Any woman who has ever experienced a urinary tract infection
Any woman who has ever experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI), also known as a bladder infection or cystitis, understands how painful this experience is. UTIs are characterized by painful and frequent urination with the inability to actually empty the bladder, bladder spasms, discolored or foul-smelling urine and a mild fever. Fortunately treatment for a UTI is usually simple and effective with minimal side effects. A 7 – 10 day course of antibiotics is the primary method of treatment. If not treated effectively a UTI can turn into a kidney infection which is a life threatening condition. That is why it is imperative to seek treatment if you suspect a UTI.
Unfortunately for some people UTIs become a way of life. Chronic UTIs also known as interstitial cystitis or chronic bladder infections are not bacterial in origin and therefore cannot be treated with antibiotics. The direct cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown but, clinical researchers have identified commonalities among women who suffer from this condition. These commonalities include food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, sensitive skin and other chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Additionally these commonalities overlap with symptoms of another chronic condition called candidiasis, an overgrowth of yeast in the body. Many researchers and clinicians who have treated women with interstitial cystitis have begun to explore the link between interstitial cystitis and candida.
Interstitial is a complex disorder which has multiple symptoms and hence multiple causes. A multi-faceted approach is necessary to effectively treat this condition. Common treatments for interstitial cystitis are pain medication, prescription medication, bladder distention, bladder instillation, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), diet low in acidic foods, exercise and surgery. For some even these measures are not enough to alleviate symptoms. When traditional treatments fail to help the patient antifungal medication and the Candida Diet may offer some relief.
The connection between interstitial and candida albicans as a contributing factor to this condition makes perfect sense. Before a woman is diagnosed with interstitial cystitis they are diagnosed with multiple individual episodes of UTIs which are treated with multiple courses of antibiotics. Every time we take antibiotics we put are internal balance at risk, as antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in our body and consequently allow the candida to flourish unchecked and cause multiple symptoms. Many women have been treated their internal cystitis successfully with antifungal medication and the Candida Diet. If you are suffering from interstitial cystitis and traditional treatment has been unsuccessful than the exploration of candidiasis and the Candida Diet may help you gain new awareness of your condition.