About Cystitis and UTIs

Cystitis is the most common form of urinary tract infection (UTI). It is an infection of the bladder which almost always follows a urine infection. Cystitis occurs when bacteria travels up the urethra and infects the urine held in the bladder causing inflammation of the bladder lining.

The most common bacteria causing Cystitis is Escherichia Coli (E. Coli).

Cranberry Juice for Cystitis

Controlled trials have shown that Cranberry Juice may reduce the frequency of Cystitis symptoms. It appears to lower the ability of E. Coli. to attach to the cells in the lining of the urinary tract.

The recommended preventative dosage of Cranberry is 10,000mg per day. 20,000mg is the recommended theraputic daily dosage.

Powerful Natural Health Strategies: Antibiotics are rarely needed for Urinary Tract Infections

Dr Greg Emerson - MBChB, DipObs, DipDHM, FACEM, FACNEM.

At least 90% of urinary tract infections are caused by the common intestinal bacteria E. coli. E. coli sticks to the bladder wall and is not flushed out with urination. UTI's usually occur in women by entering the bladder through the short urethra. Occasional  pisodes are usually treated with a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics also kill "friendly" bacteria, especially in the bowel and vagina. Some women suffer from recurrent infections and require multiple courses of antibiotics.Steps in managing recurrent infections include:1. Investigations to exclude an underlying problem. Blood tests for kidney function, a blood glucose level to exclude diabetes and an ultrasound of the kidneys would be a typical workup.2. Increase water intake to regularly flush the kidneys.3. Empty the bladder after sexual intercourse.4. Avoid constipation.5. Improve overall resistance to infections.6. D-mannose makes it impossible for E. coli to stick to the bladder wall so infections are just flushed out with urination. D-mannose is a simple sugar that is harmless and tastes good. The sugar molecules overwhelm the bacteria, attaching to the receptor sites on the bacterial walls. Without the use of these receptors, the bacteria cannot stick to the bladder walls.Almost none of it is metabolised by the body and it is safe to use in people with diabetes. For adults, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in a glass of water taken every 2 to 3 hours will eliminate almost all bladder infections within three days. D-mannose is available from some health food shops as well as the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre.People who use cranberry juice for UTI's are using a form of D-mannose therapy. Cranberry juice contains D-mannose but in levels too low to be effective in severe infections.Immediately a UTI is suspected, I suggest starting on D-mannose. Always try D-mannose first because it has no side effects