Cystitis

What you need to know

If you think you have a urinary infection, you must see a doctor. Some can only be treated effectively with antibiotics. If it’s a regular problem you must take steps to prevent and treat.

The most useful Supplements:

A good hi-potency multi-nutrient formula (a strong multivitamin) taken daily is useful to assist in correcting dietary deficiencies caused by a poor or restricted diet and will help keep the immune system in good shape to assist in fighting a bacterial infection.

Other supplements include:

Other supplements which may help:

• Potassium citrate

The most useful Herbs:

There are many herbs that can help:

Other herbs which may help:

• Echinacea

Homoeopathy

The following homeopathic remedies may also help:

• Cantharis
• Lycopodium
• Sarsaparilla
• Sepia
• Staphysagria

Aromatherapy

Adding a few drops of Tea Tree oil to the bath will help control the infection.

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

There are also some essential dietary changes:

• Drink at least 2 litres of fluid every day, including 250ml of unsweetened Cranberry juice - always dilute 50/50 with water because it may be too acidic
• Drastically cut down on sugar and refined carbohydrates
• Don’t drink coffee, and stick to green or weak Indian tea
• Dilute all juices 50/50 with water and avoid any foods you know you may be allergic to
• Eat plenty of the diuretic foods - Celery, Parsley, Dandelion leaves - and make sure you take some of your fluid as home-made lemon barley water to relieve the burning and prevent the growth of bacteria.

Traditional Remedies:

The commercial barley drinks, delicious though they are, do contain chemicals that could be irritant. If you have Cystitis, it’s safer to make your own by:

• Pouring 1 litre of boiling water over 75g of washed barley
• Adding the grated rind and juice of an unwaxed lemon
• Adding half a teaspoon of sugar
• Leaving it to cool and drinking a glass three times a day

Other useful advice:

Lifestyle as well as nutritional changes could be a key factor for this condition. Local trauma can make tissues more susceptible to infection. If necessary, use a lubricant before sex and always go to the loo as soon as decently possible afterwards. The latex in condoms can be a local allergen, so try the newer varieties made from inert plastics.

Friction is also a cause of this condition, so during acute episodes you may need to give up sports like cycling or riding horses.

It is also important to:

• Wear cotton pants
• Do NOT wear tight jeans
• Avoid irritant soaps, bath and shower gels

Cystitis may also be aggravated by stress, so any form of relaxation helps - try meditation, bio-feedback, Aromatherapy

Avoid all coloured toilet paper as the dyes may be irritant. From the earliest age, all girls should be taught to wipe their bottoms from front to back, using fresh paper for each wipe to prevent spreading bacteria from the anus to the urethra.

It’s also essential to pass urine as soon as you feel the need to. Delay may cause pressure in the bladder and force infected urine back into the kidneys, resulting in serious kidney infection.

Recurrent Cystitis often goes together with thrush.

If you are or have been taking antibiotics for a Cystitis, it is advisable to take a combined pre/probiotic supplement (Acidophilus) to keep the levels of good bacteria in your body at a healthy level. Alternatively, eat plenty of natural bio-yoghurt. This may help if you also get thrush on a regular basis.

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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.