Functional Medicine and UTIs: A Holistic Approach to Acute and Chronic Infections
Understanding UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, affecting millions every year. Most UTIs start as acute infections, but for some people, they become chronic or recurrent, disrupting daily life and leading to frustration.
At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health in Saint Paul, we go beyond symptom management. We look for the underlying reasons infections develop in the first place and create an individualized plan for both healing and prevention.
Acute vs. Chronic UTIs
Acute UTI: A sudden infection, usually treated quickly with antibiotics or integrative support.
Chronic or recurrent UTI: Two or more infections in six months, or three or more in one year. These cases often signal deeper imbalances that require root cause investigation.
Why UTIs Become Chronic
Conventional care focuses on eliminating bacteria, but functional medicine asks why the infection keeps returning.
Some contributing factors include:
• Microbiome imbalance. Antibiotic use, diet, and stress can reduce healthy bacteria in the urinary, vaginal, and gut microbiomes, lowering defenses.
• Hormonal shifts. Post menopausal estrogen decline thins tissues and decreases protective lactobacillus.
• Biofilms. Bacteria form biofilms on the bladder wall, making them resistant to antibiotics.
• Blood sugar dysregulation. High glucose levels promote bacterial growth.
• Incomplete bladder emptying or structural factors. Anatomical changes or scar tissue can trap bacteria.
Functional Medicine Lab Testing
When UTIs are chronic, lab testing helps uncover hidden causes.
• Comprehensive Urinalysis with Culture – Identifies pathogens, antibiotic sensitivity, and resistant strains.
• Microbiome Testing such as GI MAP – Looks for imbalances in gut flora that influence immune defenses.
• Vaginal Microbiome Testing – Especially helpful for women with recurrent UTIs.
• Hormone Testing such as DUTCH, saliva, or serum – Evaluates estrogen and progesterone balance that affect urinary tissue health.
• Blood Sugar and Metabolic Markers – Fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance screening.
• Biofilm Markers and Immune Function Panels – In select cases, advanced testing can reveal hidden infections or immune dysregulation.
Functional Medicine Approach at O’Keefe Matz Functional Health
Our clinic combines conventional diagnostics with integrative therapies, always tailoring care to each patient.
Acute UTI Support (alongside medical care):
• Hydration and urinary flow support
• D mannose to prevent bacterial adhesion
• Cranberry extract standardized for PAC content to reduce bacterial attachment
• Vitamin C and natural anti inflammatories such as curcumin and omega 3s
Chronic or Recurrent UTI Support:
• Targeted probiotics including Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri to restore protective flora
• Hormonal support if estrogen decline is a factor
• Biofilm disruption with NAC, enzymes, or herbal antimicrobials
• Lifestyle strategies including hydration, reduced sugar, stress management, and movement
• Root cause evaluation of digestive health, immune balance, and metabolic resilience
Why Patients Choose Our Clinic
Patients at O’Keefe Matz Functional Health tell us they feel deeply listened to and supported. Our practice environment is calm, welcoming, and focused on whole person care. We blend functional medicine, chiropractic care, neurofeedback, and integrative therapies so you get a personalized plan designed to address both symptoms and the root causes.
For those struggling with repeat UTIs, this approach often makes the difference between temporary relief and lasting wellness.
Prevention and Empowerment
UTIs can be painful and disruptive, but they do not have to be a recurring part of your life. By restoring balance to the microbiome, supporting immune health, and addressing hidden triggers, you can strengthen your defenses and prevent future infections.
Ready for a root cause approach to urinary health
Schedule an appointment with O’Keefe Matz Functional Health in Saint Paul to explore functional medicine solutions for acute and chronic UTIs.
References
- Raz R, Stamm WE. A controlled trial of intravaginal estriol in postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections. N Engl J Med. 1993;329(11):753 756. PubMed
- Flores Mireles AL, et al. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms, and treatment options. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2015;13(5):269 284. PubMed
- Geerlings SE. Urinary tract infections in patients with diabetes mellitus: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2008;31 Suppl 1:S54 57. PubMed
- Kranjčec B, et al. D mannose powder for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in women. World J Urol. 2014;32(1):79 84. PubMed
- Vostalova J, et al. Cranberry and urinary tract infections an update. Nutrients. 2023;15(1):147. PubMed
- Stapleton AE, et al. Randomized clinical trial of lactobacillus crispatus intravaginal capsules to prevent recurrence of urinary tract infection in women. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;52(10):1212 1217. PubMed
- Boles BR, Horswill AR. N acetylcysteine treatment reduces biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2008;52(7):2363 2371. PubMed
About Dr. Shannon O’Keefe
Dr. Shannon O’Keefe is a specialist in Functional Medicine and a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist. She is a graduate of the Internal Medicine program and has advanced training in identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic illness. Dr. O’Keefe is known for her compassionate, detail oriented approach and her ability to help patients understand what is happening in their bodies. At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health, she blends evidence based functional medicine, advanced nutrition, and integrative strategies to support patients with complex health challenges, including chronic infections, hormone imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic health.
