Question #1

Is there a remedy out there that I can get to help me deal with the pain and discomfort of interstitial cystitis. I have not been officially diagnosed with it by the doctor at the walk in, believe this could be my ailment, and I am currently waiting to get an appointment with my urologist. In the meantime though my poor bladder and me need some relief. Is there anything you can suggest to help me?

Question #2

Do you have any suggestions for diet and natural medicine for irritated bladder that keeps flaring up at any given time even if I am careful to avoid sugar caffeine tea spices chocolate etc while using Detrol?

Answer

Thanks for your question. Here’s some information that may help.

Interstitial cystitis can be described as a chronic inflammation or irritation, causing pain and discomfort in the bladder and pelvic area.

Interstitial: Placed or lying between, Pertaining to interstices or spaces within an organ or tissue

Cystitis: Bladder inflammation usually occurring as a result of a urinary tract infection. Associated organs (kidney, prostate, urethra) may be involved. This condition may be acute or chronic. Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Edition 19, F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, 2001.

All infections are caused by bacteria, fungi and/or viruses including urinary tract infections, but first there must be a fertile environment for pathogens to grow, which can often be caused by the presence of too much acid, congestion and other build-up. Toxic buildup causes damage and inflammation to mucous membranes, now pathogens can take hold and infection can arise. Symptoms can include frequent urination, burning, abdominal discomfort and sometimes fever.

Can we heal our urinary system?

Yes! With appropriate cleansing and changes in diet, we can heal almost anything, but first, we must acknowledge that it takes time and focus to heal. We can reduce congestion, rebuild with healing foods and get lots of rest and fun. These things have a tremendous influence on whether we allow ourselves to heal, or not.

Infection Killers

At our home we use garlic to kill all infections, viral, fungal and bacterial! We take two or three garlic pills every 4-6 hours, for 10 days to kill an infection, just like an antibiotic. It works! See Garlic Remedy For Colds, Flus and Infections.

Another excellent infection killer which can give quick relief is Cranberry Cleanser. Note: Using full strength cranberry juice with sugar could cause further irritation.

Herbal teas for the Urinary Tract

Celery Seed tea acts as a urinary antiseptic, cleaning the urinary tract of disease causing organisms. It also removes uric acid, helping to rebalance pH. Juice fresh, raw celery or eat as much celery as you can tolerate. You may be able to find celery root, which provides the largest amount of anti-toxic phytochemicals.

Uva Ursi or Bearberry tea is a strong urinary antiseptic and astringent. Some people experience nausea if the tea is too strong or they drink too much. The Complete Medicinal Herbal, Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London, 1993.

Soothing and Healing the Urinary Tract

Lots of fresh water flushes out infection and keeps toxins from building on the walls of your urinary tract organs and tissues.

Replace black tea and coffee with less acidic herbal teas which can be very effective at soothing mucous membranes. Chamomile, peppermint (in moderation, stimulant ~ can cause heart palpitations in large quantities), linden, and lemon balm teas can be especially soothing.

Another herb that is excellent at soothing and healing mucous membranes is Aloe Vera, in powdered form. It’s very bitter and extremely healing! Use only a tiny bit in lots of water.

Why do we get Urinary Tract Infections?

Interstitial Cystitis and Irritated Bladder can be a symptom of an acidic pH. To retain a healthy pH balance in your urinary tract and elsewhere, to provide your tissues with the nutrients required to protect themselves from pathogens, and to prevent the acid urine which damages the lining of your urinary tract, irritates the tissues, causes inflammation and allows pathogens to colonize in the first place:

Eat a healthy diet, with large amounts of fresh, raw vegetables, fruits and moderate amounts of raw nuts and seeds. Raw Celery and Watermelon are particularly helpful in removing congestion.

High protein and acid producing food should be kept to a minimum, such as meat, dairy, grains, coffee, black tea and sugar.

Cleansing can help to remove toxic buildup.

In general, acidic foods are sugar, coffee, meat, dairy and grains, cooked and fried fats and some nuts and seeds; alkaline foods are most fresh, raw fruits and vegetables and some nuts and seeds.

Instant download our pH Scale of Common Foods to get the details on which foods cause acidity or alkalinity.

To test your pH level, go to How to test my own pH.

Gentle cleanses can help to reduce acid buildup, and can make you feel better almost immediately. Enter your email to immediately receive, Cleanse Your Body, an e-book with detailed information and nine different cleanses.

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