There are also some triggers that may exacerbate cystitis. Note that every person reacts in a different way -- some may tolerate certain foods that exacerbate a problem in others. The key is paying close attention to your symptoms following consumption of certain foods. The best way to do that is to maintain a food diary that tracks what you eat and when, and how you feel and reacted. That way, you can pinpoint what may cause your inflammation and subsequent discomfort.

Some potential triggers include:

1)    Citrus fruits – Oranges and lemons are high in citric acid, which can aggravate empty stomachs and shift ph levels to a more acidic level. This is true of fruit in both raw and juiced forms, particularly those with added sugars.

2)    Tomatoes – These are commonly thought of as vegetables but are members of the fruit family -- and again, highly acidic. Be careful of its use in raw form as well as in juices or sauces.

3)    Chocolate – Some forms of chocolate contain a lot of artificial ingredients, which may stimulate urinary tract reactions. But they are also full of caffeine, which has the effect of stimulating your intestinal walls and could tilt an already-delicate condition in a negative direction.

4)    Spicy foods – Who doesn’t love a great Mexican, Indian or Chinese meal? Unfortunately, a lot of really spicy food stimulates your intestinal tract and could be a factor in exacerbating your condition

5)    Coffee and Sodas – Caffeine is a stimulant, and when your intestinal walls and urinary tract are already in a state of flux, stimulating them is not the best course of action. At the least, cut back on your normal consumption and see if it has an effect.