Interstitial cystitis, or IC, is an inflammatory condition in which the protective layer of the bladder is defective. Symptoms are similar to those of urinary tract infections and include frequent, urgent and painful urination, but in contrast to urinary tract infections, there is no pathological agent present. Unfortunately, while there is no cure for IC as of February 2011, dietary changes can help to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Identify Personal Trigger Foods
According to the IC Network website, there is no list of foods to eat or avoid that applies to everyone. Many people have food sensitivities, and it is important for you to determine your own personal trigger foods. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, suggests following an elimination diet to help you pinpoint food sensitivities. This involves eliminating the following most commonly allergenic foods: dairy, wheat, gluten, corn, eggs, red meat, sugar, yeast, strawberries, citrus fruit, peanuts, mushrooms, tomatoes and soy. Avoid these foods for one month, then reintroduce one food item per day. If your symptoms worsen or reappear, that indicates a sensitivity to a food that you should eliminate.
Foods to Avoid
Regardless of identifiable food sensitivities, the Health Communities website reports that many people find that eliminating acidic, spicy and sugary foods as well as alcohol and all dairy products from their diet helps to control IC symptoms. Condiments such as mayonnaise, miso, soy sauce, salad dressings, vinegar and seasonings are often aggravating as well. So too are many highly processed foods because most contain substances such as artificial flavorings and preservatives that can trigger IC symptoms.
Emphasize Bladder Friendly Foods
Certain foods and beverages are non-aggravating to the majority of IC sufferers. IC Network says that water and milk substitutes, as well as chamomile and peppermint tea, are generally bladder-friendly liquids. Also generally non-aggravating are the following: grains in the form of corn bread, oat bread, pita bread, Italian bread and whole-wheat bread; minimally processed hot and cold cereals; couscous, grits, millet, quinoa and spelt; buckwheat and wheat flours; and pasta and rice. Almonds, cashews, peanuts and butters derived from them are non-problematic, as are most cooking oils, margarine, lard and shortening. As for protein, eggs, as well as minimally processed meats and seafood, are rarely problematic. Bladder-friendly fruits include apples, blueberries, pears and watermelon, along with all of the vegetables except tomatoes, onions and chili peppers.
Additional Dietary Recommendations
The IC Network recommends shopping for fresh, whole foods whenever possible. In addition, organic foods are encouraged because they generally contain fewer potentially problematic additives. CSNN says to drink at least 8 cups of water daily in order to flush out circulating toxins. Once you've established your list of trigger foods, the IC Network indicates that you may be able to occasionally consume those foods in small quantities without causing an IC flare-up.
References
- ic-network.com: Bladder and Prostate Friendly Foods
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
- healthcommunities.com: Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and Diet Modification
