Interstititial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome, can cause feelings of pain or pressure in the bladder when you need to urinate; frequent, urgent urination; and constipation. A low-sodium diet for interstitial cystitis may reduce your risk of symptoms while controlling your blood pressure. Work with your doctor and a nutritionist if you have interstitial cystitis or high blood pressure, or are at risk of these conditions.
You are more likely to experience interstitital cystitis if you are a white female with a family history of the condition. No specific diet can prevent or cure it. However, some foods may trigger your symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. A low-sodium diet can lower your blood pressure if you have hypertension, or help you maintain healthy blood pressure if it is already within the normal range. Healthy blood pressure lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Sodium Restrictions
Your doctor or nutritionist will recommend a limit for sodium on your low-sodium diet for interstititial cystitis. Your limit may be 2,300 mg per day, according to the Langone Medical Center. The average American diet includes 3,400 mg per day, and healthy adults should have no more than 2,300 mg per day, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you already have high blood pressure, a low-sodium diet includes no more than 1,500 mg per day. A diet with adequate calcium, fiber, magnesium and potassium also supports healthy blood pressure.
Trigger Foods
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits, citrus juices, tomatoes and other high-acid foods are common trigger foods for interstitital cystitis, according to the University of Maryland. Also avoid chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine, such as in coffee, caffeinated soft drinks and tea. A low-sodium diet for interstitial cystitis prohibits artificial sweeteners, such as in diet drinks, and you should not have carbonated beverages. The Mayo Clinic suggests limiting pickled foods and foods high in vitamin C, such as onions, strawberries and red peppers.
Foods to Eat
Eat plenty of low-acid fruits and vegetables, which are naturally low in sodium or sodium-free. Whole grains, such as oatmeal, barley, brown rice and whole-wheat pasta, are low-sodium and unlikely to trigger interstitial cystitis. Also include lean proteins, such as chicken breast, fish and egg whites, and legumes, such as beans, lentils and peas. Choose reduced-fat milk and yogurt instead of cheese for your dairy servings, because cheese is high in sodium. If you purchase processed foods, select low-sodium versions, such as no-salt-added frozen vegetables or low-sodium canned soup or beans.
References
- Langone Medical Center; Interstitial Cystitis; Julie Riley; September 2010
- University of Maryland; Urological Disorders: Interstitial Cystitis (IC); February 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Interstitial Cystitis; January 2011
- Langone Medical Center; Low-Sodium Diet; Maria Adams; March 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center; Inflammation; Jane Higdon; August 2010
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010; January 2010
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