UTIs can be painful (Image: Pexels)
Staying hydrated is crucial for reducing the risk of cystitis, the most common UTI, but don’t overlook the power of a good diet.
Dr Emma Derbyshire, public health nutritionist and advisor to , is emphasising the significance of diet in maintaining immune health: “Since cystitis is caused by an infection, it is important to keep your immune system healthy. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, with lean proteins and wholegrains, can help to keep your immune system healthy and strong and more able to fight off infections such as cystitis.”
She further advises those frequently affected by cystitis to pay particular attention to their diet: “Having a healthy diet is even more important if you’re prone to getting cystitis. Several vitamins and minerals are important for immune function. Key foods containing immune function nutrients include vitamin C, which can be found in berries, citrus fruit, tomatoes, and broccoli, while vitamin B12 is found in meat, dairy, eggs and fish.”
Dr Derbyshire also highlights other dietary sources vital for immune health: “Dietary sources of vitamin B6 include wholemeal bread, meat (especially pork), fish, bananas, and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin D is found in few foods (oily fish such as salmon and sardines), fortified breakfast cereals and spreads.
“Public Health England recommends that everyone takes a supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. Boost the healthy bacteria in your gut by consuming live, natural yoghurt or other fermented food such as kefir, kimchi or sauerkraut or take a probiotic supplement – these may help to boost your gut health and immune health and reduce your risk of cystitis.
“Cranberry juice is sometimes recommended to help ease cystitis because it has been suggested that it helps by reducing the adhesion of Escherichia Coli bacteria to the urinary tract. There is, however, debate over the evidence, but the research is inconclusive, and the amounts required are poorly defined. There is also very little evidence to suggest that cranberry juice eases symptoms or treats cystitis once the infection has started.”
Salmon is a source of vitamin B12 (Image: Pexels)
Further ways to tackle cystitis
Wipe correctly
Dr Derbyshire said: “The direction you wipe after going to the toilet is important. Always wipe from front to back. This applies to women as it is more hygienic and will help to avoid spreading bacteria into your urinary tract and vagina.”
The correct post-sex routine
Dr Derbyshire advised: “Wash your genital area before and after sex to keep bacteria away from the urethra. Have a wee and empty your bladder after sex. Try to lean back on the toilet when passing urine and wait for the last few drops to pass out. It’s also wise to avoid having sex at all whilst you have cystitis as sex can cause friction and irritation in the urethra, which is sensitive during an infection.”
Self-care
She further added: “Prompt treatment of cystitis is essential as it can be very debilitating. To alleviate the symptoms of cystitis, try Effercitrate Tablets. Available without the need for a prescription or a urine sample, Effercitrate Tablets, which are available in a lemon and lime flavour, are effervescent in format and, when dissolved, contain the ingredient potassium citrate.
“Potassium citrate helps make the urine more alkaline, soothing the bladder and urethra lining and relieving the discomfort caused by the infection. If your cystitis symptoms continue for more than a couple of days after treatment, see your GP as cystitis can occasionally progress to a kidney infection, which will require treatment with antibiotics.”