Menu for Women With Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a painful recurring condition that strikes the bladder and surrounding tissues. A person with IC may experience mild discomfort, tenderness, pressure, frequent urge to urinate or intense pain. Intensity of pain may vary sharply and recurrences may be irregular. Several symptoms can occur at once. Diet may play a role in aggravating the condition.

The Role of Diet

• Many medical researchers believe IC is caused by one of five factors. A defect in the epithelium of the bladder may allow the passage of irritating substances in the urine to enter the bladder tissues. Mast cells can also be defective, releasing histamine and other irritating chemicals into the bladder. Sometimes there is a substance in the urine that irritates or damages the inside of the bladder. In some cases the nerves that carry bladder sensations are changed causing urination or a filling bladder to feel painful. Finally, the body's immune system may actually attack the bladder and cause irritation. Probably, most IC inflammations are likely to have been caused by a combination of factors.

Evidence of the Role of Diet in IC

• Although there is no direct scientific evidence linking diet to interstitial cystitis, many people find that certain potassium rich foods, caffeinated and citrus beverages can aggravate IC symptoms of the bladder. In addition to artificial sweetners, high acid foods, alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate and other foods can also be linked to inflammation. Physicians report some success with removing specific food items from the diet at reducing symptoms.

Identifying Food Irritants

• The diet regimen consists of removing all potential food irritants from the diet for a couple of days to see if the symptoms ameliorate. If so, simply add one food item back to the diet each day and watch for IC symptoms to come back. If they do, make a note of the food and then remove it from the diet. Continue adding new foods until you identify which ones are exacerbating IC pain and discomfort and which ones are not. Then simply avoid such foods for the future. This should help you to reduce incidents of IC pain.