Natural Health: Cystitis

My sister suffers from recurring cystitis, which often affects her kidneys. Is there anything natural she could take to help, as she is at her wits’ end? Antibiotics no longer seem to work

Cystitis is very common in women, with E. coli accounting for 85% of cases of recurrent cystitis. The usual cause of recurrent cystitis is bacteria entering the bladder via the urethra, which is why females are more prone to this type of infection (the urethra is much shorter).

It is important your sister is careful with which products she uses, as well as making some diet and lifestyle tweaks. Avoiding the use of talcum powder and perfumed body products and soaps is important, along with fully emptying the bladder rather than ‘holding on’ when the urge arises.

Drinking plenty of water is crucial to help flush out the system, and also rules out dehydration as a trigger factor.

Processed sugar, alcohol, fizzy drinks, tea, and coffee are all off the menu when it comes to dietary recommendations. Herbal teas (without sweetener) are a great choice. Uva ursi can be a very effective herbal remedy to treat recurrent cystitis, as it remains inert until it reaches the bladder, where it is hydrolysed, producing hydroquinone and naturally disinfecting the bladder.

One of my favourite supplements to treat bladder and urinary tract infections is D-mannose. It works by binding to the bacteria and preventing it from sticking to the lining of the bladder, so that it is excreted during urination instead of multiplying out of control. The great thing about this supplement is that it works very quickly as it is watersoluble, which means it is absorbed and excreted rapidly.

Waterfall’s D-mannose is available online from www.waterfall-d-mannose.com, where a full bladder infection pack costs £42.06. It includes two 50g tubs of the tablets plus a pack of urine test strips, so that your sister can monitor her own progress. Their website is actually full of useful information, so is well worth a visit. D-mannose is also safe for use during pregnancy.

Bioforce’s Uva ursi complex is available online from all good health stores (for a list of local stockists, visit www.avogel.ie/company/stockists) and costs €10.50 for 50ml. Take 15 drops twice daily in a little water as a preventative measure, or 20 drops three times daily to treat an acute attack.

I recently purchased some Boswellia serrata capsules as an alternative to ibuprofen. Can I take these when I have pain, the same as ibuprofen, or do I need to take an ongoing dose as a preventative measure. Also, what is the correct dosage?

Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian Frankincense, is from the gum of the Boswellia serrata tree and works by dilating restricted blood vessels which are causing pain in specific areas. It is useful in treating issues such as headaches, menstrual cramping, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and sporting injuries.

You can take these just as you would Ibuprofen — when you are experiencing pain. As far as a suitable dosage goes, studies show that it is effective at 100mg (up to three times daily) when you experience mild to moderate pain, or 300mg (again, up to three times daily) for the relief of stronger pain. You can take this remedy preventatively for chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, at the 100mg dosage.

Solgar’s standardised full potency Boswellia resin extract costs €22.02 for 60 x 100mg vege caps from health stores.