Interstitial cystitis, or IC, is a chronic condition that can cause bladder pain and other symptoms. The symptoms of IC are often similar to those of other urinary tract infections (UTIs), but some people with IC have no signs or symptoms at all. In most cases, it’s difficult for doctors to diagnose interstitial cystitis because many tests can’t find anything wrong with patients’ bladders. However, there are many home remedies that may help relieve your symptoms and make life easier.
Drink plenty of water
Drink plenty of water
Drinking more water is one of the best things you can do for your body. It’s important to drink at least eight glasses per day, but if you’re feeling thirsty, it’s okay to drink more than that. Try drinking water before meals and snacks as well as after exercise and other activities (like work or school). Drinking extra amounts will help flush out toxins from your body which can help reduce pain and inflammation in people with interstitial cystitis (IC).
Take probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that live in your digestive tract and help you maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. They can be found in foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi (a traditional fermented Korean dish). You can also take probiotic supplements to get the same benefits.
Probiotics help with digestion by increasing the number of good bacteria in your body. This helps slow down food absorption so that your digestive system has time to break down nutrients properly before they reach your colon where they could cause pain or discomfort if there’s too much activity happening at once.
Eat fiber-rich foods
Fiber is one of the best things you can eat to help ease your IC symptoms. Fiber helps you feel full, so it can reduce your appetite and prevent overeating. It also lowers blood sugar levels, which may improve symptoms of IC as well.
The recommended amount of fiber for adults is about 25 grams per day (with women older than 50 years needing a little less). You can get this amount by eating 2 cups of cooked beans or 1 cup of raw kale or collard greens every day! Other good sources include whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread; fresh fruits like apples and bananas; nuts such as almonds or walnuts; seeds like chia seeds–they’re all packed with insoluble fiber that will help keep things moving smoothly inside your digestive tract.
Examine your diet
- Avoid foods that trigger symptoms. The most common dietary triggers are spicy, acidic and caffeinated foods; alcohol; carbonated drinks; artificial sweeteners (like aspartame); artificial food coloring (such as red dye 40) and preservatives like benzoate or sulfites.
- Eat a healthy diet full of fiber, fruits and vegetables to help keep your bowels regular and prevent constipation that can make IC worse. If you experience constipation regularly consider adding fiber supplements such as psyllium husk powder or ground flaxseed meal into your diet on a daily basis.*
Take magnesium supplements
- Magnesium supplements are a natural muscle relaxant that can help with pain and sleep. They’re available at health food stores, or you can take them in pill form.
- Magnesium is safe for long-term use and doesn’t cause side effects. Even if you have kidney problems, it’s okay to take magnesium supplements!
Try yoga and meditation
Yoga is a great way to relax and relieve stress, so it can be helpful for IC sufferers. There are several poses that may be especially beneficial for those with interstitial cystitis.
The bow pose (dhanurasana) stretches the back of your body, which can help improve blood flow to the bladder. The cat-cow pose (catusana) gently massages organs in your abdomen, including the bladder. Inversions like headstands or shoulderstands provide deep stretching through all parts of your body, including muscles around the bladder that may be tight from chronic pain or inflammation caused by IC.
Meditation is another relaxation technique that may be helpful in relieving symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis. When people meditate regularly they often experience reduced stress levels and increased clarity about what’s important in life–two things that can make living with this condition easier!
Consider cranberry juice and other natural remedies
Consider cranberry juice and other natural remedies. Cranberry juice is a natural remedy for interstitial cystitis, as it helps to prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. To make it, simply blend a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with six cups water until smooth. Drink this mixture three times per day until your symptoms improve, then gradually reduce the amount you drink until you’re down to one cup per day–but don’t stop completely if your IC symptoms come back!
Other helpful natural treatments include:
Many people with interstitial cystitis find relief with these home remedies
Many people with interstitial cystitis find relief with these home remedies, but not all will. Some people with IC may need more serious treatment.
If you have interstitial cystitis and are looking for natural remedies to help alleviate your symptoms, we hope these tips will help:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid coffee, tea and soda drinks that contain caffeine. Caffeine can make bladder pain worse by irritating the bladder wall or causing spasms in it. If you’re feeling bloated after drinking coffee or tea, try decaffeinated versions or switch to herbal teas instead–they’re just as healthy!
- Take a hot bath once or twice a day for 15 minutes at least 2 hours before going to bed so that your body has time to relax before trying to sleep on an empty stomach (don’t eat anything after 7 p m). You might also want t o consider taking warm showers instead since these tend ers are easier on skin than baths do sometimes cause irritation when used over long periods of time
In conclusion, interstitial cystitis is a condition that can be difficult to manage. It’s important to remember that there are many home remedies available for this condition and they can be quite effective. If you have been diagnosed with IC then we recommend that you try some of these treatments before going to see your doctor or specialist as it will save time and money in the long run!
