Cystitis

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and urethra caused by a bacterial infection. It is normally caused by the E.coli bacteria, which live in the bowel but can cross into the urinary system. This can happen for a number of reasons: in women the urethra (the tube that carries urine to the outside world) is shorter than it is in men, meaning that bacteria can travel to the bladder more easily. It can also occur with women who use the diaphragm; men with enlarged prostates; stress, poor diet, poor personal hygiene, oral contraceptive use, and those with immune system disorders

The symptoms include: a painful stinging or burning sensation when urinating and a frequent urge to pass water even when the bladder is empty, lower abdominal pain, and strong smelling urine which may be cloudy. The urine may also look cloudy or discoloured and you may feel unwell or have a fever.

Complementary Medicine

General Hygiene

• Always use toilet paper in a front-to-back action
• Shower frequently instead of bathing and avoid douches
• Do not use vaginal deodorants
• Avoid perfumed soaps, and use a pH balanced one instead
• Wear cotton underwear, rather than synthetic materials
• Wear loose clothing rather than tight clothes such as tight fitting trousers
• If you have to sit all day, get up and walk around regularly
• Use diluted tea tree oil, or lavender essential oil if you have a bath

Diet and Nutrition

• Drink plenty of fluids including water – at least 8-10 glasses day – which is essential to flush infection organisms out of the urethra.
• Also drink 3-4 glasses a day of unsweetened cranberry juice – a traditional remedy for Cystitis – it stops the harmful bacteria from sticking to the urethra a wall and flushes them out.
• Eat a diet rich in alkaline fresh fruits and vegetables – such as bananas, apples, pineapples, papaya and pears – If suffering from cystitis. Up your intake to 7-10 pieces a day.
• Avoid overly sweet fruits such as mango and grapes.
• Eat plenty of low fat “live” yoghurt, which contains the friendly bacteria acidophilous or take a probiotic daily – a good quality acidophilous formula ( 2 capsules with food).
• Eat a clove of garlic daily. This has strong antiseptic properties.
• Vitamin A is also important so eat plenty of carrots, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, and oily fish
• Take a high strength YEAST FREE multi-vitamin and mineral daily.
• Also take an antioxidant formula containing Vitamins A,C,E, Selenium and Zinc.
• Avoid foods containing sugar and yeast such as breads, biscuits, cheeses, malt vinegar, pickles, ketchup, Marmite, soya sauce, mushrooms, sweets, cakes, and fizzy drinks
• Avoid any stimulants or irritants which make you want to urinate more such as coffee, tea, cola, alcohol and spicy foods

Natural Supplements

• Vitamin C – improves immunity and has natural antibacterial properties. 5 gms a day is recommended for an acute bout of Cystitis, but a lower dose of 2 gms is recommended for those prone to recurrent UTI’s (urinary tract infections).
• Bromelain – the enzyme present in Pineapples has powerful anti-inflammatory properties useful for treating UTI’s. Take 1000-3000mcu per day as a treatment dose.
• Cranberry – as previously stated Cranberries are rich in Hippuric Acid which helps to prevent harmful bacteria sticking to the bladder walls. Either drink the unsweetened juice (see above) or take in capsule form
• Goldenseal – has a wide spectrum of antibiotic activity and is often recommended for UTI’s. The usual dose is 250mg-500mg, three times a day, of an extract standardised to contain 10% of the active ingredient Berberine
• Acidophilous – can help to increase resistance to UTI’s by favourable altering the balance of bacteria in the digestive and urinary tracts. Take 2 acidophilous capsules per day with food for at least 6 weeks.
• Buchu – the leaves of this small South African shrub are often used to treat UTI’s due to its antibacterial effect. Take 10 drops every 3 hours for acute Cystitis.
• Uva Ursi – Arbutin – the active ingredient in this herb – is converted in the urine into the bacteria-killing chemical called hydroquinone. Take between 3-5ml of the Uva Ursi tincture three times a day for acute infections.
• Cantharsis 30c – this homeopathic remedy can reduce the burning sensation of Cystitis and has helped many sufferers

Also See:

• IBS Q&A
• Super Immune Boosters
• Stomach Helpers

The following complementary treatments can be used in the treatment of Cystitis:

acupuncture, ayurveda, chinese herbal medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, naturopathy, nutritional therapy, traditional chinese medicine