Reduce the risk of cystitis with cranberry

Cystitis

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. It is the most common urinary tract infection (UTI) experienced, especially in women. In fact, women are more than 50 times more likely to develop a UTI than men.[1]  They are particularly susceptible to urinary tract infections because they have a shorter urethra. The urethra is the transport tube that drains urine from the bladder out of the body. A shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to ascend into the bladder. The culprit in a lot of uncomplicated bladder infections is the bacteria Escherichia coli (E.coli) which normally live in the bowel and around the anus.

Urinary tract infections often reoccur. Women who have suffered with one UTI have a 20% risk of a reoccurring episode. ²

Symptoms of cystitis

Common symptoms of cystitis include:

• Constant urge to urinate
• Burning pain when urinating
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Frequently passing small amounts of urine
• The sensation of not being able to urinate easily or completely


Cranberries for cystitis

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries to assist with conditions of the urinary tract.[2] Today, cranberry juice and supplements are commonly used to reduce the risk and frequency of cystitis and to support urinary tract health. Research suggests that cranberries discourage the adhesion of bacteria to the lining of the urinary tract.[3] Bacteria need to adhere to the epithelial lining of the urinary tract in order to multiply and cause Cystitis. The proanthocyanidins in cranberries are believed to be responsible for this anti-adhesion effect.³

The positive effects of cranberry were supported in a Cochrane Review of ten clinical trials. The review found that cranberry products reduced the incidence of Cystitis over a 12 month period, particularly in women with reoccurring episodes.¹                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Whilst cranberry juice is available, it often contains a lot of sugar, and unsweetened cranberry juice may be a little bitter or sour for most people.  In the Cochrane Review mentioned above there was a high drop-out rate of patients taking cranberry juice mainly because of ‘taste’.¹ 

Bio-Organics® offers concentrated cranberry supplements in two different strengths providing a more convenient way of obtaining the benefits of cranberry.

Other tips for protecting against cystitis

• Drink at least 1 ½-2 L of water each day
• Never resist the urge to urinate
• (For women) after a bowel movement, wipe front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus entering the vagina
• Empty the bladder after sexual intercourse
• Avoid wearing underwear made out of synthetic fabrics. Cotton and other natural fibres let moisture escape whilst synthetic fabrics trap moisture, creating a potential breeding ground for bacteria