Cystitis: the most effective natural remedies to prevent and treat it
Cystitis is a "urinary tract infection that occurs mainly due to the presence of bacteria. These can be contracted via the intestine or vagina and descend or rise, depending on the case, in the bladder and" urethra, triggering precisely the " inflammation of the lower urinary tract.
The most common case of intestinal contracted bacteria is Escherichia coli, a microorganism responsible for 85% of urinary infections, often caused by recurrent episodes of constipation and colitis. Although the most frequent cystitis is of bacterial origin, this can be also determined by the presence of viruses or fungi.
Let's say first of all that it is a predominantly female infection (at least 50% of women experience it in their own lives, 20% even more times) and this has a precise anatomical reason: the urethra in the body of women is much shorter than the male one (4-5 cm against the 16-17 cm of the man), this data greatly facilitates the ascent or descent of bacteria towards the bladder. But not only that, here are in fact other causes or risk factors: poor hygiene sexual intercourse, unregulated nutrition, altered bacterial flora, wrong intimate cleansers, contraceptive methods, frequent sexual intercourse, antibiotic therapies and constipation.
Let's say right away that a great way to prevent cystitis and incontinence episodes is to train the pelvic floor. So here are some simple intimate gymnastics exercises that you can also do every day and that will bring you many benefits.
Symptoms of cystitis
But how to recognize cystitis? Here are the main symptoms:
- Discomfort and pain when urinating (dysuria and stranguria)
- Increased urge to urinate (pollakiuria)
- Feeling of not emptying of the bladder
- Difficulty urinating (need to push, pee that goes down badly, drips)
- Dark or foul-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Fever
In the presence of these symptoms, it is good to go to your doctor to get the right diagnosis and treat cystitis correctly. The practice is to carry out a chemical-physical examination of the urine, urine culture and vaginal swab to identify the type of bacteria present and the appropriate antibiotic to eradicate them. In general, in fact, the urine culture will be positive: this indicates the presence of infection. In the event that it should be negative, it is better to go to a urologist to check that there are no mechanical and structural problems (such as urethral stenosis or cercivo-trigonitis), which can also be solved through other treatments or with the use of a small intervention.
In most cases, however, in addition to following the doctor's instructions, you can resort to natural remedies when you suffer from cystitis.
Natural remedies for cystitis
The first tip is to drink a lot. It is in fact a natural and very simple immediate cure that costs us nothing! Obviously we are talking about natural water, first of all, or herbal teas, strictly unsweetened, even better if based on herbs and diuretic ingredients, such as those we suggest below.
To understand if you are drinking enough, here is an indicator: if the pee is very clear, it means that you are doing well, if it is a little dark, you can do better.
Avoid fruit juices or sugary drinks as much as you can, as sugars are among the "foods" off limits, as they can promote the proliferation of microorganisms responsible for the infection.
And now here are the most suitable herbal teas for those who really find it hard to always drink water, especially when it is winter. Excellent are those based on echinacea, useful for strengthening the immune defenses, and mallow or calendula, with emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. Also highly recommended are nettle teas, with a strong diuretic effect, and pilosella, a herbaceous plant similar to dandelion which, in addition to having soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, allows you to increase the volume of urine, freeing the bladder more easily.
Here are other natural remedies for cystitis.
1. D-Mannose, the most effective remedy
D-Mannose is a simple sugar extracted from larch and birch woods which is very effective in the treatment and prevention of inflammation of the urinary tract. It is taken in the form of a supplement, in capsules or granular solutions, and has the great advantage of reaching the bladder without being absorbed by the intestine, attracting and engulfing bacteria, which are then excreted through urination.
There are different types of supplements based on D-Mannose on the market, ask your doctor for advice to choose the one that is most suitable for you.
2. Bearberry
Bearberry is another of the most "famous" and valid grandmother's remedies against cystitis thanks to its powerful antiseptic action. The substances of which it is composed not only act effectively against the bacteria that lurk in the bladder and urethra, but also help to soothe the burning that usually accompanies urination, to alleviate spasm and pain and to reduce the stimulus.
