Immune System
The Key to Success
You probably remember: Defence and flushing out are the most important helpers in the fight against your bladder infections. If your immune defence is in top form, you usually won't get a painful cystitis because your body doesn't even let the intruders (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) in.
The topic of the immune system is so broad that one could fill books on it. I will try to summarise the most important points for you.
If pathogens manage to enter the body, defence cells of the innate, non-specific immune system become active. They identify the pathogen, engulf the foreign cell, and destroy it (phagocytes and natural killer cells).
Sometimes invaders are not immediately recognised as dangerous foreign cells because of their clever camouflage. Then the specific, acquired defence comes into play (white blood cells).
Some women easily get a bladder infection, others almost never. It is now assumed that immune-biological defects play an important role in the development of urinary tract infections. A weakened immune system with increased susceptibility to infection promotes UTIs.
According to another study, an overzealous immune system could also lead to bladder infections. The balance of the immune response is key. It must be strong enough to eliminate the pathogens without damaging the bladder mucosa, thus preventing subsequent infections from taking hold.
Vaccination: Immunisation through vaccination is a hopeful solution if bladder infections keep recurring. The vaccines stimulate the innate immunity of the bladder. The results are mixed, but for some sufferers, they are the way out of the misery.
What weakens your immune system?
Increased susceptibility to infection is rarely caused by an innate immune deficiency or an immune deficiency disease.
Often, the reasons for a weakened immune system are found in an unhealthy lifestyle, in sleep and eating habits:
- Micronutrient deficiency (lack of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements)
- Unhealthy diet
- Stomach and intestinal problems (disrupted gut flora)
- Lack of exercise
- Chronic stress
- Worries and anxieties
- Sleep deprivation
- Substances such as alcohol and nicotine
Knowing the typical causes and factors of a weakened immune system and being aware of them helps you decide what you can do about it.
Do one or more of these points apply to you? Then you can take action now and improve your immune system.
What strengthens your defence?
If you are struggling with recurring bladder infections, your immune system is one of the most important levers:
- You are what you eat! Balanced, seasonal, regional, fresh, micronutrient-rich (fruit & vegetables), as little processed as possible
- Micronutrients: Vitamin C*, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin A, B6, B12
- Fluids: Dehydrated mucous membranes increase the risk of infection => drink plenty
- Good gut, good everything: 80 percent of all defence cells are located in the gut
- Enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can drastically reduce the number of defence cells => at least 7 hours per night (even if it’s hard)
- What stresses you? Identify stressors and find solutions: Work-life balance, structure in the daily routine, cultivating optimism, focused relaxation (e.g. meditation, breathing exercises)
- Exercise and movement: It doesn't always have to be sports, a walk in the fresh air does just as well. Ideally, at least 7,500 steps per day.
- Think Pink: Good mood, laughter, music & singing, cuddling
- Stay away from toxins: Alcohol, cigarette smoke, pesticides, fine dust
- Sauna or contrast showers: Alternating between hot and cold trains the blood vessels and thus indirectly strengthens the immune system