Research about the effect of diet on interstitial cystitis is limited. But, many people with IC report that certain foods appear to irritate their bladder. And, they find that changing what they eat and drink can help control IC symptoms and flare-ups.
Research links a handful of foods and drinks to IC flare-ups, including:
- Coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, and citrus juices including cranberry juice
- Foods and drinks with artificial sweeteners (aspartame and saccharin)
- Hot peppers and spicy foods
- Some foods with high potassium levels, like avocados, bananas, chocolate, and oranges
However, there appears to be great individual variation in the effect of foods and drinks on IC symptoms. How much, how often, and the specific combination of foods and drinks varies for each person. Also, some fresh foods that bother you may not cause a flare-up when they are cooked. For example, though a fresh apple may irritate your bladder, you may be able to enjoy applesauce.
Many people with IC note worsening of symptoms with foods, drinks, medicines, and supplements containing preservatives and artificial ingredients and colors—such as benzyl alcohol, citric acid, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). If you have milk allergies or are lactose intolerant, your IC symptoms may worsen when you drink milk and eat dairy foods.
Diet modification is the first line of defense for patients struggling with interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). Since sensitivity to various foods can vary among individuals, it is important to determine your personal trigger foods. This three-column system is based on emerging research as well as information gathered from patient and clinician experience.
- Bladder Friendly
includes foods that rarely bother even the most sensitive IC bladders. If you are newly diagnosed, eat these foods until you experience some relief from your symptoms. It may take a few weeks, but do your best to stick with it!
- Try It
includes foods that are generally safe to eat though they might bother more sensitive bladders. If your bladder is improving, these foods are safe to try. Test one food at a time, beginning with a small quantity such as 1/2 a piece of fruit or a dash of spice, gradually increasing portion size over the course of a few days. If you do not react to the food, you can add it to your own personal “Bladder Friendly” list. If your symptoms flare after consuming a problem food, return to the foods you know to be ok for your bladder until the flare passes.
- Caution
includes foods which trigger bladder discomfort. Try these foods only if your bladder is no longer sensitive.
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Keep a good food and symptoms diary while you are experimenting with your diet. It can take from minutes to hours for a problem food or beverage to trigger symptoms.
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Avoid trigger foods when starting new therapies, such as Elmiron®. Problem foods may compromise the effectiveness of those treatments.
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Don't be afraid to eat. In addition to the many foods that you can enjoy from the “Bladder Friendly” list, as your symptoms improve, add variety to your diet by testing foods from the “Try It” list. Some bladder patients, occasionally, may be able to consume small quantities foods from the “Caution” list.
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Shop for fresh foods whenever possible. Processed foods often contain ingredients that can be irritating including some preservatives, artificial flavorings, additives and or artificial vitamins. Organic foods often contain fewer additives and may be useful in an IC diet. Always read labels to look for hidden triggers.
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Try different brands. Many "brands" of the same food have completely different ingredients and additives and could irritate the bladder.
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Avoid foods that you know you are allergic to even if they are included in this diet guide. Pre-existing food allergies, such as an allergy to nuts or grains, can also trigger bladder irritation and/or a stronger allergic reaction.
View the Least to Most Bothersome Foods or Download a PDF version.
Making the changes necessary in the diet to help control IC can take time. Give yourself plenty of time to discover your ideal diet even. It may require serveral weeks of trial and error. To learn more, go to:
Revised September 24, 2009