Food and Herbal Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis

The bladder is a hallow, muscular balloon shaped organ that stores urine. When it is full the brain is signaled through the nerves in the bladder it is time to urinate. However when people suffer with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) the bladder to brain signaling gets messed up. The bladder signals the brain it is time to urinate before the bladder is full and even when it is empty.

Researchers are finding that sufferers of IC have a defect in the epithelium, which is the protective lining in the bladder. The lining thins, developing holes which allow toxins to leak into the bladder. These toxins irritate the bladder wall and urinal tract. As a result the sufferer has bladder pain and inflammation that can range from mild to severe, depending on the magnitude of the leaking toxins. The pain eases when one urinates and worsens as the bladder fills. As a result, the bladder wants to empty itself when the slightest amount of toxins enter it. Thus constant signals are sent to the brain telling it the bladder has to urinate when it does not have to.

Flare ups for IC can be caused by food and vices which can increase the production of acid. Acid is the prime cause of toxins in the body. When dealing with IC, eating healthy is not enough. There are many types of nutritious foods that can irritate the IC condition and cause it. These foods tend to have a high acidity. Increased acid in the system builds up toxins in the body, which can burn through the bladder lining and leak into the bladder.

Following is a list of highly acid foods people with IC should not consume.

Milk / Dairy Products: aged cheeses, sour cream, yogurt, and chocolate

Vegetables: Fava beans, lima beans, onions, tofu, spinach, and tomatoes

Fruits: Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupes, citrus fruits, cranberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pineapples, plums, pomegranates, rhubarb, strawberries, and juices made from these fruits

Carbohydrates and Grains: Rye and sourdough bread

Meat and Fish: aged canned, cured, processed smoked meats and fish, anchovies, caviar, chicken livers, corned beef, and meats which contain nitrates or nitrites

Nuts: most nuts

Beverages: alcoholic beverages, beer, carbonated drinks

Seasonings: Mayonnaise, miso, spicy foods (especially ethnic foods as Chinese, Indian, Mexican and Thai), soy sauce, salad dressing, and vinegar

Preservatives, Additives, and Misc.: Benzol alcohol, citric acid, monosodium glutamate, aspartame (Nutrasweet), saccharine, foods containing preservatives and artificial ingredients and colors .

Tobacco, caffeine, diet pills, junk foods, recreational drugs, cold and allergy medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine and certain vitamins, B complex which may contain fillers, all junk food

Following is a list of food that would be safe for sufferers of IC.

Milk / Dairy Products: White chocolate, non-aged cheeses such as cottage or American, frozen yogurt, and milk

Vegetables: All other vegetables not in the do not eat list

Fruits: Melons and pears

Carbohydrates and Grains: Other breads, pasta, potatoes and rice

Meat and Fish: Fresh and unprocessed poultry, fish, and meat

Nuts: Almonds, cashews, and pine nuts

Beverages: Bottled or spring water, decaffeinated acid-free coffee and tea, and some herbal teas

Seasonings: Garlic and herbs

Acid in some of the forbidden foods can be killed. Add a pinch of salt to carbonated beverages to make them flat. Boil down sauces containing alcohol.

There are supplements that can help an IC sufferer. One is calcium citrate. It alkalinizes the urine, which decreases irritation in the bladder. Another is bromelain. It provides anti- inflammatory relief and kills the acid in the food.

Certain herbs can alkaline the system and treat IC.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)-Take 30 mg standardized extract triterpenes 3 times a day. It enhances the integrity of connective tissue by stimulating production of glycosaminoglycans, which are an integral component of the protective mucous layer in the bladder.

Herbs to consider as tea.

Buchu (barosma betulina) - A soothing diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary system.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) - Traditionally used as a urinary tract tonic.

Corn silk ( Zea mays) - Has soothing and diuretic properties.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) - An astringent and mild diuretic with tissue- healing properties.

Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) - Has soothing demulcent properties. It is best taken as a cold infusion; soak the herb in cold water for several hours, strain, and drink.

Usnea (Usnea barbata) - Has soothing and antiseptic properties.

Apis mellifica - Indicated for stinging pain that is worse with heat.

Cantharis - Indicated for pain that burns after urination has stopped.

Staphysagria - Indicated for a urinary tract infection that is the result of sexual intercourse.

Sarsaparilla - Indicated for pain that burns after urination has stopped.

These herbal treatments can be effective when taken in the form of tea.

IC is a serious condition affecting the bladder. There are conventional medical treatments for it. These treatments are useless if the sufferer does not pay close attention to his or her diet. Focusing on changing ones diet can help to significantly improve a sufferer's condition.

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