Although taking probiotics cannot cure cystitis, much evidence suggests that maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial microflora in the intestinal & vaginal passages can reduce the risk of UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)1.
There is limited evidence supporting the use of probiotics for IC symptoms. In fact, many with IC report that tempeh, soy beverages, and fermented milks - which contain natural probiotics - provoke IC symptoms. Other patients, however, have found that probiotic supplements help control their symptoms.
If you're looking for a good-quality probiotic to prevent cystitis, I would recommend Optibac's For Women. This contains both Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 strains and is formulated to survive and multiply in the urogenital tract, ideal for fending off recurring bouts of cystitis.
Mild cystitis will usually clear up on its own within a few days, although sometimes you may need to take antibiotics. See your GP for advice and treatment if: you have symptoms of cystitis for the first time. your symptoms don't start to improve within a few days.
Noninfectious cystitis can be due to a variety of causes, such as medication, radiation, foreign bodies, chemicals, autoimmune response, and may even be idiopathic in nature such as interstitial cystitis (IC); it may also occur in association with other diseases such as, gynecological cancer, PID, and Crohn's disease.
Best Probiotics for Cystitis
Both Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® can be found in Optibac Probiotics For Women.
Magnesium - Magnesium has a variety of effects in the body. It can help relieve constipation, reduces inflammation, supports muscle health and can help reduce anxiety in some studies. Obviously all of these are potentially beneficial to patients with IC!
Probiotics, especially ones with strains from the Lactobacilli family, may be helpful in preventing urinary tract infections. Because Lactobacilli are present in healthy, premenopausal women, maintaining a balance of these probiotic bacteria may support the body in fighting off the pathogens that cause UTIs.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) or IC/BPS is an issue of long-term bladder pain. It may feel like a bladder or urinary tract infection, but it's not. It is a feeling of discomfort and pressure in the bladder area that lasts for six weeks or more with no infection or other clear cause.
It usually takes weeks to months before symptoms improve. Even with successful treatment, the condition may not be cured. It is simply in remission. But, most patients can get significant relief of their symptoms and lead a normal life with treatment.
Coffee, soda, alcohol, tomatoes, hot and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices and drinks, MSG, and high-acid foods can trigger IC symptoms or make them worse.
Heat & Cold Therapy
Depending on the type of flare-up, the application of heat and cold therapy can prove helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation linked to Interstitial Cystitis.
Patients with IC often avoid Vitamin C as it tends to flare symptoms. More sensitive patients avoid multivitamins as it is difficult to find one without vitamin C. Those patients who have their IC more under control can tolerate some specially buffered Vitamin C and benefit from the IC Multi.
If there is a disturbance in the gut, this cause the increased growth of more pathogenic (i.e., “bad”) bacteria over “good” bacteria, which results in generation of uremic toxins. Using probiotics (“good bacteria”) for removal of uremic toxins from the colon could help to maintain healthy kidney function.
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is an inflamed or irritated bladder wall. It can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder. The bladder can't hold as much urine as it did in the past. It is a chronic disorder.
Cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be the same thing, but they aren't always. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder that can be caused by infectious or noninfectious reasons. UTIs are infections of the urinary tract, including everything from the urethra to the bladder to the kidneys.
Milk/Dairy Products Avoid: aged cheeses, sour cream, yogurt and choco- late. Okay to try: white chocolate, non-aged cheeses such as cottage or American, frozen yogurt and milk. Vegetables Avoid: fava beans, lima beans, onions, tofu, soy beans & soy-based products, and tomatoes.
Cystitis (sis-TIE-tis) is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. Inflammation is when a part of your body is swollen and hot. It can also be painful. Most of the time, cystitis happens when there's an infection caused by bacteria.
Bladder infections can lead to inflammation of the bladder (cystitis). Symptoms include pain and burning with urination, increased frequency of urination and sometimes abdominal pain. The inflammation usually improves after a course of antibiotics.