For those who suffer recurring cystitis, this urinary tract infection may seem far from 'minor'. The symptoms begin with an excessive urge to urinate regularly, and a sensation of the bladder not fully emptying, accompanied by an unpleasant burning sensation. There may be abdominal discomfort, too, and the urine is likely to become cloudy, possibly blood-stained.
The causes or triggers for cystitis are varied - they may include bacterial infection, incomplete cleaning of the pelvic area, or even wearing too-tight jeans. It is much more common for women than for men, although in either case, if it becomes severe or lasts more than three days, medical advice should be taken. A course of antibiotics may be needed to cure the infection.
Treating cystitis naturally
However, in many cases cystitis can be treated more naturally at home. Cranberry juice is the traditional remedy, although recent research has shed some doubt over its effectiveness. Sweetened drinks are not a good idea (artificially sweetened even less so) but eating cranberries or taking cranberry juice capsules will not do any harm, and may protect against future infections.
The most important thing to do in any case of cystitis is to drink plenty of water, to help flush the system thoroughly. If the burning feeling on urinating is intense, you may find that a solution of about half a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) in a glass of water, about once an hour, brings rapid relief.
Coconut oil for cystitis
Coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties which make it a potent weapon in the fight against many infections. Just half a teaspoonful of this oil (whether in solid or liquid form) taken every few hours is sometimes sufficient to ward off a bout of cystitis, if started immediately. You can also use coconut oil topically to soothe the typical burning sensations that tend to accompany cystitis.
Garlic for cystitis
For some people, the quickest 'cure' for cystitis is to eat garlic. Roasting several cloves to eat with a meal, followed by one or two raw garlic cloves (chopped and quickly swallowed with some water) seems to bring rapid relief. Note that too much raw garlic, as well as making your breath potent, may result in mild dizziness or headache; however, you may think this preferable to cystitis.
Cystitis food triggers
While most women suffer the occasional cystitis, some women seem to be more susceptible to regular bouts. If this is true for you, it is well worth keeping a food diary to see if you can discover a trigger. Common problems seem to occur with - for instance - some processed meats, stock cubes, certain spices, fruit juices, nuts, coffee and much more. Since we are all unique, and it is almost impossible to eliminate every possible trigger, a food diary is really the only way to determine whether you have an intolerance.
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