Infections of the urinary tract – the main among all cystitis – or vaginal infections – among the most common candida – affect almost all women at least once in their life.

They often occur in periods of greater stress or in the summer, by virtue of the fact that heat and humidity alter the balance of the vaginal mucosa, creating a favorable environment for the onset of bacterial infections. Among these bacteria, one of the most widespread is Escherichia coli, which normally resides in the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for 80% of cases of bacterial cystitis.

Intimate health is in fact closely linked to the presence of good bacteria, which represent about 90% (lactobacilli) of the microbial flora and to potentially pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and candida. Cystitis or candida occurs when this proportion changes.

Cystitis and candida can also be triggered by bad daily habits such as the use of alcohol, a diet rich in sugars and carbohydrates, poor bowel regularity (constipation or diarrhea) or following sexual intercourse.

Candida and cystitis: what they are and the differences

Sometimes candida and cystitis are confused and it is, therefore, advisable to clarify the annoyances that these two different implications cause.

Candida

Candida is a yeast infection, therefore caused by fungi. In most cases, the fungus of the Candida albicans species is responsible for candidiasis. In healthy individuals, this fungus is part of the organism’s bacterial flora and does not cause any kind of damage. There are times, however, when this organism proliferates excessively and turns into a pathogen, creating various disorders.

Among the most common causes of the proliferation of this fungus are:

• use of drugs such as antibiotics
• drop in immune defenses
• stress
• poor nutrition

Candida vulvovaginitis is very common among women. In case of candidiasis, the symptoms are manifested by intense itching and sometimes intimate burning, often with the presence of white and thick vaginal discharge, and with pain during sexual intercourse.

In the presence of symptoms it is advisable to contact your doctor or gynecologist, who will carry out a vaginal swab to analyze a sample and understand if it is actually Candida albicans.

Cystitis

Cystitis is a very annoying inflammation of the bladder mucosa. This pathology also affects women much more often and is characterized by a continuous and painful need to pee.

The inflammation is caused by bacteria that populate the intestine, first of all, Escherichia coli. These bacteria can reach the urinary tract both from the outside and from the inside. The urine can take on a darker color and a more intense smell, sometimes also accompanied by blood loss.

Causes of cystitis include:

• the weakening of the immune system, even following the use of antibiotics
• poor or excessive intimate hygiene
• use of tampons
• sexual intercourse
• stress and poor diet

To understand if the disorder you are suffering from is really cystitis, a urinalysis is usually done, in particular urine culture.

Natural remedies to fight candida and cystitis

In both infections, it is essential to integrate with natural products which are innovative in the formulation, both in the acute phases and in the prevention of relapses.

Natural remedies for Candida

KANDILENE^® is the PromoPharma^® food supplement recommended both in the treatment of candidiasis during the acute phase and in recurrence phenomena. Its composition is very complete and effective thanks to the ingredients it contains, such as:

• MCT Complex^®, complex of fatty acids (capric acid and caprylic acid) extracted from coconut. Its action is very effective against candida as it manages to insert itself into the membrane of the candida which is damaged until death.
• FOS (fructooligosaccharides) useful for intestinal well-being
• Tabebuja, scientifically proven its effectiveness against fungi and bacteria thanks to its active ingredient, lapachol.

It is recommended to take 1 – 2 capsules per day.

Natural remedies for Cystitis

XANACIST^® is the PromoPharma^® medical device recommended for cystitis and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Its formulation is made effective thanks to Cisti Complex^®, a complex based on: Cranberry, D-mannose, Bearberry and Beta-glucan. Bacteria are neutralized by the synergistic action of the ingredients of this complex, in particular, Cranberry and D-mannose prevent the colonization of bacteria in the urinary tract. Bearberry stimulates urination in order to eliminate bacteria that cannot attach themselves to the bladder wall and beta-glucan stimulates the immune system to resolve the infection.

It is recommended to take 1 tablet per day, preferably in the evening with a nice glass of water, for at least a month both in case of frequent infections and after specific treatment. In the acute phase, 2 tablets per day are recommended.