Cystitis

More than 20% of women in America experience cystitis about once a year – that’s about the same frequency as the common cold.

Most women will get cystitis at least once or twice in their lives; however men experience cystitis much less frequently.

Cystitis occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and travel to the bladder. They adhere to the bladder wall and multiply, causing an infection (this is why men don’t get cystitis as often as women – they have longer urinary tracts, so it is more difficult for bacteria to enter the bladder).

The symptoms of cystitis are often extremely painful, and include pelvic pain, pain or a burning sensation when urinating, experiencing the need to urinate frequently but only passing a few drops, and sometimes blood in the urine.

There are many home remedies and natural cures that can be used safely to get rid of cystitis, many of which are prepared from foods that are commonly found in the home.

Home Remedies for Cystitis:

Cranberry Juice:

Cranberry juice is one of the best home remedies for treating the symptoms of cystitis.

Use pure cranberry juice with no added sugar, as sugar in the diet at this time can actually encourage the growth of bacteria.

Some people experience discomfort after drinking cranberry juice – if you’re one of these people, dilute the juice before drinking.

Drinking cranberry juice regularly is not only a great natural cure; it’s also good preventative medicine, so drink up!

Garlic and Parsley:

These two items are both natural antibacterials.

They are best eaten raw – for this home remedy, eat a clove of garlic then chew some parsley leaves to remove the garlic smell from your breath.

Lemon Juice:

Mix a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in 180ml of boiling water.

Allow it to cool, and then drink one third each hour. This will help reduce the burning sensation.

Cucumber Juice and Spinach Juice:

These juices are effective natural diuretics and help to flush bacteria from the bladder.

Take 1 cup of cucumber or 100ml of spinach juice twice daily.

Milk and Bicarbonate:

Dissolve half a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in half a glass of cold milk (any kind of milk, including soy milk, is fine), and drink.

Some people report almost instant relief from this home remedy.

Diet:

Citrus, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine are all known bladder irritants.

If you have cystitis, it’s best to avoid these items. Also avoid eating refined carbohydrates.

Instead, eat fresh fruit and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.