
27/04/2022
Cystitis can be a one off problem or a series of infections. Repeat infections, requiring regular antibiotics, weaken the microbiome of the bladder, leaving you low on defences next time you’re at risk.
If you’re familiar with regular trips to the loo and a stinging or burning pain when you p*e, you may be in this cycle. Some of the advice out there can be contradicting, so here, I’d like to separate myth from fact, to get you on the road to recovery quicker.
Firstly, put down the cranberry juice. The most famous advice for cystitis may be doing more harm than good. Most cranberry juices contain very little cranberry and large amounts of sugar. Cranberry prevents bacteria sticking to the bladder, but to use it effectively, choose an unsweetened pure juice. It tastes tart, but it is much more medicinal.
Better yet, use Uva Ursi. It is antimicrobial, to help fight the bacteria (rather than just stopping it sticking) and is specific for use in the bladder. You can’t buy Uva Ursi juice, but I recommend a medicinal tincture.
Another key tip on exiting a UTI cycle, is to take probiotics after antibiotics. This replaces protective bacteria, restoring your defences, reducing risk of repeat infection. If you are prone to recurrent infections then this is a key factor. Uva ursi can be taken daily, for prevention or as and when it is needed, to fight off an attack. Pair it with a probiotic for maximum effect.
For advice or to book an appointment with our practitioner, call our clinic.