Cystitis is a medical term referring to inflammation of the bladder. This usually happens in response to a bacterial infection, but it may also occur as a result of another condition, notes MayoClinic.com. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic form of cystitis, found more commonly in women. You might experience symptoms such as painful pressure in your bladder and an urgent need to urinate. According to the Interstitial Cystitis Association, gluten might prompt a flare-up of symptoms in some people.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a painful condition that affects the lining of your bladder. This condition causes swelling, stabbing pains in your pelvis and pain during intercourse. A common symptom is the frequent urge to urinate, with some going to the washroom upwards of 60 times a day. Marcy Holmes, a nurse practitioner at the Women to Women Health Care Center, reports that approximately 90 percent of those suffering from this disorder are women. MayoClinic.com indicates that in interstitial cystitis, the nerves responsible for telling your brain when to urinate are mixed up.
Gluten Intolerance
Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is a genetic digestive condition in which your body is unable to tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Your body has an autoimmune response in your small intestine when gluten is ingested, prompting symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain. Over time this disease might cause nutrient deficiencies, depriving your brain, bones and other organs of vital nutrients.
Interstital Cystitis and Gluten
An autoimmune response, allergy, hereditary condition or infection might cause interstitial cystitis, according to some theories, reports MayoClinic.com. However, at the time of publication, it indicates that these theories remain unproven. Nonetheless, the Interstitial Cystitis Association notes that patients commonly report having interstitial cystitis and celiac disease. The association also reports that, even in those without celiac disease, gluten may be responsible for aggravating the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Not all people with interstitial cystitis who are gluten-sensitive have celiac disease.
Interstitial Cystitis Diet
There is no official interstitial cystitis diet, but the Interstitial Cystitis Association has compiled a list of foods that are most and least likely to aggravate your bladder. The association recommends avoiding foods containing gluten, such as bread, pizza, cereal, beer and some sauces. In addition to avoiding gluten, you may also find that your bladder is aggravated by alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages and fruits.
References
- Women to Women; Urinary and Pelvic Health; Marcy Holmes, N.P.
- Interstitial Cystitis Association: Celiac Disease & Gluten Intolerance
- Interstitial Cystitis Association: IC Food List
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Celiac Disease
- MayoClinic.com; Interstitial Cystitis; January 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Celiac Disease; December 2010
