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Cystitis – carrier of enormous discomfort in everyday life; it can be acute or chronic. In both cases, apart from control and treatment, it is important what foods we consume. How following a special food diet helps with cystitis, what exactly to avoid and what to include in your menu – you can read below
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Diet for cystitis

Characteristic features of cystitis

Cystitis occurs more often in women than in men (yes, men also suffer from cystitis), due to some anatomical features – the urinary tract of ladies is much shorter, which facilitates the penetration of bacteria. Cystitis is mainly caused by bacteria, and in most cases it is the bacterium E. coli. However, cystitis can also develop from taking certain drugs (mostly those that weaken our immune system), during radiation treatment in the pelvic area (radiation kills cancer cells, but also damages some healthy cells of the mucosa) , in the presence of a foreign body (for example, a catheter in which bacteria enter mechanically), as a complication of diabetes and others.

Symptoms of cystitis include discomfort and burning during urination, heaviness in the pelvic area, change in the color of urine, and in some episodes of exacerbation, an increase in body temperature is also possible. 

Why is it important what we eat with cystitis?

The main task of the cystitis diet is to help deal with it as quickly as possible and relieve the symptoms of bladder inflammation. Following a proper diet eliminates the irritating effect of some nutrients on the urinary tract mucosa. It is also recommended to consume products with a diuretic effect – those that increase urine output. This is an evolutionary defense mechanism that allows the bladder to “wash” itself of bacteria, which will contribute to its faster he

It is important that the basis of the diet is a large amount of plant food, which will help the body to cleanse itself of toxins. It is also recommended that the diet is low in salt, protein and fat.

In order to increase the amount of urine excreted, it is very important to drink a lot of fluids – at least 2 liters per day.

Which foods should we include in our daily menu for cystitis?

Vegetables – provide the body with the necessary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Broccoli, spinach, carrots and cabbage are rich in these substances. They also contain an abundance of potassium.

Fruits – extremely useful for the excretory system are blueberries, blackcurrants, kiwis and berries. They have a certain diuretic effect and also support the immune system. Watermelon and cantaloupe also have a known diuretic effect.

Fiber – consuming a lot of fiber reduces the risk of developing constipation. Constipation aggravates the symptoms of cystitis, as it provokes inflammatory processes in the organs located in the small pelvis, especially the walls of the bladder. Additionally, anatomically, the rectum and bladder are located in close proximity, which promotes cross-contamination of bacteria. Fiber can be obtained by eating cereals, green leafy salads, bran or wholemeal bread.

Herbal teas – the important thing is to drink those that have a proven diuretic effect or have a mechanism to deal with the bacterial infection in cystitis. An example of this is the cranberry, which has a beneficial effect on the health of the urinary tract.

Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins, which reduce the attachment of pathogenic bacteria to the bladder wall. Thus, it reduces the duration of episodes of inflammation of the urinary tract. Consuming cranberry tea or juice has been shown to be effective in preventing and fighting cystitis.

Be careful – the effect of cranberry is directly dependent on the amount of proanthocyanidins you take! The higher their percentage, the more effective the reception will be!

Another example of an effective drink is bearberry tea. It is also a natural diuretic, has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a powerful antioxidant. The flavonoids that bear grapes contain also play a role in its antibacterial activity.

However, not all fruits and vegetables are suitable for cystitis.

What foods to avoid with cystitis?

Salty, spicy, sour, fried or smoked food – can irritate the bladder lining. Also avoid all types of sauces (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard). It is recommended to limit the intake of fatty or dried meats.

Alcohol – alcohol irritates every single mucous membrane in the human body, including that of the bladder. In addition, antibiotics are often prescribed for acute cystitis, which should not be combined with alcohol

Coffee, black tea, energy drinks – what they all have in common is that they contain caffeine, which is also an “irritant” to the bladder lining.

Sweets – Sweet foods such as chocolate, ice cream, confectionery and sugary soft drinks contain simple sugars that help the bacteria that cause cystitis to grow. Do not trust foods containing artificial colors either.

Vegetables that irritate the bladder lining and should be avoided – onions, garlic, horseradish, radishes, celery, tomatoes, lettuce and cauliflower.

Citrus fruits – oranges, grapefruits, although they contain vitamin C, can also irritate the lining of the bladder.

In the fight against cystitis, all components of the treatment are important – from taking medicines and nutritional supplements, through drinking enough fluids, to observing the right diet. In addition to antibiotics for acute cystitis, nature also comes to the rescue, offering some excellent methods to quickly and effectively deal with this unpleasant condition.

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