Start by trying a "Bladder Friendly" diet for two weeks. Then slowly add to the diet to find out what and how much may irritate your IC. Try eating and drinking different things and keeping track of what bothers you. Also note how often you can eat or drink specific items. This lets you design a diet that is best for you.
- Review the lists of foods and drinks on the IC/PBS Food List.
- Read over the two sections marked "Bladder Friendly" and "Try It."
- Start two lists of your own for foods and drinks. Name one list, "Okay to eat." Name the other list " What may bother my IC."
- Eat and drink items listed in the "Bladder Friendly" sections. These things often don't bother people with IC.
- Aim for six small meals each day, instead of three large meals.
- Write down everything you eat and drink in your diet diary. Also include vitamins, supplements, nutritional or weight reduction products.
- Make a note next to items that cause your IC to flare-up.
- Add items that didn't cause your IC to flare-up to your "Okay to eat" list.
- Put items that bother your IC on your "What may worsen my IC" list.
- Slowly add items from the "Try It" section. Add only one new thing at a time to your diet in small amounts. This helps you see if a specific food or drink worsens your IC.
- Try eating larger amounts of items that don't cause a flare-up. You may find that you can have "Try It" items in small amounts without bothering your IC.
You may also find it helpful to work with a registered dietitian to develop a diet that is best for you. If you also have vulvodynia, check into the low oxalate diet.
Posted September 18, 2009