Dietary management can be an effective treatment plan for interstitial cystitis. Experts recommend avoiding potential triggers such as caffeine and citrus juices. However, trigger foods may vary for each person.
Many people with interstitial cystitis rely on alternative treatment because the condition currently has no cure. Diet alone may not improve the symptoms, but consuming certain foods and avoiding others can provide some relief.
Usually, healthcare professionals will recommend specific dietary strategies and interventional therapies for people with the condition.
This article outlines how diet can affect interstitial cystitis. It also covers foods to eat and avoid and an interstitial cystitis meal plan.
Studies suggest that certain foods can worsen bladder pain related to interstitial cystitis. These trigger foods
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- About 70% of people in the interstitial cystitis group had more than one food sensitivity.
- People with symptoms of interstitial cystitis were more sensitive to certain beverages and spicy foods than other groups.
- Compared with white participants, Black participants with interstitial cystitis reported greater sensitivity to non-caffeinated and alcoholic drinks and a higher rate of urinary urgency.
According to the American Urological Association, specific dietary changes can help people manage or avoid interstitial cystitis flare-ups.
A person with interstitial cystitis can include the following foods in their diet:
- Certain fruits: avocados, bananas, blueberries, melons, pears, apricots, dates, prunes, and raisins
- Some vegetables: asparagus, celery, bell pepper, broccoli, beets, eggplant, peas, mushrooms, and spinach
- Grains: oats and rice
- Proteins: beef, eggs, pork, lamb, poultry, and fish
- Nuts: almonds, walnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, and pistachios
- Nut and seed butters: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, and sunflower seed butter
- Some dairy: cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and low fat and nonfat milk
- Herbs and spices: basil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary
- Beverages: water, pear juice, blueberry juice, grain-based coffee substitutes, and chamomile or peppermint tea
Consuming certain foods can increase a person’s risk of interstitial cystitis symptoms.
The Interstitial Cystitis Association notes that foods and beverages that trigger symptoms vary for each person with the condition.
According to the
- Certain fruits: oranges, grapefruits, lemons, pineapples, and strawberries
- Some vegetables: tomatoes and tomato products, pickles, chili peppers, and sauerkraut
- Processed sandwich meats: Bologna, ham, salami, and cold cuts
- Soy foods: tofu, edamame, tempeh, and soybeans
- Cultured dairy products: yogurt
- Chocolate: chocolate bars, chips, and candies
- Condiments: chiles, vinegar, horseradish, salad dressings, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup
- Beverages: alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, and citrus juices (including orange, grapefruit, cranberry, and pineapple juice)
- Food additives: monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners
According to the
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- Consuming certain foods and beverages can trigger symptoms within 2–4 hours.
- Avoiding foods that irritate the bladder can improve symptoms by 50%.
- Eliminating bladder irritants from the diet and maintaining a steady water intake can significantly benefit people with interstitial cystitis.
On an interstitial cystitis diet, a sample menu could include the following:
Breakfast
- omelet with mushrooms and spinach
- oatmeal with bananas, nut butter, and blueberries
- avocado toast with hard-boiled egg
Lunch
- rice, asparagus, and baked salmon
- brown rice,grilled chicken, and broccoli
- wrap with cream cheese, chicken, avocado, and spinach
Dinner
- pork chops with mashed potatoes and green beans
- tuna salad sandwich
- stuffed bell peppers with ground beef
Snack
- sliced apple with peanut butter
- celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins
- almonds with low fat cheese
A person should contact a healthcare professional if their symptoms do not improve after they have made dietary changes to manage the condition.
Also, a person should speak with a healthcare professional immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- chronic pelvic pain
- vaginal pain
- testicular pain
- frequent urination during the day and night
Research suggests that avoiding specific foods and consuming others can improve symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Making certain dietary changes can help a person manage interstitial cystitis symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Triggers can vary from one person to another. Health experts recommend that a person take note of their symptoms after every meal to find out what irritates their bladder.
A person should speak with a healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve after a dietary change.