Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, and can be the result of irritation or bruising of the bladder or it can be the result of infection caused by the bacterias Escherichia coliand, or Chlamydia, or sometimes it’s even a combination of all three.
Cystitis occurs far more frequently in women than men because the tube (urethra) that runs from the bladder to the outside of the body is much shorter in women than it is in men, thus making it easier for bacteria to travel to a woman’s bladder than to a man’s. In addition, the opening to the urethra is close to both the anus and the vagina in women, making it easy for bacteria to enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder causing infection or cystitis.
In men there is quite a distance between the two; however, when it does occur in men it can be a sign of more serious problems such as prostatitis.
Typical symptoms of cystitis:
- Need to pass urine every few minutes or so, with little urine to pass
- Burning pain during urination
- Pain in the lower abdomen and back
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Painful burning sensation at the outer end of the urethra
- Fever
- Dark urine with a very strong smell
- Passing blood in the urine
Traditional treatment of cystitis usually involves taking antibiotics, however, this will not only kill the pathogenic bacteria causing the infection but it will also wipe out all your beneficial bacteria. This can lead to an overgrowth of opportunistic yeasts like Candida Albicans, leaving you susceptible to infections such as thrush.
How Can Nutrition Help With Cystitis?
The key to addressing cystitis naturally is to boost the immune system to help prevent recurring infections. What we can do at The Nutritional Therapy Clinic is give you detailed information on foods to avoid and what foods to increase in your diet, especially those that have particular immune boosting properties. This information will include, where necessary, recipes and information on healthy food choices from shops and restaurants. This is a condition that responds very well to nutrition and supplements.*
*Disclaimer: The information and advice provided by The Nutritional Therapy Clinic is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Any person suffering from conditions requiring medical attention, or who have symptoms that concern them, should consult a doctor. Testimonials on this site are examples of what we have done for other clients and of what some of our clients have said about us. However, we cannot guarantee the results in any case. Your results may vary and every situation is different. Please see our disclaimer section for further information.
