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Writer & Researcher for Dherbs.com
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Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that's almost always caused by a bacterial infection. If germs enter the urethra, they can infect the bladder, causing cystitis. Not only is a case of cystitis painful, it can also lead to more serious conditions. Infection can spread to the kidneys by way of the tubes that connect them to the bladder called the ureter.
Other than the bacterial infection, some of the less common causes of cystitis are drug reactions, especially chemotherapy drugs, radiation of the pelvic area, long-term use of a catheter, and an allergic reaction to certain products like feminine hygiene sprays or spermicidal jellies. Harsh soaps, bubble baths, deodorized tampons, and douches can also contribute to the development of cystitis. Cystitis can also result as a complication of other conditions such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, endometriosis, and various pelvic inflammatory disorders. People with diabetes need to be particularly careful in treating this disorder, since the kidneys are at risk for infection. Keeping the immune system strong and healthy is very beneficial in fighting off bladder infection. Taking a tonic that's made from natural herbs of echinacea root, goldenseal root, astragalus, cats claw, ginger root, and pau d will help in boosting the immune system and making it easier to fight off infection
More women are plagued with cystitis than men by a sizable percentage. There are two main reasons for this. First, the woman's urethral opening is closer to the anus than a man's, so the germs don't have as far to travel. In addition, a woman's urethra itself is considerably shorter than a man's, 1 and 1/2 inches for a woman compared to 8 inches for a man. This greatly reduces the distance bacteria needs to travel to a woman's bladder. Most men who have healthy urinary tracts very seldom develop cystitis. Men are, however, at greater risk for bladder infection, if they have an enlarged prostate gland. Keep the bladder and kidneys cleansed and nourished with a natural plant formula that includes the benefits of the cranberry, which has been determined to have infection-fighting properties.
There are several steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of developing cystitis. Some apply to both men and women and some to woman only. For example, holding your urine can cause the urine to begin to grow stagnant and lead to the growth of bacteria, leading to cystitis. Go frequently, try never to hold it. Changing the body's natural acidity by douching can lead to infection. Avoid douching. Drink plenty of fluids. Your urine should never be dark in color. Always keep the anal/urethra area clean. It's very important for woman to remember to never wipe from back to front, always from front to back after a bowel movement.
Another lifestyle change that may help reduce the risk of developing infection is to choose underwear made of cotton, which is a natural, breathable fiber. If you do prefer wearing underwear made from fabrics such as silk, nylon, or other fabrics, make sure they have a cotton crotch. Wearing anything tight-fitting such as pants, shorts, or underwear is okay for short periods of time, but they can put you at risk for developing when worn for extended periods of time.
And, finally, add some food sources which will aid in reducing bacteria in the urine. They include oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables. Combine with these foods an herbal formula that will strengthen and vitalize the urinary system. Make sure it includes the most beneficial ingredients for optimum health. Look for herbs such as juniper berries, uva ursi which kills bacteria, parsley leaf, celery seed, asparagus which helps flush out bacteria, and buchu leaf which acts as a urinary tract disinfectant and diuretic.
Suzanne VanDeGrift has developed this article, on behalf of Dherbs.com.
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