MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
September 7, 2008
  MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Health news and views MedTerms medical dictionary  
Font Size
A
A
A

Interstitial Cystitis (cont.)

Are lifestyle modifications of value in the management of interstitial cystitis?

Diet

There is no scientific evidence linking diet to interstitial cystitis, but doctors and patients believe that certain foods including alcohol, spices, chocolate, and caffeinated and citrus beverages may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation. Foods containing acid, for example, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, vitamin C, citrus fruits and beverages, vinegar, cranberries, strawberries, grapes, guava, mango, and pineapple also are believed to aggravate interstitial cystitis. Other foods that may increase symptoms because they contain the natural chemical tyramine include wine, beer, cheese, nuts, yogurt, bananas, soy sauce, chicken livers, raisins, sour cream, avocados, canned figs, corned beef, fava beans, brewers' yeast, and chocolate.

Some patients with interstitial cystitis also have noticed a worsening of symptoms after eating or drinking products containing artificial sweeteners. Patients may try eliminating such products from their diet and, if there is a reduction of symptoms, they can reintroduce them one at a time to determine which product seems to be aggravating their symptoms.

Smoking

Many interstitial cystitis patients feel that smoking worsens their symptoms. (Because smoking is the major known cause of bladder cancer, one of the best things a smoker can do for the bladder is to quit smoking.)

Exercise

Many interstitial cystitis patients feel that regular exercise helps relieve symptoms and, in some cases, hastens remission.

Bladder Training

People who have found some relief from pain may then be able to reduce frequency using bladder training techniques. Methods vary, but basically the patient decides to urinate at designated times and uses relaxation techniques and distractions to help keep to the schedule. Gradually, the patient lengthens the time between urinations. A diary usually is helpful in keeping track of progress.



Next: Are there any special concerns about interstitial cystitis? »

Interstitial Cystitis - Describe Your Experience

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with interstitial cystitis.

Anonymously share your comment to help others. Patient Discussions FAQs
See 3 Viewer Comments

Submit Your Comment


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


space Related health and medical articles From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com MedicineNet Doctors recommend space
space
MedicineNet Doctors Recommend
  • Urinalysis - Learn about the urinalysis test. Diseases and conditions such as urinary tract or kidney infection, kidney stones, kidney failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure can be diagnosed or monitored. Source:MedicineNet
  • Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy - Read about the side effects of cystoscopy and ureteroscopy, procedures used in the treatment of bladder problems (frequent urinary tract infections, kidney stones). Source:Government
  • Urinary Tract Infection In Adults - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections. Source:Government
  • Read 29 more Interstitial Cystitis related articles ...
Latest Medical News
space

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.




Topics Related to Interstitial Cystitis


Interstitial Cystitis
RSS FeedSpecialty RSS       Add to My Yahoo! What is this?

Exercise for Urinary IncontinenceExercise for Urinary Incontinence
Like millions, Mary Lou Retton has urinary incontinence. There are no medications but pelvic muscle exercises often help. See more WebMD Videos »












Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Search Help | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

HON Code We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information:
verify here.

©1996-2008 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.