What Is Cystitis or a Urinary Tract Infection?
The scientific term "cystitis" refers to an inflammation of the bladder. In the vast majority of cases, it is caused by the proliferation of germs, particularly enterobacteria of fecal origin that belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family, which constitutes one of the largest families of bacteria. In more than three-quarters of cases, Escherichia coli bacteria are to blame. However, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiellae, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus bacteria are also sometimes the cause.
Are Urinary Tract Infections Just a Women's Problem?
Cystitis, or a urinary tract infection (UTI), is an extremely common condition. While men are not immune, women are significantly more often affected, as 80% of them will deal with cystitis at least once in their lifetime.
This female predominance is explained by anatomy. And for good reason! In women, the external opening of the urethra is very close to the anus, which is abundant in bacteria. These bacteria have only a short distance to travel to reach the entrance of the urethra.
Many factors favor the proliferation of bacteria as well as their transit from the anus to the urethra:
- The use of aggressive antiseptic products for vaginal hygiene disrupts the bacterial flora that is supposed to protect the vagina.
- Sexual intercourse can weaken the urethra.
- Wearing tight pants and underwear or garments made of synthetic materials creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of germs, which thrive in warm, damp environments.
- The drop in estrogen concentrations during menopause makes this period particularly delicate for women: the thinning of genital tissues and the decrease in vaginal secretions provide a favorable ground for bacterial proliferation.
- An insufficient fluid intake limits the frequency of bladder emptying.
A urinary tract infection can affect any part of the urinary system, thereby disrupting the entire urine cycle: from its production by the kidneys (blood filtration and fluid regulation) to its routing through the ureters to the bladder (reservoir), until its final evacuation through the urethra.
Normally, urine is sterile, and the urinary system possesses numerous defense mechanisms against infections (urine flow, urine acidity, bladder wall, etc.). However, several factors essential to the infection process allow pathogenic strains of E. coli to selectively colonize the epithelium of the urethra.
Adhesins, which are particularly expressed in pathogenic strains of E. coli, are components of the bacterial cell membrane. They promote the adhesion of E. coli to epithelial cells. This adhesion is essential for the bacteria to persist on the mucosa despite urine flow and peristaltic movements.
Among the many types of adhesins identified, one specific type stands out: P-fimbriae. They bind strongly to epithelial cells (cells that form the tissue covering all surfaces of our organism, facing outward or inward) by specifically recognizing a glycolipid receptor present on the surface of bladder and kidney cells. The density of these receptors varies from person to person, which could explain the higher or lower susceptibility of individuals to urinary tract infections. Furthermore, adhesins promote the growth and proliferation of E. coli.
The First Signs of Cystitis
1. Burning, urgency, and frequent urination
When passing urine, people suffering from cystitis experience intense burning or stinging sensations, along with a frequent and urgent need to urinate. In addition to these symptoms, there is often a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
2.Cloudy urine, presence of blood
In cases of bacterial cystitis, the urine is usually cloudy, which indicates the presence of white blood cells responding to the infection. Furthermore, the urine may contain streaks of blood due to the inflammation of the bladder. This is not at all a sign of severity. In rare cases, cystitis remains asymptomatic.
Complications of Urinary Tract Infections
Recurrent Cystitis
Cystitis is considered recurrent when at least 4 episodes occur within a year. Nearly half of all women who experience cystitis go on to develop recurrent infections. Recurrent cystitis is not trivial. On average, each episode of cystitis causes 6 days of symptoms, 2 days of reduced activities, 1 day of inability to work, and half a day in bed!
Pyelonephritis
It is important to emphasize that simple cystitis does not generally cause a fever or lower back pain. These symptoms are instead indicative of a complication of cystitis, particularly pyelonephritis, which is an inflammation of the kidney (bacteria travel up the ureters to reach the kidneys) accompanied by a fever and often chills. If these symptoms are present, a medical consultation is required.
Allopathic Treatments for Cystitis
Bacterial urinary tract infections are easily and quickly treated with antibiotics over periods of 3 to 7 days. It is advisable to increase water consumption during this period to increase urinary flow. Once treated, symptoms normally disappear within 24 to 48 hours. If there is no improvement after 48 hours, it is often because the chosen antibiotic was not the right one. However, this practice is not without consequences.
Bearberry leaves, also nicknamed "bear's grape," contain phenolic glycosides, including arbutin. The latter is absorbed in the small intestine and then transformed into hydroquinone derivatives in the liver before it can exert its p
A Dutch study compared the efficacy of a cranberry extract (1 g/day) against a combination of antibiotics in 221 premenopausal women prone to recurrent cystitis. After one year, the results were surprising. While the cranberry extract was slightly less effective than the antibiotics, the researchers notably found that 90% of the bacteria responsible for these infections became resistant to antibiotics in the antibiotic group. Beyond the dangers of the widespread and systematic use of antibiotics, this study shows that there are natural alternative solutions based on plants or beehive products, without the risk of developing resistance (Beerepoot et al. 2011).
owerful antiseptic effects.
Beehive Products to Relieve Cystitis
Escherichia Coli is a very common bacterium that sticks to the walls of mucous membranes. E. coli is not harmful as long as it competes with other commensal bacteria. However, when the intestinal flora is weakened, E. coli sometimes takes over and settles in comfortably, even causing infections. If you are prone to recurring urinary tract infections, you must start by modifying the environment in which the bacterium thrives. The first thing to do is therefore to strengthen the intestinal flora by taking probiotics.
Cistus pollen, which is the richest in lactic ferments, has the most significant probiotic effects. Its richness in vitamin E strengthens the intestinal epithelium, reinforcing our natural barrier and limiting gut porosity. To be taken as a 6-week course at a rate of one tablespoon per day in the morning during breakfast.
Cistus pollen is also very beneficial after a course of antibiotics, as the lactic acid bacteria temporarily take over from a compromised gut microbiota and help restore it. The fiber in the pollen acts as a prebiotic and also supports this flora.
To stop an early-stage infection or tackle recurring cystitis, Urinary Comfort is a dietary supplement combining the recognized benefits of cranberry, bearberry, and green propolis. This unique formula helps limit the risk of recurring cystitis or stop a developing infection in its tracks.
Cranberries contain a high level of proanthocyanidins (PACs), a powerful natural antioxidant that helps maintain urinary comfort. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PACs in reducing the adhesion of certain strains, such as E. Coli, to the urinary tract walls. 3 capsules guarantee an intake of 36 mg of proanthocyanidins.
Organic Baccharis green propolis from Brasil has a bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect, limiting bacterial proliferation and allowing an optimal immune system response. The combination of cranberry and propolis also significantly reduces the virulence of Escherichia coli.
Bearberry leaves, also known as “bear's grape,” contain phenolic glycosides, including arbutin. Arbutin is absorbed in the small intestine and then converted into hydroquinone derivatives in the liver before it can exert its powerful antiseptic effects.
We recommend taking 3 capsules Urinary Comfort daily for 7 days (1 in the morning, 1 at noon, and 1 in the evening). If you have an early-stage infection, take all 3 capsules at once on the first day. It is recommended that you increase your water intake (about 1.5 to 2 liters per day) while taking Urinary Comfort. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
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