Gianluca Ghilardi, Nutritionist Biologist, graduated with full marks in Biology applied to the Sciences of Nutrition at the University of Milan shows us how to deal with cystitis disorders.
Cystitis is acute, subacute, or chronic inflammation of the bladder typically associated with a bacterial infection. Less often it can be triggered by the intake of drugs or irritating molecules such as intimate hygiene products or spermicidal gels. Diagnosis is made primarily with urine culture.
The infection that causes cystitis is caused by bacteria that populate the colon and in 65-75% of cases it is Escherichia coli . Other bacteria can be Streptococcus, or other aerobic germs of the fecal flora such as Proteus, Klebsiella, Serratia, Enterobacter and Pseudomonas. These bacteria reach the bladder from the colon via the bloodstream or via the urethra.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN MOST WOMEN?
Because their urethra is shorter (about 5 cm) than that of men (about 16 cm) and therefore due to the female anatomical conformation, the risk of contamination by fecal bacteria is higher, which can more easily go up the urethra up to to the bladder, this risk is greater in childbearing age.
In fact, almost 1 in 3 women has had at least one episode of cystitis requiring antimicrobial therapy around the age of 24. In addition, about 50% of women have suffered from at least one episode of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) in their lifetime.
In particular, the incidence varies with age: it is very low up to the age of 20. The probability of recurrent cystitis increases with the increase in the number of previous cases, while it decreases the longer the interval between one cystitis and the next.
RISK FACTORS
The risk factors of cystitis in women can be various: age, sexual intercourse (which favor the passage of pathogenic bacteria into the vagina, then into the urethra and finally into the bladder), constipation, the use of the diaphragm and spermicidal creams.
Risk factors for humans are often attributable to hypertrophy or inflammatory states of the prostate.
ADVICE
Personal hygiene is important, especially during sexual intercourse. But it is equally important to take care that the intestine functions well, being the source of the bacteria: therefore a healthy diet, daily and regular evacuation and little stress.
For women it is important to take good care of the genital system, consulting your gynecologist if necessary when the phenomenon recurs constantly.
Here are some useful products in case of cystitis:
Bearberry for drainage of liquids and prevent cystitis
Grapefruit seed extract for the drainage of body fluids
Kidney depurative to purify the body and promote diuresis, based on Goldenrod, Birch and Pilosella.