Natural Home Remedies For Interstitial Cystitis Relief

Interstitial cystitis (IC), described as a non-infectious inflammatory condition of the urinary bladder, causes a wide range of urologic symptoms that includes urinary urgency and frequency, discomfort, pressure, pain, or tenderness in the pelvic area. Its root cause is unknown, and there is no proven medical cure as of the present. Pharmacologic treatments are mainly palliative in nature, that is, aimed at treating the symptoms rather than the disease itself. Rather than relying heavily on drugs to obtain relief from IC symptoms, the trend nowadays leans toward personal responsibility and wise lifestyle choices. Discipline is a very important and integral part of successful treatment, because altering your lifestyle can mean staying away from many convenient and tempting food choices.

Since the disease is an inflammatory condition, many naturopathic practitioners have suggested treating the disease by halting or slowing the inflammatory process through a variety of methods, such as diet modification and intake of nutritional supplements. Patients can greatly benefit from taking fish oil, either in fish such as herring or sardines, or as supplements. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA, which are proven to be effective anti-inflammatory compounds. Taking supplements such as calcium citrate, which alkalinizes the urine, is believed to decrease bladder irritation.

Patients can also benefit from avoiding foods linked to IC exacerbations. Many patients have reported alleviation in symptoms after eliminating caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, or chocolate from their diet. Acidic foods, including carbonated beverages, tomatoes, vitamin C, citrus fruits, and vinegar are also found to aggravate IC. Some patients have reported worsening of symptoms after taking foods containing artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharin. Tyramine-containing foods such as wine, beer, cheese, nuts, yogurt, bananas, soy sauce, chicken livers, raisins, sour cream, avocados, canned figs, corned beef, fava beans, and brewers' yeast have been found to increase IC symptoms. Also, many IC patients have reported intensification of symptoms after taking foods or beverages containing preservatives and artificial ingredients and colors. Nicotine can also cause irritation to the bladder, thus it is advisable for patients with IC to stay away from cigarettes. Plus, cessation of smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Herbal medications, including but not limited to gotu kola, buchu, cleavers, corn silk, horsetail, marshmallow root, and usnea, all have different mechanisms of action but are all linked to improvement of IC symptoms.

In addition to diet modification, exercise can greatly help patients with IC. Exercise improves circulation to all parts of the body, including the urinary bladder, thus aiding in faster repair and recovery of damaged tissues. Exercise also improves flexibility and strengthens the body as a whole, particularly the pelvic musculature, which adds support and protection to the bladder and neighboring organs. IC patients can try gentle exercises such as low-impact aerobics, walking, pilates, Tai Chi, or yoga.

Avoiding stress benefits not only patients with IC, but everyone else as well. Stress is responsible for the release of natural steroids that cause inflammation, thus inhibiting the healing processes of the body. Relaxation techniques such as hypnosis, meditation, or massage can play a big role in helping the bladder to heal itself, and consequently reduce the symptoms of IC. Some patients have reported relief using Chinese remedies such as acupuncture and acupressure.

There are a wide variety of natural treatments for interstitial cystitis, a number have worked for some but not for others. It's worth the while finding out what works for you as an individual patient, but what's important is that you consult with your doctor first before trying out any remedies, even natural ones, as some remedies may be detrimental instead if you have another existing condition.

Are you sick and tired with constant urge, burning or painful discomfort when urinating? Find out how you can finally overcome interstitial cystitis using simple interstitial cystitis remedies when you visit http://www.interstitialcystitisnaturalremedies.com. I'm giving this free access to the public for a limited time only. Visit the website now!