Cystitis is a urinary tract infection that affects a large part of the female population at least once in their lifetime. The most common origin of this annoying disease is bacterial: some intestinal germs can colonize the vagina and go up the urethra up to the bladder, where they proliferate and create the infection.
Symptoms of Cystitis
People with cystitis generally feel burning in the private parts, have a constant urge to urinate, pain in the abdomen and sometimes even blood in the urine. In some cases there may be a slight fever and a feeling of pressure in the abdomen.
In the most acute cases, those suffering from cystitis suffer from a state of widespread fatigue and the fever can even reach 38/39 °.
To ascertain the diagnosis it is always good to carry out a urinalysis and urine culture, as well as a vaginal swab in the most serious cases.
Good habits to combat cystitis
Prevention is the first remedy against cystitis: too tight pants that allow bacteria to nest or abuse of intimate cleansers that alter the pH of the skin by lowering the immune defenses, are some of the most common causes of cystitis.
Sexual intercourse, constipation, poor intimate hygiene and menopause often facilitate the onset of this urinary infection . It is always good to take care of intimate hygiene as much as possible, especially in summer when the immune defenses are weaker and the organism more susceptible to inflammation and infections.
Drinking lots of water is another good way to prevent cystitis. In fact, hydration is the right remedy against the accumulation of toxins and waste inside the urinary tract. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water promotes the drainage of excess fluids and the body’s diuresis.
Recommended foods and those to avoid during cystitis
The first recommendation in case of cystitis is to avoid all refined sugars , since sugar promotes the proliferation of bacteria . So no sugary, carbonated and alcohol drinks, but also coffee, cheeses and sausages to keep the intestinal flora balanced. Also avoid chilli, pepper and other spicy foods that can increase the burning sensation.
During inflammation it is good to choose foods rich in fiber , whole grains and seasonal vegetables , preferably diuretic such as fennel, cucumbers and all green leafy vegetables. As for fruit, give the green light to pineapple, with its diuretic and disinfectant properties, mandarins, melon and watermelons.
The restoration of the intestinal bacterial flora with probiotics and possibly a suitable diet to restore an altered bacterial flora.
Red fruits: the plants of the thousand virtues to fight cystitis
Phytotherapeutic remedies for the well-being of the urinary tract are mostly made up of red fruits such as cranberry. But also of grapefruit and bearberry , thanks to their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and diuretic properties that stimulate the elimination of bacteria. Let’s see them here in more detail:
- The Cranberry is the American version of the cranberry. Its fruits have diuretic and draining properties, favoring the elimination of excess fluids from the body.
- Grapefruit and in particular the extract of its seeds have beneficial properties for microcirculation and for the drainage of excess fluids. Promotes the well-being of the body in case of urinary tract infections.
- Bearberry is a powerful draining agent, able to promote the body’s diuresis and the well-being of the urinary tract against water retention of excess fluids.
Cranberry for the well-being of the urinary tract
Cranberry and bilberry are used to promote the elimination of body fluids and as a remedy for the well-being of the urinary tract, bladder and urethra. For this reason, during long and annoying cystitis, it is advisable to eat fresh cranberries, currants and blueberries or even drink juices prepared with these fruits, always choosing fresh products with no added sugar.
Nutrition, personal hygiene and natural remedies are important to fight cystitis but, as we wrote at the beginning, the decisive aspect to avoid this annoying disorder is prevention. Practicing physical activity regularly strengthens the immune system, regulates the body and promotes general health. In particular, all those exercises that favor the pelvic muscles such as yoga, gentle gymnastics and long walks are beneficial. A good practice to stay healthy and also the habit of breathing with the abdomen to give more oxygen to the organs, facilitate intestinal regularity and dissolve the contractures of the pelvic floor .
