Natural Relief for IC
Updated: Nov 25, 2019
If you're new to IC or it's been a long time since a pain flareup, this is for you if you suddenly find yourself in bladder pain and forgot what you can do for relief.
I'm a firm believer that food is medicine. Eating anti-inflammatory, alkaline, nutrient dense whole foods is always best. If you want to feel better and start to heal your bladder then the first step is to eliminate any processed foods, gluten, dairy, & sugar that cause inflammation. As long as you continue to eat inflammatory foods, your bladder will remain in a state of irritation and inflammation and won't be able to heal.
I created a grocery shopping guide on my website with anti-inflammatory foods for anyone with Interstitial Cystitis. This will make it less complicated for you when if comes to figuring out what you should be eating. You can find this at the bottom of my homepage.
Below you'll find some natural self help tips to try. It's important that I mention, to always rule out a UTI first. You don't want to self treat and later learn you could have an underlying bladder infection. I know from personal experience it can feel like you have an infection constantly which makes it difficult to tell the difference.
Any Urologist you have an ongoing patient relationship with should let you leave a urine sample to test the same day you call. I used to do this when I was unsure.
Tips -
(Remember everyone is different and what works for one may not help someone else)
*Baking soda - Quick relief for burning - It's extremely alkaline and not only neutralizes stomach acids quickly, but alkalinizes the entire system. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of purified water and drink immediately. (Consult your doctor first if you have Hypertensiton)
*Water - don't forget to consciously drink more water (alkaline is best). You may associate more water with more trips to the bathroom. If you aren't drinking enough then your urine will become more concentrated which is more irritating.
*Calm & soothe the bladder lining -
Peppermint Herbal Tea - Caffeine Free
Marshmallow Root Tea
Corn Silk Tea
Chamomile Tea - helps stop spasms
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Aloe Vera Capsules
Essential Oils
CBD Oil
D Mannose (I partnered w/ West Coast Mint-get a 15% discount, under products on my website)
Oregano Oil
Quercetin
*Heating pad or Ice packs or castor oil packs -Use Hexane free castor oil, and make sure you have a towel to avoid burning yourself.
*Breathing exercises - relax urethra/pelvic floor muscles. Deep diaphragmatic breathing has been proven to relax your entire body. I practice daily and it makes a huge difference for anyone with pelvic floor dysfunction, pudendal nerve or for reducing stress.
*Sleep - extra rest is sometimes the best medicine
*Meditation - 5-10 min in a quiet room. Clear your mind, listen to zen music, repeat a 3 or 4 word positive mantra, or use a mediation app. (Simple habits appl on an iphone)
*Prayer - cast all your cares to God and let them go
*Distraction - read a good book, watch funny videos, call a friend, a good movie
*Therawand -Find a book on trigger point release and you can do your own. I do suggest you visit a pelvic floor therapist first and let them show you how. You don't want to cause a flare up if you'd don't know what you're doing.
If you would like to receive weekly support and direction with your eating habits and lifestyle habits, and get help figuring out your root cause and treatment protocol for your painful symptoms, please reach out to me.
I offer a free 20 minute consultation. HERE
Happy Health!
Julie
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Inside Out Wellness with Julie
www.InsideOutWellnessWithJulie.com
email - julie@InsideOutWellnessWithJulie.com
Disclaimer:
The information on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or be medical advice.
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