Understanding the Interstitial Cystitis Diet

Julie Beyer - Interstitial-Cystitis - Confident Choices®

Determining Your Personal Trigger Foods

Diet modification is the first line of defense for patients struggling with interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). Since sensitivity to various foods can vary among individuals, it is important to determine your personal trigger foods. This three-column system is based on emerging research as well as information gathered from patient and clinician experience.

Step by Step Through the (Interstitial Cystitis) Food Categories

Bladder Friendly includes foods that rarely bother even the most sensitive Interstitial Cystitis bladders. If you are newly diagnosed, eat these foods until you experience some relief from your symptoms. It may take a few weeks, but do your best to stick with it!

Try It includes foods that are generally safe to eat though they might bother more sensitive bladders. If your bladder is improving, these foods are safe to try. Test one food at a time, beginning with a small quantity such as 1/2 a piece of fruit or a dash of spice, gradually increasing portion size over the course of a few days. If you do not react to the food, you can add it to your own personal “Bladder Friendly” list. If your symptoms flare after consuming a problem food, return to the foods you know to be ok for your bladder until the flare passes.
Caution includes foods which trigger bladder discomfort. Try these foods only if your bladder is no longer sensitive.

Additional Interstitial Cystitis Hints

1. Keep a good food and symptoms diary while you are experimenting with your diet. It can take from minutes to hours for a problem food or beverage to trigger symptoms.

2. Avoid trigger foods when starting new therapies,such as Elmiron®. Problem foods may compromise the effectiveness of those treatments.

3. Don’t be afraid to eat. In addition to the many foods that you can enjoy from the “Bladder Friendly” list, as your symptoms improve, add variety to your diet by testing foods from the “Try It” list. Some bladder patients, occasionally, may be able to consume small quantities foods from the “Caution” list.

4. Shop for fresh foods when ever possible. Processed foods often contain ingredients that can be irritating including some preservatives, artificial flavorings, additives and or artificial vitamins. Organic foods often contain fewer additives and may be useful in an Interstitial Cystitis diet. Always read labels to look for hidden triggers.

5. Try different brands. Many”brands”ofthesamefoodhave completely different ingredients and additives and could irritate the bladder.

6. Avoid foods that you know you are allergic to even if they are included in this diet guide. Pre-existing food allergies, such as an allergy to nuts or grains, can also trigger bladder irritation and/or a stronger allergic reaction.

Download the .PDF Interstitial Cystitis / PBS Food List

For more information: www.ic-diet.com