Interstitial cystitis, or IC, is a painful and chronic inflammatory disease of the bladder in which the innermost portion of the bladder is damaged. Consequently toxic elements of the urine are allowed to penetrate the connective tissue and muscle of the bladder, where they trigger the production of inflammatory mast cells and cause pain, inflammation, and bladder spasms. Although IC is incurable, a change in diet can produce a dramatic and immediate reduction of symptoms.
Food Sensitivity
The bladder of IC sufferers is extremely sensitive to a variety of foods and beverages. Not all dietary recommendations will work with all people, and you need to be patient and discover what works best for you through trial and error. However, many foods have been proven to be problematic, and other foods have been generally nonaggravating. You are advised to eat only the nonaggravating foods during a flare-up.
Beverages
Beverages that are often problematic include alcohol, beer, chocolate milk, citrus juices, cranberry juice, most herbal tea, black tea, green and all other teas, coffee, soda, soy milk, carbonated water and wine. Non problematic beverages include water, rice milk, spearmint and chamomile tea and watermelon seed tea.
Grains and Beans
Grains and beans that may be troublesome include all breads and cereals with preservatives and soy flour, as well as black, fava, lima and soy beans. Safe grains and beans include pasta, oats, couscous, pita, rice, matzo, millet, barley and whole-grain breads without preservatives, garbanzo beans and lentils.
Meat, Fish and Nuts
Most highly processed meat and fish are aggravating, including bologna, ham, hot dogs, sausages, pepperoni, salami, and smoked fish and meat. Aggravating nuts include hazelnuts, macadamia, peanuts, pecans, pistachio nuts and walnuts. Safe meats and fish include chicken, lean beef, lean lamb, veal, lean pork, cod, trout, tuna, flounder and halibut. The only safe nuts are pine nuts and chestnuts.
Dairy
Problematic cheeses include aged, blue, brick, Parmesan, cheddar, Edam, Emmentaler, Gruyere, hard jack, Roquefort, soy and Swiss. Other inadvisable dairy products include sour cream and yogurt. You should eat only low-fat dairy, vanilla ice cream, mozzarella, ricotta, cream cheese, feta and eggs.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits to avoid include apricots, berries, cantaloupe, cherries, grapes, guava, kiwi, papaya, passion fruit, persimmon, peaches, pineapple, plums, starfruit, all citrus fruits, dried figs, raisins and all dried fruit with preservatives. Vegetables that may be aggravating include tomato, chili peppers and raw bulb onions. Safe fruits include dates, coconut, pears, golden apples and watermelon. Safe vegetables include all lettuce, arugula, broccoli, butternut squash, cabbage, fennel, snow peas, zucchini and water chestnuts.
Sweets
Aggravating sweets include chocolate, sorbet, store-bought fruit cakes, artificial sweeteners and desserts that contain problem nuts or fruits. The following sweets are safe but should only be eaten in moderation: white chocolate, stevia, honey, some cookies, ricotta cheesecake and custard.
Condiments and Miscellaneous
Condiments and other substances that may be problematic include most salad dressings, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and sauerkraut. Avoid most packaged and canned soups, tofu, bouillon powder and cubes and all tomato products. Safe condiments include vegetable oils, garlic, salt, poppy seed, mint, bay leaf, fennel and flax.
References
- Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis; Townsend Letter; Diana Brady; Dec 2010
- All4NaturalHealth: Anti Interstitial Cystitis Diet - Foods to Avoid
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