 percent lower incidence of UTIs than the placebo group. Probiotics, "friendly bacteria," are essential for preventing and treating not only yeast infections but also UTIs. Bifidobacterium longum (BB536) has been extensively researched for 30 years and has been proven to prevent and treat candida yeast infections and to replenish good bacteria after antibiotic use. BB536 supports the immune system and lowers cholesterol too. It has also been shown to reduce E. coli infection and to prevent diarrhea and constipation. BB536 is shelf stable so it does not require refrigeration and it has the highest count of friendly, good bacteria found in these types of supplements. PROBIOTIC PLUS is an affordable combination of CranmaxTM and BB536 Bifidobacterium to help eliminate UTIs and reduce the need for antibiotic therapy with its side effects. HEALTH TIPS TO HALT UTIS Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It is the cheapest substance to reduce pain and burning due to UTIs. Enhance your immune system by taking MULTIsmart every day. Eat plain acidophilus-rich yogurt daily. Urinate when your body tells you. Don't wait. This increases the likelihood of infection. Wear cotton underwear. Use organic cotton, unbleached panty liners, pad and tampons instead of the bleached varieties more commonly sold. Position yourself on top during intercourse to reduce the amount of bacteria being pushed into the urethra. Urinate immediately after intercourse. Do not use douches. Take PROBIOTIC PLUS for treatment and prevention. EACH CAPSULE CONTAIN: PacranTM Cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon) (34:1) (Equivalent to 8,500 mg cranberries) 250 mg Bifidobacterium longum (100% BB536) 2.5 billion active cells This product does not contain artificial colours or sweeteners, dairy, soy, shellfish, corn, wheat or yeast. VEGAN-FRIENDLY.. Suggested usage: Take 2-4 capsules daily or as directed by a health care practitioner.