Numerous supplements may help treat bladder cystitis. According to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, cystitis is an inflammation of your urinary bladder. If you have cystitis, the lining of your bladder comes inflamed and your urine will contain a significant amount of bacteria. Common signs and symptoms associated with cystitis include painful urination, a sudden urge to urinate and foul-smelling urine. Before taking supplements to treat your cystitis, consult with your physician for proper dosage and possible side effects.
Cranberry
Cranberry may be an effective dietary supplement for treating bladder infections. According to the MedlinePlus website, cranberry is a small, evergreen shrub that grows throughout North America. Cranberry has been used for centuries by certain Native American tribes for urinary conditions. Juice and extracts from the fruit, or berry, are used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," states that cranberry juice, in sufficient quantities, may be effective for treating your cystitis. Pizzorno notes that certain constituents in cranberry juice reduce the ability of bacteria, such as E. coli, to adhere to the lining of your bladder and urethra. Avoid sweetened cranberry juice, as this can suppress your immunity. Before taking cranberry to treat your cystitis, consult with your physician about proper dosage and possible side effects.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may be helpful for treating bladder infections. The Linus Pauling Institute, a nutrition-related research institute at Oregon State University, states that vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that you must obtain through your food. Vitamin C is required for numerous biological processes, including collagen synthesis and the production of certain neurotransmitters. Supplementing with vitamin C may help treat bladder infections and decrease the likelihood of future bladder infections in people who are prone to recurrent cystitis. Pizzorno states that taking 500 mg of vitamin C every two hours may be effective for treating cystitis. Vitamin C may cause a slight increase in the acidity of your urine, which creates an unfriendly environment for certain infection-causing bacteria. Before taking vitamin C to help treat your bladder infection, consult with your physician for proper dosage and possible side effects.
Bearberry
Bearberry, also known as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, may help treat your bladder inflammation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, bearberry has been used medicinally for centuries by Native Americans as a remedy for urinary tract infections. Researchers have discovered that bearberry's antibacterial properties, which combat infection, are due to the chemicals arbutin and hydroquinone. The UMMC states that bearberry is used to treat urinary tract infection and bladder inflammation, or cystitis. Bearberry may be most effective for treating these conditions when your urine is alkaline, as acidic urine destroys this supplement's antibacterial effect. Bearberry is usually most effective when taken at the first sign of infection. Before taking bearberry as a dietary supplement for your cystitis, consult with your physician for proper dosage and possible side effects.
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