Fruits To Avoid With A Painful Bladder Diet

A painful bladder diet is a way of eating that manages symptoms of interstitial cystitis. IC is a condition in which you experience pain in the pelvic area, discomfort and burning upon urination, as well as a frequent urge to urinate. Certain foods, including a long list of fruits, can cause your symptoms to worsen. Avoid the offending fruits to feel better; consult your doctor if you feel you are not getting adequate nutrition through your restricted diet.

Citrus and Tropical

Citrus and tropical fruits are among the fruits to avoid when suffering from symptoms of a painful bladder. Citrus products, including both the whole fruit and juices of the fruit, contain high level of acids and are common bladder irritants, according to MayoClinic.com. Tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya, starfruit and cantaloupe might also irritate your condition and are foods to avoid when following an IC diet.

Berries

Many people who have interstitial cystitis show an increase in symptoms when eating berries, says registered dietitian Julie Beyer of the Interstitial Cystitis Association. For unknown reasons, blueberries are not included in the fruit group to avoid and may actually soothe the pain and burning upon urination during an IC flare. Individual reactions to berries may vary; Beyer, who suffers from painful bladder syndrome herself, reports that she is able to eat some berries in small doses without adverse reactions. Test berries during a time in which you are not experiencing flare-ups in your condition to determine if the fruit is safe for you to enjoy.

Dried Fruit

Avoid dried fruits, including cranberries, raisins and apricots, when following a diet designed to ease your painful bladder symptoms. Cranberries and cranberry juice are acidic and can irritate your bladder just as orange or grapefruit products do. Dried fruits that contain preservatives are also likely to cause flare-ups. Food additives, including artificial colorings, flavorings and sweeteners, are among the substances that are likely to cause an increase in symptoms.

Considerations

Determine exactly which fruits you should avoid with your painful bladder by participating in an elimination diet. Stop eating fruit for at least two weeks to let your body heal and your bladder calm down. After the two weeks have passed, add one fruit back into your diet and assess your symptoms. If your condition remains unchanged for 24 to 48 hours after consuming the fruit, the food is most likely safe for you -- at least at the present time. Continue to add foods back to your diet slowly, eliminating any food permanently that causes your condition to worsen.