Urika Active Support is an advanced blend of D-Mannose, selected herbals and essential vitamins and minerals that works quickly and gently to help address urinary discomfort whilst supporting healthy immune function. Let's take a look at the gentle and soothing ingredients Urika Active utilises.
D-Mannose
D-mannose is a type of sugar that is related to glucose. It's found in many fruits (such as cranberries) and occurs naturally in the human body. As a food supplement, D-mannose is commonly used to help prevent certain kinds of bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection.
Studies have shown that D-mannose may help keep E. coli —the bacteria responsible for the vast majority of UTIs—from sticking to the cells lining the urinary tract. The presence of d-mannose in cranberries is largely why people tend to drink cranberry juice in response to a UTI.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa
Hibiscus is native to warmer climates and is consumed around the world as a vegetable, or consumed in alternative forms such as teas and jams. Hibiscus Sabdariffa produces red-purple flowers, the extract of which is known to support healthy immune system function.
A feature of Hibiscus is its impressive antimicrobial activity, a reason it is used for urinary system support and as a potential natural alternative to antibiotics
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf
The leaves of the ancient Ginkgo contain highly active nutrients called ‘ginkgo flavone glycosides’ and ‘terpene lactones’ (ginkgolides A, B, C & bilobalides). Ginkgo is commonly used to help maintain healthy blood flow, especially to the brain, hands and feet.
A powerful antioxidant, Ginkgo helps purge excess free radicals, supports healthy memory, mood, concentration, balance, hearing, eyes, veins, arteries, blood pressure and lungs. Traditional uses of Ginkgo include soothing a bladder infection and increasing sexual energy.
By including Ginkgo in our product to promote healthy blood flow, the cells of the immune system will be encouraged to travel to the site of the urinary tract infection. Ginkgo may also improve the body’s natural defences against urinary pathogens given its benefits on circulation.
Sage Leaf
Sage is a member of the mint family, forming strongly scented leaves that contain phyto-oestrogens, ‘romarinic acid’ and flavonoids. Sage has been used historically for a myriad of health support functions, including helping to maintain healthy urine flow through the kidneys.
Sage is known to support normal healthy hormonal balance, menstruation and body temperature, as well as balanced mood, memory and concentration. It also supports healthy digestive function, promoting healthy gut flora and providing a soothing effect for gut walls. Sage's natural antimicrobial properties make it a good counter agent to bad bacteria in the body, potentially including any present in the urinary system.
Vitamin D3 (plant based)
Vitamin D3 is an essential vitamin that our body struggles to produce without consistent exposure to sunlight. Deficiency of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. It works with calcium and phosphorous to form and maintain healthy bones, whilst it is also vital to helping maintain healthy immune system function.
Unlike most vitamin synthetic vitamin D, Urinary Active uses Vitamin D3 is derived from algae, making it low-CO2 and 100% plant source. Vitamin D3 from algae uses no pesticides and no harsh solvents as it is grown in controlled conditions. It is also a very low-energy process as algae grows so rapidly, whilst waste algae can be reused in the next round of algae growth, making it an efficient and sustainable process.
Several studies have found a clear link between vitamin D deficiency and an increase in recurrent bladder infections. One study concluded vitamin D ‘has positive regulatory role in both acute and recurrent infections especially in women of reproductive ages.’ (Shahnaz Burhan Ali, Dedan Perdawood, RabarMohsin Abdulrahman, Dunia A. Al Farraj and Noorah A. Alkubaisid - 2020).
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 helps to make energy from food and supports the breakdown of Omega 3 and 6 fats. B6 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, whilst supporting healthy immune, nervous system and psychological function. It also helps maintain the regulation of normal healthy hormonal activity.
Potassium (Citrate)
Potassium is an ‘electrolyte’ concentrated inside body cells and works with sodium and chloride to maintain healthy cell water balance and function. It is involved in contracting muscles, converting glucose to glycogen for storage and so maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Potassium is also important to help maintain normal blood pressure, supporting healthy heart and artery function.
Potassium citrate is a nutrient that is sometimes recommended for the treatment of mild cystitis. It may help to relieve the discomfort by supporting healthy balance of urine acidity. A study (Department of Urology, Süleyman Demirel University, Turkey, from October 2019 to July 2020.) has also shown that Potassium citrate can be used in the treatment of overactive bladder disease.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral and is important for healthy nerve function, eyes, heart and blood pressure. It also helps balance mood and promotes restful sleep, as well as supporting healthy bones, muscle and nervous system function.
A 1992 study in the British Journal of Urology found that magnesium decreased spontaneous contractions in the detrusor muscle, which are often seen in women with overactive bladder. As such it can be used to improve urinary incontinence in women.
