Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. It is most common in women but can also affect men and children. This is because of the female anatomy and the urethra and anus are shorter and closer together.

Cystitis (the bladder inflammation) is commonly due to a bacterial infection. This is known as a urinary tract infection or UTI. It can happen any time and it can also be caused by sexual intercourse. Although

Harmless bacteria exist in your bowel to help your body digest food, the bacteria can enter your urinary tract where they multiply and may inflame the tissue, leading to an infection. The bacteria involved is usually E. Coli. This bacteria lives in the bowel. Cystitis occurs when uropathogenic bacteria from your bowel reaches your bladder by moving from the opening of your bowel (anus) into the tube that carries urine from your bladder (urethra) to outside your body.

Cystitis and URI's can also be caused and risk increased by:

1. Bacteria – E. Coli
2. Sexually transmitted infections
3. Radiation therapy
4. Some medicines
5. Some chemicals found in bubble baths and spermicides
6. Diabetes
7. Lowered Immunity.
8. Bladder catheter or urological disease
9. Pregnancy
10. Menopause

Symptoms of Cystitis & URI infection are:

1. Strong, persistent urge to urinate.
2. Pain or burning when urinating.
3. Needing to urinate often
4. Passing only small amounts of urine each time
5. Feel uncomfortable in your lower abdomen, dull ache.
6. Urine that smells, or looks cloudy or bloody.
7. Blood in the urine
8. Fever

Cystitis & UTI Prevention

1. Keep hydrated. Drinking lots of water to help flush out bacteria.
2. Urinating as soon as you feel the need.
3. Urinate immediately after intercourse.
   Shower at least once a day and after sex.
4. Wearing natural fibre underwear e.g, cotton, bamboo, hemp (not synthetic material – nylon/lycra etc) and loose fitting pants.
5. Toilet hygiene – wipe yourself from front to back after urinating (for women). Do not cross contaminate.
6. Eat natural yoghurt or kefir to restore the normal vaginal environment.
7. TAKE High dose probiotics as prescribed by your practitioner.
8. Find an alternative method of birth control if you use spermicides.
9. Educate yourself on Natural Fertility Management – contraception practices and charting your healthy menstrual cycle.
10. Eliminate sugar, processed and refined food from your diet.
11. Organic coconut oil used before and after intercourse is beneficial because of its natural antibacterial properties and soothing action.
12. Garlic (practitioner only) supplements are beneficial to take as a preventative protocol and also including onion and garlic into your daily diet. Natural antibactial and antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to the allicin content.

Possible complications of a UTI

Complications of UTIs aren’t common, but they can be serious and require immediate treatment by a doctor. They usually affect people diagnosed with diabetes, a weakened immune system, men with recurrent UTIs, or women who are pregnant.

If a UTI is left untreated, bacteria may travel to the kidneys causing kidney infection, damage and even kidney failure. Blood poisoning can happen and occurs when the infection spreads from the kidneys to the blood-stream.

If the infection moves to the kidneys, there may be high fever, back pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. If you have these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor. [1]

We use various naturopathic principles to treat the cause and look for the disharmony in your body and mind to bring your body back to balance. Please see below a brief treatment (Rx) protocol and reference guide, with choices to help improve your health and wellbeing. Click on the headings and links within for more treatment information.

Aims of Treatment:

To improve immunity and treat the infection.

• To provide a soothing effect on urinary tissue.
• To strengthen urinary tract tissue.
• To improve bladder tone and bladder emptying.
• To reduce inflammation.

HERBAL MEDICINE offers amazing treatment options for this condition.

For infection: Uva Ursi and Buchu are considered.

To soothe the irritated area; Marshmallow Root is added to the herbal compound.

Other herbal medicines your herbalist may consider to treat this condition are:

Andrographis, Bearberry, Corn Silk, Cranberry, Crataeva, Echinacea Root, Golden Rod, Horsetail, Hydrangea, Juniper, Marshmallow Root, Saw Palmetto, Shepherd's Purse, Licorice, Meadowsweet.

NATURAL HERBAL ANTIBIOTICS: considered for Chronic Cystitis! Echinacea, Burdock, Golden Seal and Myrrh.

Other Remedies Prescribed if tested after your Naturopathic consultation

HEEL:

Reneel – to help maintain normal kidney function

Engystol – to help maintain a healthy immune system

Echinacea compositum ampoules – to help maintain a healthy immune system

Galium heel – for intracellular detoxification and stimulation of the nonspecific defensive mechanisms of the body. Helps maintain healthy kidney function.

MEDICINE TREE:

Organo Kidney – to assist in the treatment of disorders of kidney function, including bladder infections.

Matrix alkali – if acidity is contributing to the condition

Mix 5g (1 metric teaspoon) in 25ml water daily after the evening meal. More water may be added for taste and consistency.

RECKEWEG:

R18 – assists in treatment in kidney and bladder disorders

BASICA