Urinary Tract Inflammation

Urinary tract infection (cystitis) is an unpleasant and often occurring inflammatory disease of the bladder and urinary tract. It arises as a result of a bacterial infection (the most common causative agent is the bacterium Escherichia coli), affecting women much more frequently.

Normal urine is sterile and does not contain any bacteria (only on its way from the bladder does it wash away a small number of bacteria from the lining of the urethra). If there is a proliferation of these bacteria - the cause can be a weakened immune system, poor personal hygiene, pregnancy, unsuitable contraception, or irritation by certain shampoos and bubble baths - they can cause an unpleasant inflammation.

The most common symptoms are:

• Frequent urination,
• Burning sensations,
• Painful urination,
• Lower abdominal pain.

The urine is usually cloudy and foul-smelling, sometimes mixed with blood. Often, there is an increase in temperature.

Treatment of the inflammation should be immediate, usually requiring antibiotics, as repeated problems of this nature can lead to serious kidney disease.

The Impact of Diet on Urinary Tract Inflammation

Dietary adjustment consists of several simple procedures:

1. Exclusion of unsuitable foods.

These are foods having a pro-inflammatory effect:

• alcohol,
• coffee,
• higher amounts of sugars,
• sources of trans fatty acids (sweets, overcooked fats...),
• generally industrially processed foods.

2. Observing the principles of an anti-inflammatory diet.

3. Choosing suitable dietary supplements.
Effective options include echinacea, vitamin C, grapefruit seed extract, or nasturtium.

During treatment, it is necessary to maintain regular and sufficient fluid intake, preferably in the form of plain water.