I think I may have cystitis, I don’t feel the need to urinate more frequently but when I do it stings. I have had cystitis before but only for a few days and this bout has lasted for nearly two weeks. What causes it and how can I get rid of it?

Stinging on urination may be cystitis although can be caused by vaginal irritation due to sensitivity to soap or chemicals – avoid using anything other than water on the area for a few days to see if your symptoms improve.

Recurrent cystitis is usually caused by infection with intestinal E-coli due to lack of protective beneficial gut bacteria. While cystitis does need to be treated to avoid infection spreading to the kidneys, frequent antibiotic use destroys beneficial bacteria and allows pathogenic bacteria and yeasts to proliferate – leaving mucous membranes including the urinary tract lining prone to infection. Rebalancing the gut flora is therefore crucial, so avoid immune-depleting processed foods and refined, sugary carbohydrates, loved by pathogenic bacteria and yeasts alike. Yeasty foods including bread, marmite and beer also upset gut bacteria balance. Increase natural live yoghurt and miso to boost beneficial bacteria, and pre-biotic foods including onions, leeks and bananas to feed them. A probiotic supplement would also be helpful, try Biocare’s Bioacidophilus Forte.

During an attack of cystitis drink a glass of water every hour to flush the system, avoiding alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, and chocolate which irritate the bladder. Try unsweetened cranberry juice containing hippuric acid which inhibits bacterial growth and prevents bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining. Re-alkalise the system with salads, green vegetables, bananas, apples, papaya and pears. Pineapple contains anti-inflammatory bromelain which helps soothe urinary infections. Celery, parsley and watermelon act as natural diuretics and cleansers, and garlic and onions help fight infections.

Vitamin C helps fight acute infections and acidifies the urine, making it less bacteria-friendly, try Biocare’s Vitamin C Powder or wholefood Pure Radiance C, available from xynergy.co.uk tel 08456 585858. Also helpful would be Biocare’s Cranberry Plus containing cranberry concentrate plus Vitamin C and Acidophilus, or Pukka’s Gokshura & Shatavari formula designed to help urinary function and clear urinary infections, also from Xynergy

Stella New RSHom MBANT is a registered homeopath and nutritional therapist with clinics in Midhurst and Farnham, and technical consultant for Xynergy Health Products. Prior to her training she spent many years as an expedition leader, taking groups into some of the most challenging parts of the world, where she was inspired by the use of natural remedies for treating all manner of ailments. Email stella@stellanew.co.uk