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1 in 2 women, in their lifetime, is affected by cystitis, a urinary tract disease, mainly caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli, which can cause symptoms such as burning, pain and frequent urge to urinate, affecting the life of those who deal with this disorder. Among other things, a disorder often relapsing: 1 in 4 women, in fact, if struggling with an episode of cystitis, develops another within the following six months and 1 in 5 evolves towards a chronic form recurring with more than three episodes a year.
Several natural substances, such as Cranberry (cranberry), can come in handy. Furthermore, scientific studies have shown that even the administration of D-mannose at high dosages it can be a good way to deal with the problem. This was supported by the urological experts of the AGILE Group (Italian group for advanced laparo-endoscopic and robotic urologic surgery) and Federfarma Servizi who, together, started the project “Cystitis, agile management“, An awareness campaign to create awareness of disease management that is a healthy alternative to the use, and too often abuse, of antibiotics.
What is D-Mannose
“D-mannose is one sugar, a low molecular weight monosaccharide – he explains Antonello Mirone, President of the National Association of Pharmacy Service Societies – largely excreted in the urine. Its action is expressed by preventing to Escherichia coli to adhere to the urothelial cells and favoring their detachment and disposal with the urinary flow. By now the scientific evidences are numerous: the systematic reviews of the literature show that D-mannose in high doses it has a protective role in adult women, in recurrent and acute urinary tract infections “.
A natural help, which could positively intervene on the pathology, saving, where possible, the use of antibiotics.
Antibiotics and microbiota
Beyond antibiotic resistance, which has now become a public health problem, antibiotics also modify the composition of the intestinal microbiota in an acute and sometimes persistent way, with a reduction in bacterial diversity, including urinary ones, an important risk factor for recurrent urinary infections.
“The microbiota – explains Fabio Pace, Director of the Gastroenterology Unit of the “Bolognini Hospital in Seriate (Bergamo) and formerly belonging to the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Sacco – University of Milan – is a real body engaged in important processes such as the development and training of immune system, the modulation of bone density, the promotion of angiogenesis, the biosynthesis of vitamins and amino acids, the protection against epithelial damage, resistance to pathogens, the degradation of food compounds, up to the modification of the nervous system and drug metabolism ” .
“There dysbiosis of the microbiota intestinal, ie its imbalance in composition and functionality – continues the expert – is associated with various diseases, which include gastroenterological, neurological, respiratory, metabolic, hepatic and cardiovascular pathologies ”. When antibiotics change the composition of the intestinal microbiota in an acute and sometimes persistent way, to maintain or restore a correct balance, experts recommend supplementation of lactobacilli or other probiotics as well as prebiotics.
Where to buy
D-Mannose is bought in Pharmacy and you do not need a prescription, however it is always recommended to contact your doctor and avoid doing it yourself.
Changes in the lifestyle they can then help fight cystitis. It is important not to neglect hydration by drinking a lot water, choose a diet rich in fibers and, even during the menstrual cycle, use non-aggressive cleansers with a pH similar to that present in the vagina. Finally, urinating after intercourse can help prevent the problem.
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