|  |  |  |  | | ||
| |||||||
|  Commonly referred to as urinary tract infection (UTI), cystitis is an infection that will affect up to 40% of women in their lifetime, causing burning sensations during urination and a frequent need to urinate. Treatment should be prompt and antibiotics may be necessary as recurring UTIs can lead to potentially serious kidney infections.
A UTI is generally the result of an infection from intestinal bacterial. Normally urine is sterile when it stored in the bladder and washes out the small amounts of bacteria in the urethra as it passes to the outside. Sometimes bacteria in the urinary tract overwhelm the body’s immune defences and multiply, causing infection. Lack of personal hygiene, ignoring the urge to urinate, pregnancy and not wearing breathable (cotton) underwear can all increase the likelihood of UTI. Symptoms vary, but generally are: · Frequent urge to urinate · Voiding a small amount of urine – despite frequent urges · Burning sensation or searing pain when urinating – consult a doctor if this persists after 36 hours of self treatment (See your doctor immediately if any of the above symptoms are accompanied by back pain, shivering, or a temperature).
Useful supplements:
Vitamin C is an important vitamin in all cases of infection and helps to acidify urine, making the bladder a less inviting environment for harmful bacteria to colonise. Many studies have shown that vitamin C helps to increase immune function and, in the case of cystitis, vitamin C has been shown to inhibit the growth of E. coli. Cranberry juice also acidifies the urine, but, more importantly, prevents infectious bacteria from clinging to the lining of the urinary tract enabling them to be flushed from the system when urinating. Echinacea - as tablet, tincture or as a tea – boosts the immune system, helping your body fight the infection. In many cases it may replace the requirement for anti-biotics and may prevent further infections causing cystitis. Probiotics prevent colonisation of the gut by the harmful bacteria that can pass into the urinary tract. By taking a probiotic supplement you can help maintain levels of these “healthy” bacteria that can be reduced by stress, pollution, female hormones and anti-biotics. If your UTI has lasted more than 24 to 36 hours, your doctor will, more than likely, prescribe a course of antibiotics, but unfortunately these also kill the healthy bacteria that help to protect the digestive and urinary tract. A course of probiotics (once you have completed the course of antibiotics) will re-introduce the healthy bacteria to your system.
|
