Lifestyle Changes to Help Control Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms

Interstitial Cystitis is commonly known as Bladder Pain Syndrome, and awareness of this condition is of utmost importance since it affects millions.

Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis

• Range from mild to severe
• May come and go, for many, it may come and go
• Most people with Interstitial Cystitis feel pain and pressure in the bladder area
• Symptoms are similar to a bladder infection, but IC does not respond to antibiotics

Interstitial Cystitis treatment options should be decided with your doctor. Changes in lifestyle may help control symptoms. Just for information, 8 in 10 people with this condition are women.

Diet to Follow in Interstitial Cystitis

• Certain foods make symptoms for Interstitial Cystitis worse
• Avoid citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons or limes.
• Avoid spicy food, and also limit caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol
• Cranberry products may trigger irritation in an Interstitial cystitis bladder
• Interstitial Cystitis friendly fruits are pears, mild sweet apples and blueberries.
• Follow the elimination method for choosing your diet
• Stop eating all kinds of foods that irritate your bladder for a week or two.

Stress Relief

• In addition to following a strict diet, limit stress as much as possible
• Come up with new coping methods to deal with emotional and mental stress
• Develop useful strategies that may help manage pain better

Other Lifestyle Tips

• Quit smoking as it can worsen symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing
• Interstitial Cystitis-friendly activities including yoga, Pilates, and walking
• For tenderness or pain in the pelvic floor area, manipulative physical therapy may help reduce pain.

Text Credits: https://www.urologyhealth.org/

Contact 080 28483939 for more information on Interstitial Cystitis and treatment at our Specialized Clinic, ReSCUE Urology Hospital in Bangalore, Kengeri.