Diet therapy is an important part of treatment for a number of diseases, including the painful bladder condition known as interstitial cystitis, or IC. While medication is an important part of the treatment plan for IC, it is also recommended that you follow a low-potassium diet. Limiting the potassium in your diet can prevent flare-ups and minimize symptoms.
Interstitial Cystitis
It was once believed that interstitial cystitis, or IC, was caused by a chronic bacterial infection of the bladder and urinary tract system, according to the website Endometriosis.org, and was treated as a urological problem with minimal success. However, medical science now knows that IC is a disorder of the immune system that causes chronic inflammation of the bladder. IC symptoms vary greatly, and include blood in the urine, pain during intercourse, painful urination, frequent urination, pelvic pain or back pain. IC is incurable, but it can be successfully managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
Potassium and Interstitial Cystitis
Potassium is a mineral found primarily in fruits and vegetables. It's important for fluid and electrolyte balance, along with muscle and nerve contractions. Adequate intakes of potassium are especially important to keep your heartbeat steady. However, foods high in potassium increase bladder irritation and inflammation, exacerbating the pain and discomfort associated with IC. Limiting your intake of potassium-rich foods helps decrease the irritation and inflammation, improving your symptoms and quality of life.
Potassium in Food
Potassium is found in a variety of nutritious foods; it's difficult to avoid it completely. Your doctor can determine how much potassium you need each day. In general, 2000 mg a day is the minimum requirement. Specific high-potassium foods are particularly irritating to the bladder and you should avoid them completely. These foods include tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, pineapple and chocolate. Other high-potassium foods you should consume with caution include oranges, orange juice, cantaloupe, raisins, papaya, soy beans and raw onions.
Additional Diet Suggestions
While following a low-potassium diet is the general recommendation for people with IC, some people notice that certain foods also cause flare-ups. You should keep a food diary and closely track your intake and symptoms to identify specific foods that trigger your symptoms. Typically, bladder-friendly foods include a variety of foods from each of the food groups such as milk, rice, almonds, eggs, apples and broccoli. Examples of additional foods to avoid include coffee, cured meats and carbonated beverages.
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