Peppermint Tea This menthol based flavor can help soothe your intestines and decrease bloating while also freshening your breath instantly. A refreshing glass that has a cooling effect, this is a yummy option for those looking to ease interstitial cystitis symptoms.
Studies show the use of supplements in green tea protect against inflammation of the urinary tract. It may therefore be a viable option for the treatment of inflammatory bladder conditions, such as interstitial cystitis.
IC patients should look, instead, to some light herbal teas to make their daily brew. Iced chamomile or peppermint teas are very refreshing, especially when combined with a bit of honey or even citrus peel (lemon or lime peel contains much less acid than lemon juice).
Chamomile tea is on the ICA "Understanding the Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome Diet" and can be especially soothing during an IC flare.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or imipramine (Tofranil), to help relax your bladder and block pain. Antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin, others), which may reduce urinary urgency and frequency and relieve other symptoms.
Amitriptyline is the medication most commonly prescribed for interstitial cystitis. Elmiron is the only oral drug approved by the FDA specifically for interstitial cystitis. It improves the bladder lining, making it less leaky and therefore less inflamed and painful. The full effect may take three to six months.
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.
The cause of interstitial cystitis (IC) is unknown. Researchers are looking at many theories to understand the causes of IC and find the best treatments. Most people with IC find that certain foods make their symptoms worse.
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.
Drinking Rooibos and Buchu tea is also beneficial if you suffer from cystitis and flatulence. Because the tea has such a beneficial action on the urinary tract, here is a great tip: for vaginal and/or bladder infections add Bladder and Kidney tea to bath water for relief from burning and itching.
Other common bladder irritants include: Caffeine (sodas, diet pills, etc) Chocolate, sugar, honey and corn syrup.
There are certain items that are more likely to trigger IC/BPS flares: Coffee (caffeinated and decaffeinated), tea (caffeinated and decaffeinated), soda, alcohol, citrus juices, and cranberry juice. Foods and beverages containing artificial sweeteners.
Discussion. The present study demonstrated that green tea as an adjunctive therapy had significant effects on treating acute uncomplicated cystitis in women. This result could be related to antibacterial effects of green tea EGC and its synergistic effects with antibiotics.
Honey is certainly considered IC friendly when consumed in small amounts. IC patients have shared a variety of experiences after eating honey in general. Most tolerate it quite well according to a discussion in the ICN Support Forum.
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.
Dimethylsulfoxide — Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a liquid medication that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). DMSO is put into the bladder through a temporary catheter and is held in place for approximately 20 minutes, if possible.
Pentosan polysulfate sodium is the only FDA-approved oral medication for interstitial cystitis. The drug binds to the walls of the bladder, helping replace and repair the lining. Symptom improvement can take up to six months, but several studies have shown moderately positive results.
Best Probiotics for Cystitis
Both Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® can be found in Optibac Probiotics For Women.
Though the most widely used antihistamine to treat IC/BPS is hydroxyzine, some people with IC/BPS find relieve from Claritin, Benadryl, and Singulair.