Interstitial cystitis, or IC, is a condition of the bladder that causes pelvic pain and burning urination and increases urinary frequency and urgency. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, IC can have numerous symptoms and may be experienced differently by each sufferer. Making dietary modifications may improve your symptoms slightly and prevent flareups.
Low Acidity
Eating highly acidic foods can irritate your bladder, according to the NIDDK, which means people with IC should avoid them. Foods to avoid include citrus fruits, berries, tomato dishes and juice. Blander foods like potatoes, rice and apples are best for IC sufferers.
No Coffee or Tea
If you have IC, you may also wish to avoid coffee and tea. These products contain caffeine, which can worsen IC symptoms. According to the Interstitial Cystitis Network, you may be able to substitute these items with herbal teas, decaf coffee or low-acid coffee. For some though, cutting out caffeine altogether may be the only solution to prevent painful flareups.
Be Careful with Sugar
Sweet treats like chocolate and diet drinks and sugar-free candies that contain sucralose or aspartame can also irritate the bladder, according to the Interstitial Cystitis Network. If you must have something sweet, stick to products derived from real sugar and avoid chocolate since it contains caffeine.
Preserved and Processed Foods
For some people, the preservatives in foods can irritate the bladder, according to the Interstitial Cystitis Network. These are found mostly in pre-packaged and processed foods like chips, cookies, pastas, rice and canned soups. To avoid upsetting your bladder, eat fresh foods instead. Avoid foods with a high sodium content and stick to mild cheeses. If you must have processed foods like salad dressing, use only a small amount.
