Interstitial cystitis (IC) refers to inflammation of the bladder. It is also known as painful bladder syndrome. There may be one of a few reasons why you have developed it, including infection, surgery, or autoimmunity. Although there is no known cure, changes in diet are usually the first port of call when treating the symptoms.
It is also important to avoid eating certain foods that cause flare-ups. These trigger foods are usually either acidic, spicy, or pro-inflammatory. Controlling your diet in this way can help relieve IC pain and other IC symptoms.
If you suffer from IC, make an appointment to consult with the talented team at Urology of Greater Atlanta by calling the practice or booking online. They can help with specific diet recommendations and offer other treatment options to assist in relieving IC symptoms.
What Foods Are Good for IC?
The best diet for interstitial cystitis excludes acidic, spicy foods, drinks, and artificial sweeteners. In addition, you may want to try an elimination diet to see which specific foods bring on IC symptoms.
What Foods Can Cause an IC Flare-up?
Generally speaking, acidic and spicy foods and those with artificial sweeteners can cause IC flare-ups. However, other foods may affect one person and not another. An elimination diet is particularly useful in discovering which foods may cause an IC flare-up. The following list gives some ideas about which foods you could experiment with to find out which to avoid.
- Acidic foods, including tomatoes and fruits with high levels of citric acid like citrus fruits
- Acidic juices and drinks, including cranberry juice
- Acidic dairy products like yogurt and sour cream
- Spicy foods including hot peppers or horseradish
- Artificial sweeteners
- Artificial preservatives
- Foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate (including chocolate ice cream)
- Onions
- Soy products, including dairy substitutes
- Soda and other carbonated drinks
- Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gluten, if you are sensitive to it
To create your own personalized IC diet, keep track of what foods you have eaten for a particular day and avoid foods that make symptoms worse.
Foods That Can Alleviate IC Symptoms
There are a number of foods that can reduce your bladder symptoms and reduce bladder pain in IC patients. These bladder friendly foods and beverages include:
- Water: Drinking sufficient amounts of water is important.
- Vegetables: Try to eat a mix of leafy green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, root vegetables, and gourds such as squash and cucumber.
- Low acid fruit: Try to make fruits like bananas, pears, blueberries, melons part of your diet.
- Chamomile and peppermint tea: These promote bladder health.
- Garlic and turmeric: The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic and turmeric promote urinary health.
Supplements for an Interstitial Cystitis Diet
On top of selecting foods that can help reduce symptoms related to bladder pain syndrome, you could try some additional supplements.
The most effective ones are calcium glycerophosphate (PreliefⓇ) and sodium bicarbonate also known as baking powder. They have been seen to reduce IC symptoms when taken with bothersome foods.
Other supplements that may help with interstitial cystitis include:
- Fish Oil
- L-Arginine
- Aloe
- Curcumin
- CBD
- Boswellia
Contact Us
If you suffer from IC, make an appointment to consult with the talented team at Urology of Greater Atlanta by calling the practice or booking online.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, Sandy Springs, GA, our team of top-rated urologists can help you with diet plans and offer treatment options, such as oral medications. Our team has been able to help women throughout Metro Atlanta manage interstitial cystitis.
