Cystitis is an infection or inflammation of the bladder; it tends to be more common in women than men. A half of women will suffer from cystitis at sometime during their life. Women tend to be more affected by cystitis because the urethra in women is much shorter than in men this makes it easy for infection to pass along the urinary tract. Infections are usually triggered by bacteria.

Symptoms of cystitis are an urgency to urinated, a stinging, discomfort or burning whilst urinating, urinating small amounts frequently, persistent urge to urinate, backache or abdominal cramping, passing of cloudy, blood-stained or bad smelling urine and serious infections can cause chills, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Dietary changes can help with cystitis, avoid sugar and sugary foods, cut down on alcohol consumption, reduce dietary fats and drink plenty of water and cranberry juice. Reoccurring and chronic cases of cystitis have been linked to food allergies; if you suffer regularly from cystitis then it may be wise to visit your doctor or nutritional therapist to see if a food allergy is causing the cystitis. It is also wise to see your doctor if symptoms are recurring, if you are pregnant, fever or shakes occur and if your urine is blood stained or cloudy. Some women have found that acupuncture has been beneficial in easing the symptoms of cystitis.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from cystitis.

Cranberry juice

Extract of bearberry

Extract of dandelion

Extract of peppermint

Grapefruit seed extract

Multivitamins and minerals

Olive oil extracts

Vitamin A