Supplements to Avoid with Interstitial Cystitis
Patients often report multi-vitamins irritate their bladder and pelvic pain symptoms. Vitamin C, which is found in almost all multi-vitamins, may be a trigger for many. We also want to avoid any supplements causing constipation, diarrhea or GI issues.
It is recommended that patients with IC/BPS avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, tea, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and vitamin C.
Vitamin C found in foods.
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.
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 has various pharmacologic effects associated with smooth muscle relaxation. In this study, magnesium effectively and safely reduced the incidence of catheter-related bladder discomfort above a moderate grade in patients having transurethral resection of bladder tumor.
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis isn't known, but it's likely that many factors contribute. For instance, people with interstitial cystitis may also have a defect in the protective lining (epithelium) of the bladder. A leak in the epithelium may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall.
o The B-Complex vitamins can also cause problems with IC. o The fat soluble vitamins (A, D E, and K) and minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are usually well-tolerated by most IC patients.
Abstract. Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent syndrome that is associated with multiple urinary tract symptoms and could affect the patient's quality of life and well-being. Vitamin D is shown to be linked to OAB syndrome, which exacerbated by stress conditions.
Foods to eat
Fruits: bananas, apricots, blueberries, dates, melons, prunes, pears, raisins. Vegetables: avocados, asparagus, broccoli, beets, eggplant, peas, mushrooms, spinach. Grains: oats, rice. Proteins: beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, eggs.
Is it safe for women with IC to take probiotics? There is limited evidence supporting the use of probiotics for IC symptoms. In fact, many with IC report that tempeh, soy beverages, and fermented milks - which contain natural probiotics - provoke IC symptoms.
Best Probiotics for Cystitis
These specific strains (in particular, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®) have been clinically trialled to survive transit through the gut, and then successfully colonise the vagina and bladder where they exert their beneficial effects3.
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.
Though the most widely used antihistamine to treat IC/BPS is hydroxyzine, some people with IC/BPS find relieve from Claritin, Benadryl, and Singulair.
Research Studies Explore Manuka Honey's Potential For Treating UTI and IC. And all of that leaves patients wondering whether eating Manuka honey could help. Honey is certainly considered IC friendly when consumed in small amounts.
And it usually takes weeks or months to calm the symptoms. The first stage of treatment is to try to avoid triggers and try lifestyle changes that may help ease symptoms. Retrain your bladder to hold more urine. For example, if you feel the need to pee every 30 minutes, try to stretch it out to 45 minutes.
In some patients the symptoms gradually improve and even disappear. Some patients do not respond to any IC/BPS therapy. However, with pain management, they can still have significant improvement in quality of life. Pain management can include other drugs, acupuncture, and other non-drug therapies.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
Omega-3 has been shown to help reduce inflammation. Many people with IC have increased pain because of pelvic and bladder inflammation, therefore reduction can help diminish pain. This oil naturally occurs in fish and has been shown to be helpful in supplement form particularly in EPA: DHA blends.
Health supplements you are taking to keep you healthy may actually be irritating your bladder! This can be especially true for health products that contain B vitamins, Vitamin C, certain herbal preparations including cranberry pills or health products with many fillers or artificial colours.
Some research shows that magnesium hydroxide can reduce spontaneous muscle contractions that cause incontinence. A small study found that magnesium hydroxide improved urinary incontinence in women.