Foods to avoid for someone with interstitial cystitis include acidic foods like citrus fruits, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, and fast foods high in sodium and preservatives.
Managing Diet for Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Patients
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that affects the bladder, causing pelvic pain and issues with bladder movement. Certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms of IC, making it essential for patients to be aware of their dietary choices.
Common Bladder Irritants to Avoid
To manage IC symptoms effectively, patients should avoid common bladder irritants such as citrus fruits, spicy foods (e.g., chili peppers), coffee, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, and acidic or fermented foods[1][2][5].
Specifically, the following foods are often recommended to avoid:
- Dairy products: cheeses (all types including processed, American, mozzarella, cheddar, feta, ricotta), ice cream, yogurt, milk (all varieties), and nut milks like almond milk[1].
- Certain fruits: ultra-sweet tropical fruits such as pineapple, grapefruit, kiwi, bananas, and guava, which can promote pathogenic microbes and worsen symptoms[1]. Citrus fruits in general (oranges, lemons) are commonly irritating for many with IC and are often avoided or minimized[2][5].
- Spicy foods: chili peppers and other spicy seasonings can irritate the bladder and stomach lining, leading to flare-ups[1][2][5].
- Caffeine-containing and carbonated beverages: coffee, tea, soda, and other caffeinated drinks increase bladder pressure and irritation[2][3][5].
- Alcohol and artificial sweeteners: these can also exacerbate bladder symptoms and should be limited or avoided[2][5].
Additional foods to be cautious about include fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and pickles, which can be acidic and irritating[1].
A Low-Acid Diet and Personalised Approach
The management approach often involves an elimination diet to identify individual triggers, as sensitivities can vary. A low-acid diet with plenty of water combined with avoiding inflammatory foods is recommended[4][5]. Keeping a bladder diary to track foods that worsen symptoms can be helpful for creating a personalized diet plan[3].
In contrast, some foods considered more IC-friendly include cooked plain nuts, certain soy products, rice and hemp milks, select berries, melons, apples, pears, and avocados, but these can vary by person[1].
Comorbidities and Dietary Considerations
People with comorbidities like irritable bowel syndrome and constipation may need to consider additional dietary modifications for IC. If a person has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, their IC symptoms may worsen when they drink milk and eat dairy products[6].
Beverages to Be Aware Of
Certain beverages, such as pineapple, orange, grape juice, tomato juice, energy drinks, cranberry juice, chocolate milkshakes, coffee, soda, and alcohol, may worsen IC symptoms[7].
Spices and Condiments
Some spices and condiments in cooked foods, such as chili, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, horseradish, salad dressings, and Worcester sauce, may aggravate IC symptoms[8].
In summary, the key dietary avoidance list for IC includes:
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Spicy foods (e.g., chili peppers)
- Dairy products
- Caffeine and carbonated beverages
- Alcohol
- Artificial sweeteners
- Ultra-sweet tropical fruits (pineapple, grapefruit, kiwi, banana)
- Fermented and acidic foods (e.g., sauerkraut, pickles)
This dietary approach aims to reduce bladder inflammation and flare-ups and should ideally be tailored with the help of healthcare professionals or dietitians experienced in IC management[1][2][5].
[1] Interstitial Cystitis Association. (2021). Diet and nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.ichelp.org/community/diet-nutrition/
[2] University of California, San Francisco. (2021). Interstitial cystitis. Retrieved from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/interstitial_cystitis
[3] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/interstitial-cystitis-bladder-pain-syndrome
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Interstitial cystitis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-cystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352681
[5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Interstitial cystitis. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16720-interstitial-cystitis
[6] National Kidney Foundation. (2021). Interstitial cystitis. Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/interstitialcystitis
[7] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Diet and nutrition for bladder problems. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-problems/diet-nutrition
[8] Interstitial Cystitis Network. (2021). Foods to avoid with interstitial cystitis. Retrieved from https://ic-network.com/living/diet-nutrition/foods-to-avoid-with-interstitial-cystitis/
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