Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome. It is a condition that causes chronic pain in the bladder and pelvic region. Many IC sufferers constantly feel like they have a urinary tract infection, but never grow a positive culture. It can significantly impact a person’s life and there is still much to be learned about this condition. Read on to learn how to improve interstitial cystitis symptoms.

What causes IC?

IC is a condition involving inflammation of the bladder wall that leads to bladder pain, pressure, and urgency. It is challenging to diagnose and is often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning they haven’t found other issues. There are several theories on the cause and types of IC:

• The bladder lining isn’t working properly. Our internal bladder has a mucous layer that protects the bladder lining from irritating substances. In this theory, there are defects in that mucous layer that are leading to the irritation.

• There is a local inflammatory response caused by mast cells. Mast cells are inflammatory cells that release histamine. When the histamine and other mediators that cause inflammation are released, there is a response that causes sensitivity in the bladder, resulting in urgency, frequency, and pain.

• Inflammation in the nervous system, also known as neurogenic inflammation cases a self-perpetuating cycle of pain. The initial painful stimulation may be from endometriosis, pelvic floor spasm, GI issues, or chronic UTIs. In this theory, when there is any pain in the pelvis, the pain may rebound to another pelvic organ and cause inflammation at that site. This theory explains why sufferers of IC commonly have other diagnoses such as IBS, endometriosis, or pain with sex.

Symptoms of IC:

• Frequent urination

• Urgency with urination

• Feelings of pressure, pain, and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis, and the area between the anus and vagina or anus and scrotum (perineum)

• Pain during sex

• In men, discomfort or pain in the penis and scrotum

• In women, symptoms may worsen around their period

How to improve interstitial cystitis symptoms with lifestyle changes:

Nutrition Interventions: While there is no evidence that a specific diet will improve IC, many people find that there are dietary triggers for IC symptoms. Every individual may have different responses, but there are common dietary triggers.

Quit smoking: Many people with IC find that smoking makes symptoms worse.

Stay active: Exercise may help improve interstitial cystitis symptoms.

Manage stress: Stress can make IC symptoms worse. Find ways to improve stress levels and relax.

Get adequate sleep: Getting adequate sleep is important for managing stress levels and reducing inflammation. Aim for 7-8 hours per night.

How to improve interstitial cystitis symptoms with dietary changes:

Certain foods may trigger symptoms of IC. It is important to note that not all sufferers of IC have to avoid these foods. Keeping a log of symptoms along with foods may be beneficial when trying to identify triggers.

Common food triggers:

• Citrus fruits

• Tomatoes & tomato-based sauces

• Chocolate

• Coffee

• Alcoholic beverages

• Caffeinated beverages

• Spicy foods

• Carbonated beverages (soda, sparkling water)

Minnesota Women’s Care has a very helpful and comprehensive IC-Food Guide.

Who to have on your IC care team:

Building a comprehensive IC care team to support you in improving interstitial cystitis symptoms is important.

Urologist: Having a urologist on board can help with getting a diagnosis and managing symptoms with medications and medical treatments.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: Managing any underlying pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder emptying habits is important for improving symptoms.

Registered Dietitian: A registered dietitian can support you in identifying food triggers, making individualized nutrition interventions, and assisting in identifying supplements that are right for improving your symptoms. My goal in working with clients is to identify food triggers with the least restrictive diet possible. For more information, book a discovery call with me today.

This blog is intended to educate and inform and does not replace medical advice or nutrition therapy.

Sources:

- "Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome" by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/interstitial-cystitis-painful-bladder-syndrome

- "Interstitial Cystitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments" by Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/interstitial-cystitis

- "Interstitial cystitis" by Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-cystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354357

- "IC Diet" by IC Network, https://www.ic-network.com/ic-diet/

- "IC-Food Guide" by Minnesota Women's Care, https://mnwcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ic-diet-plan.pdf

-”Interstitial Cystitis” by Pacific Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery, https://pacificendometriosis.com/interstitial-cystitis/