A bladder infection is caused by bacteria in the bladder. This leads to inflammation in the urethra and bladder. Bladder infections are extremely unpleasant: urination is painful and there are problems with urination.
Stress and cold can promote bladder infections. People with diabetes have a higher risk of urinary tract infections. Sometimes bacteria can enter the bladder during medical procedures, which can lead to infections. This risk exists during cystoscopies, bladder irrigation and bladder catheters.
Women are significantly more likely to suffer from bladder infections than men. The risk is particularly high during menopause and pregnancy.
Acute cystitis often needs to be treated with antibiotics. However, frequent use of antibiotics is problematic because it negatively affects the intestinal and vaginal flora and promotes antibiotic resistance.
There are some micronutrients and home remedies that can help prevent bladder infections.
Cranberry extract
Cranberries contain certain secondary plant substances called proanthocyanidins. These prevent bacteria from settling in the mucous membrane of the urinary tract.
The effectiveness of cranberry extract in acute cystitis is not clearly proven. However, there is good evidence that cranberry extract can help prevent cystitis. [1] People with frequently recurring urinary tract infections can therefore benefit from cranberry extract.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the immune system. Therefore, it can also support the immune system in the fight against bacteria that cause cystitis.
In addition, vitamin C is acidic and can therefore acidify the urine. Bacteria cannot multiply as well in an acidic environment. [2]
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has important functions in the immune system. Vitamin D also stimulates the production of defense molecules in the urine, which ensure that bacteria cannot attach themselves so easily to the bladder wall.
Studies have shown that people with vitamin D deficiency are more susceptible to bladder infections. [3] In a study with diabetes patients, taking 20,000 IU weekly was able to reduce the frequency of bladder infections. [4]
zinc
Zinc is also essential for the immune system. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, promotes the production of antibodies and can increase the activity of certain immune cells.
People with low zinc levels have an increased risk of bladder infections. [5] However, there are few studies on taking zinc for urinary tract infections. In one study, children who took zinc recovered more quickly from a bladder infection than the control group that did not receive zinc.
selenium
A well-functioning immune system needs sufficient selenium . Selenium has an anti-inflammatory effect and captures free radicals.
Unfortunately, there are no studies on selenium for cystitis, but there is evidence that selenium may be helpful for bacterial infections. [6]
Amino acid methionine
Methionine is one of the essential amino acids that we must consume through our diet. In the case of bladder infections, it has the useful property of acidifying the urine. This means that bacteria cannot multiply as easily.
In one study, taking methionine reduced the recurrence rate of cystitis. [7]
Conclusion: A healthy immune system can prevent bladder infections
Cystitis is caused by bacteria. A healthy immune system is essential in the fight against bacterial infections. The immune system needs many nutrients. If these are missing, we become more susceptible to infections. Anyone who is susceptible to cystitis should therefore ensure that they have a good supply of these nutrients.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32752183/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17611821/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30814089/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27357103/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31456957/
