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Treating cystitis with bicarbonate: a sensible choice or a bad idea?

My dear friend,

you hear so many of grandmother’s remedies to treat cystitis. Today we focus on baking soda, an ingredient used for a thousand thousand problems and, most of the time, really useful.

But not in this case!

Why? Let’s find out together in this article.

Cystitis alarm: bicarbonate yes or bicarbonate no?

Is it safe to use baking soda to fight cystitis?

Let’s make it clear right away: there is no medical research demonstrating the effectiveness of baking soda in treating cystitis.

In fact, it might even be dangerous!

Incorrect intake of sodium bicarbonate to treat UTIs (urinary tract infections) can complicate the situation, and the patient may need immediate medical attention.

You should know, in fact, that cases have been reported of people suffering from nasal bleeding due to the ingestion of baking soda to treat this type of infection. Not to mention that excessive intake can lead to an acid-base imbalance in the body.

These are the most common complications caused by baking soda:

  • Stomach pain;
  • diarrhea;
  • vomiting;
  • hemorrhage;
  • seizures;
  • nausea.

But that is not all.

In severe cases, taking sodium bicarbonate can even cause bleeding in the brain.

In short, it seems pretty clear to me: this is not the remedy you need for your cystitis! But because I don’t like to leave anything to chance, I’ll share with you below some studies conducted on the subject.

Read also: Why in the presence of diabetes increases the risk of occurrence of cystitis

Bicarbonate: why you should NEVER consider it an option to treat cystitis

We just mentioned that there is not much scientific evidence that baking soda can cure urinary tract infections. However, there is evidence that this ingredient can be harmful to the body.

Ananalysis by the California Poison Control System found that out of 192 cases of baking soda poisoning, 4-7% were due to people who tried to use it as a treatment for UTIs (urinary tract infections). In most cases, the complications were serious enough to force the poisoned people to go to the hospital.

Even though it is a natural product, it can still be dangerous, especially if ingested in quantities.

At least one case has been documented in the Western Journal of Emergency Health in which a man experienced severe bleeding following the ingestion of sodium bicarbonate.

So, its intake should always be approved by one’s treating physician, so that one does not suffer from serious side effects and complications due to the presence of disease or ongoing therapy.

In any case, the recommended dose is about 325-2000 mg orally, and it is always recommended to take it a couple of hours after meals.

How to treat cystitis really effectively?

Since cystitis is most commonly caused by bacteria inside the bladder, the first step is to eliminate the bacteria to get rid of the infection.

This requires drinking plenty of water during the day and emptying the bladder completely: if you hold your pee too long, you risk bacteria multiplying, prolonging the infection.

Second, it is essential to take care of one’s intimate hygiene.

It seems obvious to say, but you should always clean yourself from front to back (and never the other way around): since the distance between the anus and the urethra is really small, it is really easy to spread intestinal germs if you don’t clean yourself the right way!

In addition, it is important to wash thoroughly with gentle cleansers, especially after sexual intercourse: keep in mind that sex could also cause cystitis, in this case we are talking about post-coital cystitis.

And since we are talking about it, it makes sense to be very careful during intercourse and, most importantly, to be properly lubricated.

But it didn’t end there.

Always remember to wear loose-fitting clothing , especially at night, to allow intimate areas to breathe and avoid retaining moisture.

Finally, here are some extra tips:

  • avoid caffeine for a while because it may further irritate the bladder;
  • If infection is ongoing, best to abstain from sexual intercourse;
  • be sure to rest to help the body recover;
  • Maintain a strong and healthy immune system by eating well so you can help the body fight infection;
  • Taking D-mannose.

Eh, wait, what?

If you have never heard of it, I will briefly explain what it is.

We are talking about a plant-derived monosaccharide that helps expel bacteria naturally. How? Simple, by peeing! Our Dimann brand products (available individually or in convenient kits) help in the prevention and treatment of cystitis.

Do you want to know which ones are best for you? You have two options:

  1. try the “Find Your Path” quiz, a tool that helps so many women learn about their cystitis and figure out how to act accordingly;
  2. write to me, I am always here at your disposal! ❤

I give you a big hug,

Lorenza

Read also: How to fight recurrent cystitis: finally a natural remedy that works!

In this article we talked about…

  • There is no medical research demonstrating the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate in treating cystitis.
  • Taking sodium bicarbonate can be dangerous and complicate the situation, even causing brain hemorrhage.
  • Sodium bicarbonate has been documented as a cause of poisoning in some cases, with complications requiring hospitalization.
  • Thorough intimate hygiene, a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can help eliminate the bacteria that cause cystitis.
  • D-mannose, a plant-derived monosaccharide, can help in the prevention and treatment of cystitis naturally and without health risks.

Is it safe to use baking soda to treat cystitis?

There is no medical research demonstrating the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate in treating cystitis. In addition, taking sodium bicarbonate can be dangerous and complicate the situation, even causing brain hemorrhage. It is always best to consult your primary care physician before taking any remedy for cystitis.

Why is baking soda not recommended to treat cystitis?

Baking soda is not recommended to treat cystitis because there is no scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness and because it can be harmful to the body, even causing serious complications requiring hospitalization. In addition, taking sodium bicarbonate can cause an acid-base imbalance in the body, as well as cause stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bleeding, seizures, and other disorders.

What are the natural remedies to treat cystitis?

Natural remedies to treat cystitis include drinking plenty of water throughout the day to eliminate bacteria in the bladder, emptying the bladder completely, taking care of one’s intimate hygiene, avoiding holding pee for too long, wearing loose clothing to allow intimate areas to breathe, avoiding caffeine, resting to help the body recover, staying healthy with a balanced diet, and taking D mannose, a plant-derived monosaccharide that helps expel bacteria naturally through pee.

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