Cystitis (Ouch, ouch, ouch): prevent and treat naturally

Raw vegetables, wet bathing suits, hot sand, perspiration. And dehydration. Here is the summer, its small joys and its small annoyances: I named cystitis. Urinary infection which is not necessarily seasonal but essentially female, cystitis contracts more easily when it is hot and our diet varies. A little update on this painful inflammation and the natural remedies to put in place to dismiss it.

Why do I have cystitis?

From the ancient Greek "κυ ́σ τ ις" (pronounced "cyst") meaning bladder, and the suffix "-itis" referring to inflammation in medical vocabulary, cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. This is caused by an infection of the urine via a bacterium, most often the famous Escherichia Coli. A bacterium that comes from our intestinal flora and can go up into our bladder via the urethra. It happens :

- in a woman when she wipes from back to front after urinating (the bacteria thus finding its way easily)

- at the beginning of her sexual life, when the vaginal flora changes and cannot fight

- when you are very tired (with a flat immune system)

- when you don't drink enough water to eliminate bacteria

- when you don't urinate after sex

- when wearing synthetic underwear and sweating in them

- when wearing a wet swimsuit for too long

- when constipated

- when we change our diet in summer (raw vegetables modify the pH of our intestinal flora)

Natural remedies for cystitis: the famous cranberry

Impossible to talk about cystitis without talking about cranberry (or cranberry for French speakers). This berry from cold regions is renowned for its antibacterial properties. It contains proanthocyanidins, polyphenols that prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the mucous membranes of our urinary system. However, some scientists do not consider the cranberry very effective unless you drink liters of it. But it is possible to drink as much as you want (be careful, only juice without added sugar at the risk on the contrary of promoting infections, since the excess of sugar harms the pH of the vaginal flora). The cranberry also exists in pharmacies in the form of granules or capsules, which makes it possible to ingest it in a more concentrated form. It is used in prevention, or as a treatment. In addition, it is full of vitamins and antioxidants: a winning combo!

Insoluble fiber

When we are constipated, our stools stagnate in the rectum and thus promote the proliferation of bacteria that can be transmitted to our bladder. To prevent cystitis, it is therefore important to treat its transit. There is no secret to this: fibres, fibres, fibres! But insoluble fiber. They clean the intestinal walls and facilitate the evacuation of stools. On the fruit side, they are mainly found in raspberries, apples, strawberries, pears and bananas. On the vegetable side: cauliflower, kale, spinach, green beans, peas and turnip are at the top of the list. Finally, legumes (lentils, chickpeas), whole wheat-based cereals or almonds and walnuts do the job well.

A summer hibiscus drink

Bissap is a delicious infusion of hibiscus flowers that can be enjoyed very fresh. It is diuretic and extremely effective against digestive disorders, including constipation. Its slight laxative effect helps to clean the intestines but above all, hibiscus is recognized for its anti urinary infection action by the EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) because it prevents the stagnation of bacteria in the bladder by draining it. . For real effectiveness, a daily infusion containing 1.5 grams of flowers is recommended in times of crisis. To prepare yourself or to buy in organic store.

Appropriate periodic protection

During menstruation and like the rest of the month, it is strongly advised not to wear synthetic underwear when you are prone to fungal infections or cystitis. Adopt anti-bacterial menstrual panties with a draining material to be quiet!

And simple gestures

To prevent cystitis, you must of course drink enough water every day, especially in summer (minimum 1.5 liters). Urinate after each sexual intercourse (this acts as a cleansing). Wipe yourself from front to back on the toilet. And pamper your immune system by eating a balanced diet, sleeping well and exercising regularly.

If your symptoms persist, you will find over-the-counter treatments in pharmacies. Otherwise and in order to avoid any complication (damage to kidney infection), consult your doctor who can prescribe an antibiotic: fosfomycin.

By Elise.