Recommendations for Interstitial Cystitis

  1. Faithfully adhere to a diet that restricts bladder irritants.

  2. Keep a diet/symptom diary - it may help to identify bladder irritants.

  3. Use good quality water for drinking and cooking.

  4. Do not use carbonated beverages.

  5. Do not use artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame (Nutrasweet).

  6. Drink green teas which are high in anti-oxidants.

  7. Vitamin C supplementation is important because foods high in this vitamin are often eliminated from the diet because they tend to be acidic. Calcium coated vitamin C (found in health stores as Allergy C) or buffered C crystals should be utilized and the recommended dietary allowance is 60 mg/day. Certain "safe fruits" which contain vitamin C include kiwi fruit, mango, papaya, and watermelon.

  8. Avoid vaginal deodorizers or excess douching.

  9. Positions during intercourse should not irritate the bladder.

  10. Do not take unnecessary medications. Be sure your physician understands your bladder condition. Do not take over the counter drugs or social drugs.

  11. Positive stress is usually helpful, negative stress needs to be avoided. Find ways to reduce negative stress.

  12. Consider behavioral therapy and biofeedback as means of reducing pelvic floor tension and spasm.

urologychannel provides more recommendations for interstitial cystitis.

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