This is mainly a female problem, approximately 40% of women suffering at some time.

Causes

Urine, on secretion, is sterile. However, when it reaches the urethra, bacterial contamination can take place. Any anatomical obstructions to flow, pooling of urine or immune insufficiency will lead to ascension of the infection and make it difficult to remove.

Defence

Defence against urinary tract infections has a number of factors. The initially sterile flow from the kidneys tends to wash away bacteria; its alkalinity inhibits bacterial growth; the bladder surface is host to immune cells; phagocytes and other immune cells are released when necessary.

A major protection against all urinary tract infections is good urinary flow. The best way to ensure this is to drink the recommended amount of water per day; 4 pints or 2 litres. This will maintain health in many ways.

Treatment

Diet

It is necessary to avoid foods that are growth factors for the infecting bacteria. Therefore avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates and milk. Avoid full strength fruit juices, because of their high content of fructose (fruit sugar).

Nutritional Supplements

The aim here is to give aid to the immune system.

We list here the conventionally recommended supplements, which are certainly necessary:

¨      Vitamin C; 1000mg, 3 per day.

¨      Vitamin A; 7500iu per day.

¨      Beta-carotene; 15000iu per day.

¨      Zinc picolinate; 15-30mg per day.

We can advise on which supplements to take in addition to the above. However, there is another nutrient that has only recently been recognised as being essential (i.e. vitamin status) and that is the amino acid L-glutamine. Basically, it is the main fuel of the immune system. In order to help cystitis, doses of about 5-10 grams per day are needed, about 1-2 teaspoons of powder.

Herbal Supplements

1) Cats Claw

This herbal supplement is proven to be effective against a wide range of infective agents; viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.

2) Garlic

This wonderful all-round food/herb is an extremely powerful anti-microbial agent, effective against bacteria, fungi and parasites and even some viruses. However, the potency of supplements varies from 2mg of active ingredients to 600mg. We suggest the higher levels.

3) Goldenseal

This herb has powerful antibacterial effects and prevents bacterial adherence to surfaces.

4) Cranberry juice

is effective against cystitis; it is believed to work by preventing adherence of bacteria to the lining of the urinary tract.