Cystitis: immediate relief with a natural treatment

Up to 60% of healthy adult women suffer from a urinary infection at some point in their lives. When an infection occurs in the bladder it is called cystitis, the most common urinary infection. It occurs less in menbut when it occurs there may be more complicationswith prostatitis.

Although in Spain it is customary to prescribe antibiotics as the first choice when treating cystitis, there is currently more awareness of discarding them as the first option to prevent resistance from developing. Thus, it is a good idea to try to combat cystitis with natural options.

In addition to following a diet rich in vegetables and fruits that reinforces the defenses and favors the alkalization of the urineyou can resort to medicinal plants that fight infection in case of cystitis and that provide immediate relief.

Cystitis: symptoms

When an infection occurs in the bladder it is called cystitis, the most common urinary infection. It occurs less in menbut when it occurs there may be more complications, with prostatitis. These are the symptoms of a urine infection.

Sensation of cold in the lower abdomen or heat lossStinging or discomfort when urinatingWant to urinate many times and in little amountSensation of general discomfort and lack of strength Sometimes to this are added a foul-smelling urine and abdominal painComplicated infections may also present fever, back pain, nausea and vomiting.

What is cystitis

The microorganisms that most often cause infection are Gram-negative bacilli, frequent in the anogenital area, and Escherichia coliwhich is the causative agent in 80% of acute infections in patients without urinary catheters, stones or urological alterations.

Normally, bacteria that gain access to the urinary bladder are quickly eliminated. by dilution, with urination, and by antimicrobial properties of urine and the bladder mucosa. Leukocytes found in the bladder wall and in prostate secretions possess antimicrobial properties.

Whether infection occurs depends on the resulting interaction between the microbe or numbers of microbes and the defense mechanisms – local and general – of the person.

Thus should be monitored more when they happen in the elderly, in pregnancy, in people with catheters, in children, in diabetes mellitus, in immunosuppression or when dealing with intrahospital infections.

Cystitis: causes

Several contributing factors to germs colonizing the urinary tract:

A change in normal perineal microflorawhich can be triggered by antimicrobials, other genital infections, sexual intercourse, or the use of spermicides, diaphragms, tampons, or feminine hygiene products. poor recovery of tone after pregnancywhich are accompanied by decreased urethral tone and urethral peristalsis, as well as vesicoureteral valve insufficiency.an obstructionwhich is any impediment to the free flow of urine, for example, by a tumor or stone and, in men, by prostatic enlargement.A neurogenic dysfunction of the bladderin which neurological abnormalities trigger urinary stasis. The use of bladder irritantssuch as condoms, tampons and soaps. reflux vesicoureteralwhich facilitates the reflux of bacteria.

Cystitis: immediate relief with natural treatment

In case of cystitis, a mix with antiseptic action predominant and, secondly, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and diuretic.

Blueberry. Its effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections is due to its non-stick properties, which prevent bacteria from clinging to the bladder wall.
In a large-scale 6-month trial, comparative with placebo, bacteriuria decreased in elderly women who drank 300 ml a day of a standard cranberry drink. This non-adherence is also considered preventive. He daily consumption of cranberry extract powder decreases the occurrence of infections.
The dose is 2 glasses of unsweetened juice a day, diluted with water, preferably mineral; Either or two capsules of dried cranberry powder two to four times a day.

The bearberry (Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi) contains arbutin, a urinary antiseptic that works against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli L2. One study showed that decreases the frequency of recurrent cystitis.
Arbutin is believed to work by releasing hydroquinone in the bladder; that’s why they are taken either 3 g of dried plant in decoction (the whole plant is recommended, since it has other components that alkalinize the urine) or 400 to 800 mg of hydroquinone derivatives four times a day. If the symptoms do not subside in 48 hours, the treatment is changed.
Due to the toxic risk of this substance and its richness in tannins, bearberry and arbutin are recommended only in the short term (less than a week) and sporadically (less than 5 times a year): in high doses it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and stain the urine.
This Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation or children under 12 years of age. It should also not be used with other substances that acidify the urine (this can reduce its antimicrobial effect). Apart from cranberry and bearberry, the heather; Due to its anti-inflammatory action, the devil’s clawhe thymehe cat tailthe nettlethe corn silks and the sabal; and how anti-inflammatories and also diureticsthe elderbark and the goldenrod.

