Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder disorder of no proven cause that affects millions of people worldwide, of which approximately 90% are woman. Sufferers of interstitial cystitis may experience symptoms of frequency and urgency of urination, with various degrees of pain. Inflammation of the bladder wall with bleeding ulcers in severe cases (Hunner’s ulcers), and possible muscle spasm of the pelvic floor resulting in painful sexual intercourse, are known manifestations of interstitial cystitis.

Microbial infection has not been identified as a cause for interstitial cystitis and there is no connection to cancer of the bladder.

Treatment of interstitial cystitis is lengthy, difficult and often unsatisfactory requiring the use of medication, bladder distension or bladder instillation. This may well be the only options available at the time, to provide much needed relief of symptoms in the short term. In the longer term, more effective treatment of interstitial cystitis in adopting a more holistic approach should be considered.

Pelvic floor dysfunction with ongoing muscle tension may be a contributing factor requiring treatment by a physical therapist, versed in the treatment of interstitial cystitis. Stress reduction and anxiety management is important as well as acupuncture, biofeedback and massage. Electronic pain relief using a TENS machine is helpful.

A more natural approach for treatment of interstitial cystitis, would involve the early identification of allergies or foods causing bladder irritation. The best way is following an elimination diet, i.e. while eating a very basic diet (potatoes, rice, bread and water), adding new foods one at a time while trying to identify the triggers, which may vary from person to person. Common triggers of interstitial cystitis symptoms include concentrated fruit juice, citrus fruit, cranberries, alcohol, coffees, teas, including herbal and green teas, bananas, tomatoes etc.

Natural products for the relief of pain of interstitial cystitis, include the use of baking soda (short-term use only), Grapefruit seed extract, Serrapeptase enzymes, cod liver oil and Activated Quercetin. Of much importance is the long-term use of Colostrum for the repair of the bladder lining. Alkalizing the body by taking supplements (alkaline diets are usually poorly tolerated by interstitial cystitis sufferers) as well as detoxifying your body (clay baths are very effective), are essential steps to be instituted early on in the successful treatment of interstitial cystitis. 

For further highly recommended reading on the management of bladder problems click here.  Video on interstitial cystitis