Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that is characterized by painful ulcers and bleeding in the bladder lining. Food byproducts pass through the bladder and likely irritate the swollen areas and increase pain symptoms in patients. Although an altered diet has no research-upheld benefits for patients with IC, anecdotal evidence suggests that elimination diets and carefully controlled introduction and avoidance of foods can substantially improve the quality of life for IC sufferers.
Tips to Monitor the Diet
Although individuals with IC have specific trigger foods (i.e., foods that worsen IC symptoms of pain, urgency, and frequency), these suggestions can help all sufferers control IC symptoms:
- Keep a record of food intake and IC symptoms. This food diary will help identify safe foods and trigger foods, and it will be a useful tool for discussion about lifestyle and symptoms with healthcare providers.
- Use the food diary and a safe foods list from healthcare providers to develop a healthful diet, since vitamins and other prepared supplements can irritate patients with IC.
- Avoid prepacked and processed foods when possible, because the preservatives, additives and other spices or ingredients can trigger symptoms, even when the main ingredient does not. Experimentation is key, because different brands of the same foods may vary in safety levels.
Elimination Diet
An elimination diet can be the best way to start reducing food-related IC symptoms. Although adjusting to each step may take a few weeks, the slow introduction of sets of foods can help develop a uniquely tailored IC diet for each sufferer. The first step is to remove all items from the diet except for foods considered bladder friendly, or safe to use without aggravating symptoms. After symptoms have decreased on this diet, slowly add foods in small amounts that may be safe for IC and record symptom reactions. Increase the amounts of these safe foods to identify how much your body can handle before symptoms appear, and record this as well.
Foods Safe for IC
Some typical foods that are good for starting an IC diet include blueberry or pear juices, pita breads, oat and rice cereals, couscous, soda crackers, popcorn and pasta. Most nuts, oils, margarines and shortening are considered nonirritating as well. Turkey and pork are safe types of meat, and some milk products and cheeses (e.g., mozzarella, mild cheddar or cream) are not trigger foods. Numerous vegetables and fruits, including celery, green beans, pumpkin, cauliflower, watermelon, blueberries, and some apple types (e.g., Gala and Fuji), have been used successfully without causing symptom flares. The IC diet can even include some spices and flavorings, like licorice, oregano, thyme, vanilla extract, anise and allspice.
Foods to Avoid With IC
Although there is a large list of "try it" foods for an IC diet (i.e., foods that may bother some IC sufferers but may be safe in others), there is also a list of foods that will likely irritate any IC patient. Some common examples of these foods to avoid nearly always include ketchup, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, tomato sauces, pickles and soy products. In addition, meats like hot dogs or deli-cured sandwhich meats (e.g., salami) can trigger symptoms. Drink options are limited, because the following liquids also increase painful bladder symptoms: alcohol, cranberry and orange juices, teas, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees and almost all cola drinks.
Resources
The IC Association provides a detailed list of safe, cautious and avoidance foods for patients with IC.
References
National Institutes of Health NIDDK Disease Topics: Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
Interstitial Cystitis Association: Living with IC: IC Diet and Food List and Elimination Diet
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