What Is The Interstitial Cystitis Diet?
The interstitial cystitis diet is a strategic nutritional plan tailored to manage and alleviate the distressing symptoms of interstitial cystitis (IC). The condition, also known as painful bladder syndrome, causes frequent urination, bladder pain, and pelvic discomfort. The pain can vary from mild sensations to severe agony. A study using data from the Veterans Health Administration found the national prevalence of interstitial cystitis in the USA to be 0.87%, with female and male prevalence rates at 1.08% and 0.66%, respectively (1). The IC diet focuses on minimizing the intake of caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and acidic foods that may irritate the sensitive bladder lining. It instead encourages the consumption of anti-inflammatory and bladder-friendly foods like garlic, ginger, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and non-citrus fruits (2), (3), (4). Research suggests that dietary modifications can significantly reduce the frequent urination, pelvic pain, and the constant feeling of fullness in the bladder (5), (6). The condition can progress through various stages and each stage is marked by a different set of symptoms. Learn more about them in the next section.
Stages Of Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is not a severe condition initially as it starts with milder, sporadic symptoms such as frequent urination that may often occur after sexual activity. Pain and urinary incontinence usually show up later during the progression, and could often be misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection (UTI) (7). Consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and a personalized dietary plan to help control the symptoms and achieve relief. Karin Littleton, a nutritionist and health coach, says, “It is always recommended that medical diagnosis is best when implementing restrictive diets like this to ensure that the condition is diagnosed, the diet is best for the condition, and that a medical professional (doctor or dietitian) is assisting you through the protocol.” Your doctor may also recommend the interstitial cystitis diet. Continue reading to learn how it improves your overall health and quality of life.
Benefits Of The Interstitial Cystitis Diet
The IC diet helps reduce bladder irritation and pain by eliminating foods and beverages that can aggravate the delicate bladder lining (8). It also promotes an environment conducive to a healthier bladder (2). The diet can be customized as per the individual’s preferences and triggers. It offers a holistic approach to treat the condition. Consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance is essential for making the most of this diet. On that note, we have listed in the next section the foods you can eat on the interstitial cystitis diet. Check them out.
Foods To Eat On The Interstitial Cystitis Diet
Staying well-hydrated is also crucial. Drinking water helps dilute urine and reduces the concentration of potential irritants. It also helps minimize bladder irritation in individuals with interstitial cystitis. Adequate water intake also prevents dehydration, which may otherwise exacerbate IC symptoms. The IC diet also specifies certain foods that may trigger symptoms (1), (3), (4). Learn more about them in the next section.
Foods To Avoid On The Interstitial Cystitis Diet
Gradually reintroduce these foods and pay attention to your body’s response to them. This can help you create a personalized diet plan that can help manage your symptoms effectively. The following sample meal plan can give you an idea. Check it out.
Sample Interstitial Cystitis Diet Meal Plan
You can customize this meal plan and batch-cook some of the listed items to make your meal prep easier. The above sample meal plan gives you an idea of what the IC diet looks like. While living with interstitial cystitis has its challenges, you do not have to sacrifice the pleasure of eating delicious meals. Scroll below to discover some scrumptious recipes you can try at home.
Interstitial Cystitis Diet Recipes
1. Chicken And Rice Bowl
Recommended Serving Size: One serving includes one chicken breast, ½ cup of cooked brown rice, ½ cup of steamed green beans, and ¼ cup of diced carrots. Ingredients
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast ½ cup of cooked brown rice ½ cup of steamed green beans ¼ cup of diced carrots 2 tablespoons of olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste
How To Prepare
2. Creamy Spinach And Potato Soup
Recommended Serving Size: One serving consists of one bowl or 1.5 cups of soup. Ingredients
2 cups of fresh spinach leaves 2 medium potatoes, diced ½ cup of diced leeks 2 cups of vegetable broth ½ cup of milk or almond milk 1 tablespoon of olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste
How To Prepare These recipes are thoughtfully crafted to minimize irritation while maximizing taste. With such delicious recipes, letting go of some ingredients may not be so difficult. However, it is important to note that the interstitial cystitis diet may not be ideal for everyone. While it can improve the quality of life in many, it is not without its challenges. Learn more about them in the next section.
Disadvantages Of The Interstitial Cystitis Diet
1. Identifying Triggers Can Be A Challenge
IC symptoms can be influenced by various factors like stress and hormonal changes. Hence, understanding your food triggers accurately can be a challenge.
2. Following The Diet For Long Can Be Difficult
Sticking to this diet plan over an extended period can be hard for some individuals due to its strict dietary restrictions. The diet can also be socially isolating and difficult to navigate.
3. Limited Food Choices Can Be Less Appealing
The diet limits the range of foods you can enjoy. This can lead to monotony and decreased satisfaction. Individual tastes and preferences may not align with the recommended foods and can make this diet less appealing for some people. Karin says, “It is always best to get a medical diagnosis prior to commencing any type of restrictive diet like this, to ensure that there is a sufficient diagnosis, someone to oversee the diet and ensure that there are no deficiencies of micronutrients.” Should I drink alkaline water for IC? Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking alkaline water may help reduce the acidity in the body. However, consult a healthcare provider to determine if it is suitable for you. Is juicing safe for IC? Juicing can be safe for IC if you stick to bladder-friendly fruits and vegetables and avoid acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Is milk OK for interstitial cystitis? While milk is considered to be IC-friendly, anecdotal evidence suggests that milk may trigger bladder irritation in individuals with lactose intolerancei The inability to fully digest lactose (sugar) in dairy products, which also may manifest as diarrhea, cramps, or bloating . Opt for lactose-free or non-dairy alternatives in such cases. Is banana good for interstitial cystitis? Yes. Bananas are often well-tolerated by individuals with interstitial cystitis and can be a good choice as a bladder-friendly fruit. Is yogurt good for IC? No. In fact, consumption of yogurt may aggravate the symptoms and must be avoided (9). Discover how a simple shift in your eating habits can make a world of difference. Check out this video to learn how to manage interstitial cystitis and prevent flare-ups.
