If you suffer from persistent symptoms mimicking a urinary tract infection (UTI)--painful bladder, unexplained pelvic pain or frequent need to urinate--without actual infection, your doctor may diagnose interstitial cystitis (IC). This incurable, chronic condition ranges in degrees of severity from barely noticeable to disabling and and may go into remission.
Main Culprits
No single "IC Diet" fits every patient. Different IC patients "may have different causative factors for their bladder symptoms," says Bev Laumann, author of "A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an Intersitial Cystitis Diet." However, the biggest triggers of flares for IC patients include some of the most commonly consumed beverages: coffee and tea. Both of these beverages are acidic and contain caffeine, which irritate the bladder, especially in the case of IC, because the disease damages the bladder's protective lining. Also avoid alcohol, chocolate and caffeinated colas.
Acidic Food
Avoiding acidic food and beverages, including anything with vitamin C (ascorbic acid), will help to eliminate IC flares. Cranberry juice, which may be helpful in preventing UTIs, irritates the IC bladder because of its acid content. Citrus fruit, tomatoes and their juices may also trigger flares. Try to avoid vinegar and food that contains vinegar, such as pickles, sauerkraut, mayonnaise and salad dressings.
Spicy Food
Spicy food such as hot peppers, horseradish and curries, often cause reactions in people with IC. You may find that cooked garlic or onions don't cause a flare-up, but raw ones do. Try preparing foods such as these in various ways to see whether or not they affect you.
Food Additives
The artificial sweeteners in diet beverages and foods often trigger flares in patients with IC. Other commonly reported culprits include preservatives, artificial ingredients and other flavor enhancers, such as citric acid, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial colors.
Other
Some over-the-counter medications including the antacids Tums and Rolaids as well as acid-reducing agents, especially Tagamet and Prelief, may help ward off pain and urgency if you do eat an offending food. Your best bet may be to scale back to a restricted diet and slowly add in questionable foods and beverages one at a time and keep track of how you feel.
