Cystitis
What is Cystitis
Cystitis is the medical name given to an inflammation of the bladder that affects up to 40% of women. The feeling that you need to urinate more often and suffering from uncomfortable or even painful urination are two of the main symptoms that indicate you may be suffering from cystitis.
Cranberries can help relieve the symptoms of cystitis.
Several clinical studies have shown cranberries to be useful in helping the body overcome urinary tract infections caused by bacteria, which adhere to the lining of the bladder. Evidence suggests that certain constituents in cranberries can interfere with this adherence, thereby helping the body fight off infection and also reducing the likelihood of an infection occurring.
Provides a high level of the active components of fresh cranberry which may assist in maintaining the health of the urinary tract. It is a sugar-free, vacuum packed powder that mixes with water. Vitamin C and lactic acid bacteria are also added.
- Cranberry extract has been scientifically proven to help maintain the health of the urinary tract and help to purify urine.
- Cranberry stimulates the production of hippuric acid which helps to maintain a favourable bacterial balance in the urinary tract
- Cranberry extracts contain active antioxidant substances called proanthocyanadins.
- Hibiscus extracts also contain active phytochemicals which help to maintain the health of the urinary tract and help promote a favourable balance of microflora in the urinary system.
- Probiotics like lactobacillus acidophilus also help to ensure a balance of beneficial microflora in the urinary tract.
- Potassium salts help to reduce the pH of urine making it less acidic.
More information about cystitis is shown below the product listing.
Normally when you urinate it should not be painful, and your urine should be the colour of straw. The amount of urine you produce varies according to what you've been eating or drinking, but in mild climates such as the UK it's quite normal to produce anything between 800mls and 2.5 litres a day.
Cystitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it could be also the result of damage or irritation to your bladder (non-infectious cystitis). There are many causes of inflammation, so if you suffer frequently from cystitis, keeping a diary and recording when you get cystitis may help you to determine what triggers it for you.
Causes of a bladder infection (bacterial cystitis):
- Not emptying your bladder fully when you urinate
- Pressure on your bladder due to pregnancy
- Using a diaphragm
- Wiping the wrong way after going to the toilet (you should wipe front to back)
Causes of irritation or damage in your bladder (non-bacterial cystitis):
- Hormone changes e.g. menopause
- Nicotine
- Dehydration
- Vigorous sex
- Chemicals and perfume in soaps
- Diabetes
- Wearing a catheter