Gluten is an insoluble protein inside the endosperm, or tissues, of plant grains. It is important in your diet because it supplies starch nutrients -- a form of energy. Gluten is found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye, and is part of what gives certain foods texture and pliability. A percentage of the population with celiac disease, a chronic digestive disorder, cannot eat gluten. It also may increase symptom occurrence in other health conditions such as interstitial cystitis.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis, or IC, is a chronic condition causing inflammation in the lining of your bladder. No specific cause is attributed to the development of IC but dietary habits can trigger symptoms. Diminished bladder capacity, frequency and urgency of urination and pelvic pain commonly occur in this condition. Treatment of IC includes minor surgery to coat the bladder wall and prevent further damage, stimulation of the nerves inside your bladder and eliminating foods that may increase bladder irritation, especially acidic and potassium containing foods. The protein gluten may increase inflammation in the bladder of individuals with gluten-sensitivity but a link between gluten and IC has not been conclusively established.
Finding IC Irritants
No specific diet can prevent IC symptom flares but certain foods may irritate your bladder. Before you eliminate common IC irritants, determine what foods you tolerate least by keeping a food diary. Citrus, caffeine, and foods with additives, preservatives or artificial flavors are most likely to irritate the bladder. Eliminate these types of foods from your diet for two weeks and record your incidence of symptoms in the absence of these foods. Slowly incorporate these foods back into your diet and record your reaction in the food diary. This is a trial and error process but you may find that specific foods increase your discomfort whereas others may not. Consult your physician to determine the best diet plan for your condition.
IC Foods to Avoid
Canned, cured and processed meats increase the likelihood of bladder irritation. Some of these types of meats contain gluten so check package labels if you are trying to avoid this substance. Fortified breads, cereals and boxed pasta or rice may increase IC flares and contains gluten. Alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, tea and soda is associated with IC flares. Oranges, berries, cantaloupe, onions and some leafy green vegetables are potential foods to avoid with IC. Produce, however, is not associated with gluten.
Safe IC Foods
Water, milk and low acidity juices like pear or blueberry are safe beverages. Corn or potato based breads are gluten-free and do not cause bladder irritation. Some rice, oats and white breads are IC safe but check the labels for gluten if you are trying to limit your gluten intake. Vegetables are gluten-free and those with low acidity like mushrooms or avocado may not irritate your bladder. Eggs, chicken or turkey, fish and beef can improve IC symptom flares and do not contain gluten if they are fresh meats without batter or breading. Before you eliminate gluten and some of these healthy foods from your diet, consult your physician to plan how to supplement the nutrients you may miss in eliminating certain foods.
References
- Interstitial Cystitis Association: Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
- Women to Women: Getting Your Bladder Back on Track; Living with Interstitial Cystitis; Marcy Holmes; February 8, 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Gluten-Free Diet
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gluten-Free Diet; Frank W. Jackson, M.D.
- Interstitial Cystitis Association: IC Diet
