Preventing bladder inflammation

Nothing is quite so irritating as an inflamed bladder. You have the feeling that you need to go to the toilet all the time – and that is no fun. But what exactly is bladder inflammation? Who is likely to be sensitive for it? And how can you prevent it from happening? If you would like to know more, read on.

What is a bladder inflammation?

Bladder inflammation is an infection of the interior of the bladder caused by bacteriacarried by the urinary tracts. One of the most important causes (80 to 95%) of bladder and urinary tract infections is E. coli, a bacteria that originates in the intestinal flora.

A crucial phase in the development of urinary tract and bladder infection is the ability of certain bacteria to attach themselves to the bladder mucosa. This means that these bacteria cannot be washed away during urination, so that they are given the opportunity to multiply. E. coli is one such bacteria that can use its pili or fimbriae (small filamentous projections on the outside of the bacterial cell) to hook itself to the bladder wall. Once they are attached to the bladder lining in this way, they are very difficult to remove through the passage of urine alone.

How can you recognise bladder inflammation?

Bladder infections of this kind have a number of characteristic and identifiable symptoms.

• You many experience a burning sensation during urination.
• You constantly have the feeling that you need to go to the toilet.
• You only urinate small amounts of urine on each visit.
• Your urine has a distinctive smell.

Bladder inflammation in men and women

Bladder inflammation is fifty times more likely to occur in women than in men. This huge difference is attributable to the different anatomy of men and women. Women have a shorter urethra than men and the mucus membranes surrounding its exterior opening make it more susceptible to infection by bacteria, which can then find their way back up from the urethra to the bladder.

How can you prevent bladder inflammation?

Urinary tract problems occur frequently and are unpleasant. Preventing them is therefore important.

• The most important preventative measure is drinking enough fluids. In the first instance, this means drinking a lot of water. But herbal infusions, like Physalis Reno-Drain, are also highly beneficial. Alternatively, you can opt to add a few drops of Physalis Reno-Drain herbal synergy to a glass of water. This will support the work of the kidneys to eliminate waste from the body. If you dilute your urine in this way and go to the toilet regularly, bacteria will have less chance to attach themselves to the bladder wall.
• Always empty your bladder fully. Any residual urine left in the bladder is more likely to be contaminated and therefore lead to bladder infection.
• Always urinate after intimate bodily contact. This is important for cleaning the urethra, since bacteria can enter the body more easily during such contact.
• Eat sufficient fibres, because this contributes toward healthy intestinal flora. Biotona Superfibres contains 100% natural and vegetable fibres that are well tolerated by the body.
• Good natural immunity makes you less susceptible to all inflammations. To strengthen your immune system, it is important to get enough sleep, eat healthily and take sufficient exercise. In addition, nutritional supplements can also give extra support to your body's natural defence mechanisms.
• There is also a range of specific natural nutritional supplements that have been specially developed for the prevention and treatment of (uncomplicated) bladder inflammations.

↪ Read more about the immune system

In contrast to antibiotics, natural products do not have any harmful effects on good bacteria.

Nutritional supplements: how they work

The beneficial effects of nutritional supplements for (recurring) urinary tract infections, including bladder inflammation, are based on three mechanisms:

1. An anti-adhesive effect, which makes it harder for bacteria to attach themselves to the bladder wall. The North American cranberry (rich in active proanthocyanidins or PACs) and the hibiscus rose contain natural components that attach themselves to the fimbriae of the E. coli bacteria, so that they are less able to hook on to the bladder wall.
2. An effect that improves the intestinal flora and strengthens the immune system, thanks to the additional supplementation of pre- and probiotics.
3. An effect that acidifies the urine.

Although a large percentage of bladder infections can be prevented or helped by the above measures, unfortunately antibiotics are still all too often prescribed as a remedy. In contrast to these antibiotics, natural products do not have any harmful effects on good bacteria and can therefore be used over a long period to prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infections.