How to prevent cystitis

The most effective diet is a vegetarian diet. From a broad diet in which there are abundant raw fruits and vegetables, with the absence of meat, fish and their derivatives, to a raw vegetable diet based on fruits and salads. We must take 1 gram of vitamin C a day.

Also it may be useful to follow a monodiet of fruits or perform a therapeutic fast (whether in the Buchinger style, which is the one I recommend the most, or in the hygienist style, which is also recommended). If you do not opt ​​for a vegetarian diet, it is also advisable Consume plenty of fruit and vegetables, especially garlic and onion.

In urinary infections in infants, the protective and curative effect of breastfeeding must be highlighted.

Other important measures are:

Eliminate foods and substances that irritate the bladder, such as caffeine, refined sugar, white flour, alcoholic beverages and nicotine. These substances create an environment in the bladder that predisposes to infection and may delay response to treatment.Drink a lot of water: its diuresis of water reduces the bacterial numbers in the urine. Specifically, it is recommended to take at least a liter and a half of water a day (about six glasses).Pay attention to the type of liquid you drink. It is highly advisable to drink cranberry juice and other liquids such as barley waterwith anti-inflammatory effect, and tea.flax seeds contain abundant mucilage, which contributes to soothe the mucosa of the urinary system. They may also have anti-inflammatory effects. are taken one to three teaspoons flax seed fresh, ground with food. Once ground, they deteriorate quickly, so it is best to grind only those that are going to be added directly to the dishes and store the rest whole.

take care of the flora

Both in urinary tract infections and other types of infections, it is necessary to think about restore the bacterial balance of the usual floratry to avoid situations in which we attack her and use probiotic or prebiotic bacteriathat help to recover the adequate conditions for the saprophytic bacteria that defend the organism from pathological bacteria to live.

A good option is to takeLactobacillus acidophiluswhich protect the gastrointestinal and urinary tissues, strengthen immunity and prevent the colonization of pathogenic bacteria.

Lactobacilli are also indicated in the treatment of yeast or candida infections, sometimes a consequence of the use of antibiotics.

They can be taken with yogurt or in a capsule, in probiotic formulas. It is most recommended that the probiotic formula contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacteria and fructooligosaccharides. They are taken twice a day before meals.

Sun, air and rest

To prevent infections it is also important to general strength trainingwhich can be practiced walking barefoot and trying that the feet react well to cold stimuli.

Also hydrotherapy helps: General applications with cold water that strengthen the body or applications of hot water (in wet cloths, with bags of water…) in the lower back.

Stress can cause immunosuppression and infection. Any technique that reduces stress (therapeutic massage, yoga) and strengthen defenses is beneficial.

Exercise in general helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and Kegel exercises condition the bladder muscles (which prevents urinary retention and incontinence).

Other keys to prevent infection

Eliminate possible perineal irritants, such as scented bath products and showers.Use cotton underwear.Urinate before and after sexual activity.

How is a urine infection detected?

In case of infection, simple urinalysis may show pyuria (presence of dead leukocytes forming pus) and a bacteriuria (presence of bacteria) important.

The detection of a microorganism in more than 10,000 cfu/ml (colony forming units per milliliter) allows the diagnosis to be established. The isolation of more than one microorganism may mean contamination and it is convenient to obtain another urine sample, even if the patient has already started treatment.

Urine cultures, antibiograms or aromatograms are often useful to document sensitivities to certain antibiotics or plant essences. Urine culture, as diagnostic and therapeutic control, it must be done before, during and after treatment.

It should only be labeled as a urinary infection if a culture has been performed and it is positive and coincides with the symptoms.

Once the germ has been identified and it is known whether or not it is sensitive to certain antibiotics or plant essences, one can be more sure to use the corresponding drugs or essences effectively.