Foods To Avoid, Foods To Seek Out When Cystitis Occurs

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder and urethra and is usually caused by bacterial infection. It can be a difficult infection to remove and very often, antibiotic treatment is required.

Lifestyle choices and diet play an important part in alleviating or propagating the symptoms of cystitis. One of the most unpleasant aspects is the sharp burning pain experienced when passing urine. Fortunately it is not infectious ! Bacteria which are commonly living within the gut are often the cause of the infection such as E. coli.

Diet

1. Cut out acidic foods

– it seems foods and beverages with a high acid content are problematic here. Coffee, fruit juices including tomato are implicated. The caffeine content of coffee is also an issue because of its stimulatory and diuretic effects concerning the bladder. Cranberry juice consumption is up for debate simply because the evidence for alleviating cystitis has been confused by conflicting studies which claim it works when it might not have any benefit at all.

-There is another almost ironic aspect to the consumption of fruit juices because any juice which contained benzoic acid or one of its derivatives might inhibit bacterial growth. There is a reasonably high presence in both cranberry and raspberry juice. It’s worth noting that these acids are food preservatives. The polyphenols in cranberry juice are thought to prevent bacteria sticking to the walls of the bladder but this is based mainly on cell experiments.

2. Increase fibre content.

– Fibre helps relieve constipation. Soluble and insoluble fibre both help here and when added in the form of seeds to cereal, granola, as sprinkles, to wholemeal bread etc. One benefit may be to overcome the constipation created very often by the

3. Reduce simple sugar intake and increase complex carbohydrate intake.

– there is some evidence that consumption of simple sugars such as sucrose, fructose and glucose contribute a high energy content not only to the human body but feed bacteria and yeast. The more complex carbohydrates have less ‘metabolic potential’ and many have a fibre potential such as pectins

4. Consume natural yoghurt for the probiotic benefit.

– any contribution to our natural flora and fauna helps and natural yoghurt is rich in Lactobacilli species amongst others associated with dairy culture. Supplementation with a probiotic in capsule is also claimed to be helpful.