Cystitis is an acute bladder inflammation most commonly resulting from bacterial infections of the urinary tract. This form of cystitis is often called a urinary tract infection, or UTI, and is not the same as interstitial cystitis, which is a chronic condition not caused by bacteria. Women are more likely than men to experience cystitis because of a shorter urethra where bacteria from several sources can readily enter the bladder. Escherichia coli, or E. coli is the prominent bacterial strain that causes cystitis.
Cystitis Symptoms and Treatment
Burning pain during urination, the urgent feeling of having to urinate and frequent need to urinate with minimal urine passing are the characterizing symptoms of acute cystitis. This bladder infection can also cause a pressured feeling in the lower abdomen, pelvic discomfort, cloudy or foul-odored urine and fever. Diagnosis of this condition is made from symptom presentation and confirmation of bacteria in a urine specimen sample. Some women experience frequent bacterial cystitis several times a year, which makes preventive efforts significant in reducing occurrence. Your diet cannot cure the existing infection but it can help reduce ongoing bacteria accumulation. The primary treatment for cystitis is a full course of antibiotic medication.
Cranberry for Cystitis
The cranberry fruit has a long history in natural treatment for bacterial cystitis. This fruit has a bacteriostatic effect, which means it is a bacteria growth inhibitor. Cranberry was originally believed to acidify urine to prohibit bacterial growth, but this is actually not the case of its healing mechanism of action. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, cranberry prevents E. coli from adhering to the bladder walls because it contains proanthocyanidins, small tannins acting like astringents, that push the bacteria out of the of the urinary tract. Use cranberry to prevent recurrent cystitis but if you drink it from a juice, read the label to ensure it is no-sugar added, whole juice. Cranberry is not advised for people with interstitial cystitis because it could have a disruptive effect to your bladder. Consult your physician before using cranberry to prevent cystitis.
Low Acid Foods
The acidity level of foods impacts your pH, or potential of hydrogen, balance. Body pH controls the speed of biochemical reactions and complex metabolic functions that occur in your body like converting foods to energy. Ideally, you want a pH level of 7.35 to 7.45 on a scale of zero to 14 to maintain overall health. A balanced diet helps you achieve this but in the presence of cystitis, you may need to alter the level of acidic foods you consume until the condition clears. During cystitis treatment you may need to temporarily consume more low acid foods because these are less likely to irritate the existing inflammation in your bladder walls. Sweet potatoes, blueberries, whole grains and organ meats are generally low acid. Whole dairy, green beans, lettuce and bean varieties are also low acid. Consult your physician before changing your diet to determine safety for your condition.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid use of alcohol, carbonated beverages and highly acidic fruit juices like grapefruit. Stop eating canned and processed foods short term because these also have higher levels of acidity and sugar, which permits the growth of bacteria. Pickled foods, processed cheeses and foods with artificial sweeteners may also need to be avoided temporarily. No specific food diet exists to alleviate all cystitis symptoms but consult with your physician to help you determine what will work best for your condition.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Cystitis
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections; Darren M. Lynch, M.D.; December 1, 2004
- Trans4mind.com: Balancing Acid/Alkaline Foods
- Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation: BC Diet and Nutrition
- Natural Health Website for Women: Cystitis; Dr. Marilyn Glenville
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