It can be easily taken in the form of capsules, mother tincture and preparation for herbal teas, infusions or decoctions. The first two solutions are decidedly more effective.
3. American cranberry
The Amrican cranberry (or cranberry) is ideal for hindering the activity of Escherichia Coli; it is in fact a natural "anti-adhesive" which makes it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to the walls of the bladder.
It is consumed in the form of fresh juice, as long as it is completely natural and does not contain added sugars, or as an extract, herbal tea and decoction. However, the most effective solution remains the assumption through supplements in tablets or sachets. It is often associated with Arsine grape and D-Mannose for a greater antiseptic and purifying action.
4. Grapefruit seed extract
Rich in flavonoids, with a powerful antiviral action, grapefruit seed extracts represent a true natural antibiotic, which, in addition to acting on bacteria and their action, has the advantage of not weakening the
the immune system or damage the bacterial flora, two conditions that are often associated with the actual antibiotic therapy.
5. Lavenders and ova
So far we have seen natural remedies to be taken orally, but there is also another method and it concerns local treatments, such as douches and eggs. But which ones to choose? In reality you will find many of the "ingredients" mentioned so far:
- Mallow: rich in mucilage, it has anti-inflammatory, soothing and restorative properties, therefore it is also ideal as a localized treatment. It cleanses, soothes, helps relieve and reduce spasms.
- Calendula: just like mallow, it also works very well in the form of lavender, egg or ointment.
- Grapefruit-based extracts: its antimicrobial action allows it to act with great effectiveness even as a local solution.
- Chamomile: its soothing and antiseptic properties make it an excellent grandmother's remedy in the attack and prevention phases of cystitis episodes.
Treating cystitis at the table
Then there are super natural remedies, which derive from the types of foods we ingest every day and which we must choose carefully. The ideal diet against cystitis is rich in fiber, whole grains, fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as low in sweets and refined sugars.
Specifically, remember to always prefer vegetables and fruit with a diuretic intake.
They are therefore excellent fennel, green leafy vegetables, cucumbers, Belgian endive, as regards fruit, however, go on the safe side with blueberries, currants and berries - which strengthen the urinary tract and the immune system - mandarins, melon, watermelon , pineapple for their draining effect.
In general, it can be said that it is good to limit the consumption of alkalizing foods, that is, foods that tend to increase the pH of the urine.
Regular consumption of yogurt and lactic ferments can help keep the intestinal flora active, protecting it from any infections.
The foods to be limited as much as possible are sweets, sugars and refined flour, very spicy cheeses, sausages (especially salami), spicy or very spicy foods. Among the drinks, it is better to avoid lemon and orange juice, sweetened becande and fruit juices, as well as alcohol and red wine, coffee, tea and cola.
As we have seen, constipation can be one of the causes, so here is a list of foods to stay away from to avoid running into annoying episodes of cystitis.
Behaviors useful to prevent cystitis
Even a few small precautions and good habits can help us fight and prevent cystitis. Here are the main ones:
- Ensure proper daily intimate hygiene, to be intensified during the menstrual cycle
- Avoid too aggressive intimate cleansers that can alter the vaginal flora, exposing it to the risk of infections. (Better to choose them with neutral Ph).
- Use cotton underwear and avoid synthetic materials.
- Try not to wear very tight jeans and pants too often.
- Prefer external pads and limit the use of tampons.
- If possible, try to urinate before and especially after sexual intercourse to facilitate the escape of any bacteria that have entered the bladder.
- Stay away from smoking and a sedentary lifestyle.
Sexuality and nutrition are two fundamental and connected realities, which influence each other in every phase of female life.
If you are interested in learning more about this aspect, you can participate in the Food Sexology course, held by experts in the sector, who aim to investigate the field from a sexological, medical, psychological and biological point of view.
For the necessary information and to register, visit the website www.sessuologialimentare.it/corsi and fill out the participation form.
The participation fee is 500 euros + VAT.
With the attribution of ECM credits, the cost is 600 euros + VAT.
One-time payment provides a 25% discount which will take place by 20 September: € 375 + VAT without ECM, € 450 + VAT with ECM.
If you want to know more about natural remedies for cystitis, you can consult the website of the Veronesi Foundation
