Cystitis Diet

DEFINITION

The aim of the diet for Cystitis is to dilute and increase the amount of urine, to include foods and beverages which have a mild anti-bacterial effect and to keep the urine alkaline to reduce painful symptoms.

DIET SHOULD BE HIGH IN

1. Fluids. An attack of Cystitis can often be prevented in the early stages if plenty of fluids are used to flush harmful bacteria out of the bladder. Drink frequently and aim for 8 or more glasses of water per day.
2. Vitamin C which is beneficial in fighting infection and inflammation. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, especially citrus and berry fruit and salad vegetables.

DIET SHOULD BE MODERATE IN

1. Cranberry. Cranberry is very effective in preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. 1-2 cups of cranberry juice per day is recommended for treatment and prevention of Cystitis.
2. Calcium. High levels of calcium can increase the adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract and lead to infection. A moderate intake of calcium must be maintained for bone health but supplements should be avoided if prone to Cystitis.
3. Lactobacillus or acidophilus yoghurt. Live yoghurt cultures restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina and can reduce the risk of harmful bacteria being transferred to the urinary tract.

DIET SHOULD BE LOW IN

-Alcohol and caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) which are dehydrating and can directly irritate the bladder.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

The following meal plan is suggested for Cystitis.

BREAKFAST

1. 1/2 - 1 cup bran cereal or porridge or 1/4- 1/2cup muesli with low fat milk.
2. 1-2 slices wholemeal toast with a little butter and honey.
3. 1 poached or boiled egg (if desired) or small piece grilled fish.
4. 2 glasses of water or 1-2 cups of herbal tea.

MORNING TEA

1. 1 cup fresh fruit salad (including berries) with lactobacillus or acidophilus yoghurt.
2. 1 cup cranberry juice and 1-2 glasses of water.

LUNCH

1. 2-4 slices wholemeal bread or 1-2 bread rolls or 1-1 1/2cups rice or pasta.
2. 1-2 slices lean ham or roast meat with pickles or mustard or chicken with low oil mayonnaise or small tin sardines.
3. Plenty of salad vegetables or fresh tomato sauce for pasta or stir-fry vegetables for rice.
4. 1 handful of strawberries or cranberries.
2 glasses of water.

AFTERNOON TEA

1. 1 cup fruit salad with lactobacillus or acidophilus yoghurt or cottage cheese
2. 1 cup cranberry juice and 1-2 glasses of water.

DINNER

1. 100-150g lean red meat or chicken or 200g grilled fish OR 2-3 soybean patties with fresh tomato sauce.
2. 1-2 medium potatoes or 1-1 1/2cups rice or pasta.
3. Plenty of vegetables or salad.
4. 1 cup fresh fruit salad or 1 glass fruit juice.

REMEMBER

1. Include 1 1/4 cups of cranberry juice daily.
2. Eat fresh fruit, salad or lightly steamed vegetables twice a day.
3. Drink 8 or more glasses water daily. One glass every two hours is a good guideline.

NOTES

The painful urination during Cystitis is usually related to increased acidity of urine. Producing alkaline urine may relieve the symptoms of burning and pain while urinating, but it will NOT prevent or reduce the bacteria in the urine. The diet for Cystitis is only recommended in conjunction with proper medical diagnosis and treatment (usually antibiotics).

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you.