Natural Health: How can I prevent another cystitis infection? 

Plus remedies for migraines that could be related to perimenopause

Cystitis can leave you feeling miserable and desperate for relief. Picture: iStock 

I’ve been getting cystitis on and off for years. The scalding pain is at its worst when I’m passing urine. I drink plenty of fluids and take cranberry supplements, but I still get recurring infections. Is there anything different I can do?

Cystitis can leave you feeling miserable and desperate for relief. The infection can be caused by a bladder inflammation where irritation is usually caused by not drinking enough water, using certain soaps and talcs, or by resisting urination when the bladder is full. More commonly, it’s caused by bacterial cystitis, which is usually a result of the bacteria from the anus (and/or vagina in females) being carried to the bladder.

Since you are drinking plenty of fluids to help stay on top of the infections, it may be worth changing from cranberry supplements to uva ursi (also known as bearberry). It is an excellent remedy for burning or stinging and urinary frequency. Uva ursi is even more effective when combined with marshmallow root, which helps to soothe inflamed tissues, and taken as a cold infusion.

You will need to prepare a batch the night before. Add two teaspoons of uva ursi leaf and two teaspoons of marshmallow root to a litre of cold water in a jar, give it a stir or a shake and let it stand overnight. Strain in the morning and drink throughout the day. Continue until your symptoms have eased.

You should not take both cranberry and uva ursi at the same time, as the cranberry supplement may reduce the effectiveness of the active compound in uva ursi.

It is important not to leave cystitis untreated for too long, as the infection can spread to your kidneys. If you have any pain across the kidney area, blood in your urine, nausea, or fever, head straight to the emergency room.

If you are prescribed antibiotics, ask for your urine to be tested to identify the specific type of infection, rather than relying on a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

• NOTE: Do not use uva ursi if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

I’ve started to get mild migraines at night, which I’m treating with paracetamol. I’m in my late 40s, so they could be related to the perimenopause. What would you recommend?

You are right to consider the role of perimenopause in these migraines, especially since they have recently begun to appear.

Women will often experience migraines in early pregnancy, around menstruation, and during perimenopausal change. Changes in oestrogen levels mean that women can be more than three times as likely to experience migraines as men.

Other common causes of migraine include bright light, stress, cigarette smoke, lack of sleep, loud noises, hormone-based contraceptives, MSG (monosodium glutamate), nitrites and sulphites, caffeine, and allergies or intolerances. Even skipping meals regularly can contribute to a migraine episode.

Common food triggers include wine, chocolate, citrus, onions, dairy, fermented foods, nuts, and bananas, although perfume and strong fragrances are the number one cause of migraines.

Supplementation with essential fatty acids daily can help to reduce the frequency and may lower the pain and severity of an attack. Choose a supplement that contains both EPA and DHA, as these nutrients are key in helping reduce neuroinflammation.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is the herbal remedy of choice to treat an existing migraine. You will need one heaped teaspoon of dried herb to one cup of near-boiling water, and steep it for four to six minutes.

The botanical remedy feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is often used to help prevent migraines. A daily 100g dose is typically recommended to provide sufficient levels of its active ingredient, parthenolide.

• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.