Interstitial Cystitis
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Treatment Interstitial Cystitis The effects of diet modification By Phillip G. Mosbaugh, M.D. (retired) Teresa D. Beam, M.D. hankfully for patients with Interstitial Cystitis and their that cranberry juice might offer results from its conversion to hippuric acid, which is weakly families, more research is being done in relation to this bactericidal and in turn serves to acidify the condition than ever before. A mainstay of therapy, however, urine. In those patients with recurrent cystitis, these activities may provide a chemical deterrent is the modification of the patient’s diet, and it is one of the to the growth of common organisms known as major factors that remain exclusively in the power of the urea-splitting bacteria, e.g. Proteus, Klebsiella. In patient’s control. IC patients, the effect of cranberry juice seems T to be more detrimental than helpful, possibly When discussing initial treatment plans with serotonin, and dopamine, and are thought to because the readily available supermarket juice newly diagnosed Interstitial Cystitis patients and irritate the interstitial or inflamed bladder. usually contains less than 20% pure cranberries families, it has become increasingly important combined with high amounts of sugar or to focus on the value of self-help strategies, For most people, urine is usually in the acid sweeteners to reduce the tartness. including diet, bladder holding exercises, pH range (4 to 6.5) except or unless dietary Rebecca Chalker and Dr. Kristene Whitmore, in and coping techniques like stress reduction, influences produce “alkaline tide” urine. Normal the book Overcoming Bladder Disorders, note relaxation techniques, and biofeedback. bladders seem little affected by these high alkaline states except to perhaps experience that more than one-third of responding IC patients Of these, dietary changes can often produce some passing urgency and burning. Inflamed, indicated that acid foods definitely contributed dramatic and immediate effect in symptomatic atrophic estrogen depleted, and interstitial to the severity of their symptoms. Leading their patients. In fact, in a support group survey of cystitis bladders, however, may have much more list of dietary “no-nos” was alcohol followed by registered IC patients (104 respondents) in intense discomfort to these same chemical caffeinated beverages, chocolate, citrus fruits, Indiana, 60% found diet modification to be the states. One possible theory suggests that if the and tomatoes. Of the fruits mentioned, bananas, most effective therapy when compared to other protective GAG (glycosaminoglycan) layer is strawberries, and pineapples seemed to be the modalities, including heat and cold, bladder lost, the bladder is more vulnerable to these most problematic. Other acid foods commonly instillations, hydrodistention, oral medications, irritating effects. Another somewhat related cited as being irritating to the IC bladder, include TENS units, exercises, stress reduction, and theory suggests that the cell itself may leak and apples, apple juice, cantaloupe, cherries, chilies, psychological counseling. exchange intra-cellular sodium for extra-cellular curry, cranberries, grapes, lemon juice, peaches, hydrogen thereby exposing the very depths of plums, and vinegar. It is difficult to determine how and why diet the bladder and adjacent sensory nerve endings The second broad group of foods that have causes problems for so many patients. Dr. Larrian to these irritating chemical effects. The same been known to bother IC patients is the amino Gillespie’s book entitled, You Don’t Have to Live mechanism might explain why some patients acid group that includes tyrosine, tryptophan, with Cystitis!, first detailed the implications of experience relief from a teaspoon of baking soda tryamine, and asparate. Foods containing amino diet on interstitial cystitis symptoms. Two food in water, which may ease symptoms by reversing acids break down to chemical neurotransmitters groups are identified: this cellular sodium-hydrogen exchange. such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and • Acid Foods (citrus, carbonated beverages, No one totally understands the role the pH of the dopamine. Theoretically, in a normal bladder alcohol); urine plays in IC or an irritated bladder. Certainly the protective GAG membrane provides an • Amino Acid Foods (tyrosine, tyramine, not all IC patients have constantly alkaline urine effective insulation to these chemicals while in tryptophan, aspartate). and the effects of diet vary greatly from one “leaky” IC bladders, this protection is lost. This, patient to the next. Cranberry juice, for example, in turn, allows these neurotransmitters to cross Both food groups break down into chemical has been touted as being “beneficial” to