Nonacidic foods with healthy monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, flaxseed and avocados are quite soothing to the bladder.
Coffee, soda, alcohol, tomatoes, hot and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices and drinks, MSG, and high-acid foods can trigger IC symptoms or make them worse.
Dietary Guidelines for UTi Management
Eat more vegetables, for example, spinach, potatoes, green beans, avocado, onion, broccoli, mustard greens. Most vegetables become alkaline after digestion, which decreases the growth of bacteria.
-Drinking plenty of fluids: This will help to keep the urine diluted and reduce irritation. -Taking over-the-counter pain medication: This can help to relieve pain and inflammation. Tylenol is better than Motrin or Advil. -Using a heating pad: This can help to soothe pain and cramping.
A person with interstitial cystitis can include the following foods in their diet: Certain fruits: avocados, bananas, blueberries, melons, pears, apricots, dates, prunes, and raisins. Some vegetables: asparagus, celery, bell pepper, broccoli, beets, eggplant, peas, mushrooms, and spinach. Grains: oats and rice.
You should start by eliminating, or at least cutting down, on the top seven irritants: coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and cigarettes. You should allow at least two weeks without the food or drink before noticing any change in your bladder control.
Water is the best drink of choice to keep your bladder pain under control. It will also provide other benefits such as healthy skin, increased energy, reduced toxin levels, and a boosted metabolism. You'll want to stay away from acidic, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages such as fruit juice, coffee, beer, and soda.
However, many people don't realize that eating yogurt can also play a positive role in your bladder's health too. Yogurt has active bacteria known as probiotics that your body needs. Studies show that eating yogurt may even reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer by keeping the cells of your bladder healthy.
Try increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables, but be careful to avoid those that are too acidic and may end up irritating your bladder further. Fruits and vegetables to include: Broccoli. Bananas. Cucumbers.
Tomatoes – The acidity in tomatoes may irritate your bladder. Foods that contain tomatoes, such as pasta or pizza sauce, ketchup and salsa, may also affect symptoms. Citrus fruits – Foods like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes are also acidic and can affect bladder control.
But not nearly as many people are aware that probiotics in yogurt could help their urinary systems, too. In fact, yogurt can help fight urinary tract infections, which could also help prevent the development of more serious urinary problems, including bladder cancer.
Bananas and other high-fiber foods can be good for urinary tract health and preventing urinary tract infections by encouraging regular bowel movements and relieving pressure on urine flow.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), to relieve pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or imipramine (Tofranil), to help relax your bladder and block pain.
Sometimes, problems in the urinary tract cause bladder irritation. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause short-term (temporary) discomfort and urgency. People with chronic problems like interstitial cystitis (IC) can experience ongoing bladder pain. IC is an inflammation (swelling) in the wall of the bladder.
Overactive bladder is a collection of symptoms that may affect how often you pee and your urgency. Causes include abdominal trauma, infection, nerve damage, medications and certain fluids. Treatment includes changing certain behaviors, medications and nerve stimulation.
Unlike most fruits, avocados are a good source of vitamin E, a micronutrient with anti-inflammatory effects.
Potatoes. In addition to being non-irritating to the bladder, potatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Lean proteins. Lean proteins like low-fat beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish, when baked, steamed or broiled probably won't bother your bladder.
Allowed: Bananas, coconuts, dates, blueberries, melons and pears Avoid: All other fruits and juices (especially acidic and citrus fruits) Special note: Avoid cranberry juice. The acid is a strong bladder irritant.
Magnesium is important for proper muscle and nerve function. Some doctors believe better magnesium levels can reduce bladder spasms, a common cause of incontinence. Magnesium levels can be checked through a blood test at your next doctor's visit.
Mild cystitis will usually clear up on its own within a few days, although sometimes you may need to take antibiotics. See your GP for advice and treatment if: you have symptoms of cystitis for the first time. your symptoms don't start to improve within a few days.
A study done on vitamin c intake in 2060 women, aged 30-79 years of age found that high-dose intake of vitamin c and calcium were positively associated with urinary storage or incontinence, whereas vitamin C from foods and beverages were associated with decreased urinary urgency.