Diet Is Key To Controlling Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis Diet

Interstitial cystitis (also known as painful bladder, leaky bladder, or irritated bladder syndrome) is a chronic syndrome with a number of symptoms including pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, often associated with urinary frequency and urgency.

Interstitial cystitis is more prevalent in women with new research suggesting that 3 to 8 million women in the US may have it. Furthermore, IC can occur at any age but most frequently affects women in their 30s or 40s. IC symptoms wax and wane, but flare-ups often result in patients having to take time off from work or miss other important engagements. Interestingly, IC flare-ups can be prevented by having a great dietary nutrition prescribed by a health professional and avoiding certain foods and beverages.

List of foods to avoid when you have Interstitial Cystitis

The Interstitial Cystitis Association suggests that the following foods should be avoided:

• Aged cheese
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners – aspartame, sucralose
• Carbonated drinks
• Spicy foods
• Chocolate
• Citrus
• Coffee
• Cranberry juice
• Processed, smoked or cured meats (deli meats)
• MSG
• Some fruits – banana, strawberry, pineapple, grapes, cantaloupe, plums
• Onions
• Soy
• Tea
• Tomatoes
• Yogurt

Every individual with interstitial cystitis (ic) or pain syndrome is different so it is best to first try an elimination diet and then slowly ‘test’ foods by adding them back to the diet one by one to see what is a trigger for each individual. When you feel bladder pain, it’s best to consult a health professional so you can have a proper diagnosis and treat your disease. Also, you need to take care of yourself and eat certain vegetables as well as avoid soda or carbonated drinks.

Interstitial Cystitis Natural Treatment Options

Dietary adjustments, stress management, acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy are the best natural treatments for interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome). These approaches can help alleviate symptoms by reducing bladder irritation, promoting relaxation, and improving overall well-being.

Corn Silk
A common bladder and kidney herb that possesses anti-inflammatory properties. I often recommend corn silk tea to my IC patients and they do very well with it.

Quercetin
A bioflavonoid that has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the bladder wall during a flare up.

Aloe Vera
A very soothing herb that can also help with the healing and inflammation in the bladder.

MSM
Recognized for anti-inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis but also very helpful for those with IC.

Fish Oil
Omega 3s help to support anti-inflammatory pathways in the body and thus reduce inflammation in the bladder.