Cystitis diet

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.
5. 2 glasses 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).

ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS

See the Australian Kidney Foundation topic on the
Healthpoint.