the the bladder membrane and cause discomfort neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, bladder. In fact, the only theoretical advantage perhaps by stimulation of mast cells and/or 18 The Urologist Treatment sympathetic nerve endings. These cascades of cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, and watercress such as tartrazine (yellow dye #5) are found in neurohumoral and neuroendocrine events may are usually tolerated. many foods and drugs. Preservatives, including then result in the severe pain many IC patients monosodium glutamate, benzyl alcohol, sodium experience from these foods. Beverage elimination can present problems for benzoate, and citric acid are commonly present some, but this should be eased with the flood in foods and may in remote ways contribute to The foods most often mentioned in this group of lightly flavored mineral and spring waters now symptoms. Since a significant number (30% to include avocados, bananas, beer, aged cheese, available. Soft drink carbonation can be reduced 50%) of IC patients will have associated other chocolate, onions, mayonnaise, sour cream, with a pinch of salt that flattens it, but adding salt problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, soy sauce, and artificial sweeteners such as can be a potential problem for those on salt-free joint and muscle problems, migraine headaches, Nutrasweet and saccharin. diets. Sun tea, low acid coffee, e.g. Kava, and allergies, etc., it is possible that many of low acid late harvest white wines may be fine these dietary alterations might contribute to As a result of having to eliminate these foods, in moderation. For a few patients, chlorinated improvement in these areas as well. many IC patients understandably feel discouraged water can aggravate symptoms. and apprehensive about their diets and the social By now, the frustration and confusion about constraints associated with dining with friends or As if the problems already identified were not dietary changes must be overwhelming to most at restaurants. Fortunately, there are food groups enough, a few patients may also experience IC patients. What, in fact, is a reasonable approach that seem to be reliably safe and well tolerated symptoms caused by food allergies. Whole grain to all of this? Managing the changes necessary to including carbohydrates such as pasta, rice and products may not be well tolerated. Products relieve symptoms is crucial and should involve potatoes, as well as broiled and grilled chicken containing wheat and corn are the most the help of supportive family and friends. Most and meat. Obviously, highly seasoned ethnic common offenders followed by rye, oat, and start with an elimination diet reduced to the foods such as Mexican, Indian, Thai, Chinese, or barley. Obviously, baked yeast breads may be a bare essential non-irritants; then over time, Italian, may present problems when dining out significant problem for some. For patients who foods are added back to identify if there are as there may be no way to eliminate these foods have milk allergies or are lactose intolerance, any adverse effects. This effort can take many distinguishing ingredients. dairy products can play havoc. weeks and months to accomplish, but it is often worth it. When the primary dietary offenders are Non-aged cheeses such as American, cottage, Many patients ask about the systemic influence of identified and eliminated, less bothersome foods cream, and Ricotta are usually well tolerated. vaginal yeast infections (Candidiasis) on IC. The can sometimes be tolerated. A dietary rotation Simply prepared fresh fish and canned tuna concept that the two may be related is not well can be effective where troublesome foods are usually non-irritating while smoked fish, understood nor generally accepted. In theory, are consumed only every 5-7 days assuming caviar, anchovies, and pickled herring are often ingested yeast and molds may inhabit many excessive symptoms do not flare up. problematic. bodily systems, and as a result of overgrowth, may stimulate allergies and suppress the As we learn more about the effects of diet on IC Fruits and vegetables are important parts of immune system. How this in turn would affect symptoms, it becomes apparent that input from a healthful diet and yet many of these foods the bladder is not clear. Regardless, some people a nutritionist well versed in the IC syndrome and bother IC bladders. Pears seem to be acceptable have benefited by eliminating yeast, cheeses, food allergies may greatly enhance the benefits to most patients and some apricots and melons, molds, alcohol, as well as fermented foods such of dietary modification. The nutritionist may also as well. Smaller quantities of different fruits as vinegar, soy sauce, and Tofu from their diets. help in suggesting appropriate and safe vitamin