Natural solutions to prevent and treat cystitis

The term cystitis indicates inflammation of the urinary bladder and it can be produced by a microbe or by various inflammatory mechanisms, such as allergic irritation or a reaction to certain substances.

The main symptoms of cystitis They are that when urinating it stings, we go to the toilet excessively and leave with the feeling of not having urinated completely. The urine may be cloudy and have blood or pus in it, and it may be foul-smelling or appear normal. It is also common to feel a heaviness in the abdomen.

What Causes Urine Infection

Cystitis is a much more common disease in women: between ten and twenty times more frequent. This is due to the fact that the female urethra is shorter and wider than the male one, and due to the peculiarities of the sexual act.

In general, in addition, the urinary system of women is more unprotected from the entry of germs. In fact, the main cause of urinary tract infection is microbial contamination of digestive originespecially Escherichia coli.

The main causes of these infections are:

The sex. It is one of the most common causes of cystitis. The female urethra is almost touching the anus, and intercourse can make it easier for germs to pass from one side to the other. Certain practices such as oral sex facilitate the spread of cystitis in predisposed people.Hormonal changes related to pregnancy. The tone of the ureters is reduced and the pressure of the fetus on the urinary system facilitates the rise of pathogens.Diabetes and certain anatomical abnormalities. These pathologies favor the predisposition to Urinary infectionsas are some medications, such as birth control and repeated use of antibiotics.

How to prevent and cure cystitis

Taking care of some habits and certain natural remedies help you fight cystitis.

To help prevent infectionIt is important drinking water: water exerts a drag function on infections, so it helps to avoid their complications.

The use of intimate gels, compresses, soaps or deodorants it can irritate the urinary and genital mucosa and give symptoms similar to cystitis. In these cases, it is convenient to change intimate hygiene habits.

As long as you have cystitis and especially if you suffer recurrent cystitisIt is also important that you take into account the following tips:

Avoid tampons.Don’t use the diaphragmoral contraceptives or intimate deodorants.Use a baby soap in your intimate hygiene. Don’t hold your pee too long.Clean yourself well after making loveespecially with water, and don’t forget to pee to remove any remains that may have remained in the urethra.

The best diet against urinary infections

It is also essential to take care of your diet, since certain foods can help cause or avoid cystitis. Among the foods that can promote it, although the mechanism is unknown, most have in common that acidify the urine which increase the risk of complications.

Foods that should be eliminated or consume in moderation:

Alcoholic beveragescarbonated soft drinks, caffeine, spicy foods, smoked foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, vinegar and chocolate are some of the foods that cause bladder irritations in some people.Reduce everything canned or multiprocessed food, aged cheeses, soy sauce or brewer’s yeast. All of them acidifying foods. Reduce or avoid other foods with acidifying action such as sugar, white flour, dairy, meat…

Foods that you should promote to protect yourself from infections:

The consumption of a diet rich in fiber and fluids, and the natural prevention of constipation, are fundamental factors to avoid cystitis. Therefore, the consumption of fruits and vegetables increases.Drink a lot of waterabout two liters a day. The consumption of potassium or magnesium citrate salts It is a natural remedy that can reduce the excessive tendency to cystitis in some people.Blueberries and orange juice are effective foods to prevent and treat urinary tract infections.

Medicinal plants, a great support for treatment

The most common treatment is with antibiotics. But routine use of antibiotics weakens the urinary system and, in the medium term, favors the appearance of new cystitis.

Medicinal plants can help you prevent or together with medical treatment to eliminate cystitis. The most used species are rich in hydroquinonessuch as bearberry arbutin, which become natural antibiotics when they are eliminated through the kidney.

We highlight these four plants, to take as an infusion or in vegetable preparations:

heather (Calluna vulgaris). Let a tablespoon of dried flowers rest for 10 minutes in a cup of freshly boiled water. You can drink up to three cups a day. It is rich in glycosides that are transformed into antiseptic hydroquinonesbearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). Take it in infusion or capsules. The average daily dose: 10 grams of bearberry powder (equivalent to about 400-700 mg of arbutin), divided into 4-6 doses.buchu (Barosma betulina). The leaves of this plant are used. The herbal tea is prepared as an infusion, 10-40 grams per liter of water, which we will drink throughout the day.Red cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Fresh, dried or in capsules. The quality of the preparations is measured in PAC (proanthocyanidins). Choose products with a minimum of 150 mg.