10 Tips to Healing Interstitial Cystitis

By Kristi Patrice Carter

Having interstitial cystitis can be difficult to manage. The pain and discomfort that accompanies the condition can be life-altering and debilitating. That is why it is important to many sufferers to find ways in which to heal their interstitial cystitis. This article contains ten tips that can help you heal your interstitial cystitis and lead a more normal, productive life.

1. Exercise can help ease the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. While most people with interstitial cystitis cannot engage in rigorous exercise because of their pain, low impact exercises such as yoga or walking can be very helpful
2. Reduce or eliminate the amount of dairy in your diet. This can aggravate your condition. People who have eliminated the dairy content of their diet report that their symptoms are significantly reduced.
3. Alcohol and caffeine can also aggravate interstitial cystitis by irritating the walls of the bladder. It is best to avoid alcoholic beverages and foods that contain caffeine, such as chocolate and coffee, in order to control your condition. For many people, this can be difficult, but the end result is worth the sacrifice.
4. There is one medication approved by the Food and Drug Association for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. If you are interested in pursuing this medication, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about Elmiron.
5. Seek the support and understanding of your family. They can help you through the difficult times and make your life more comfortable when your symptoms are more pronounced.
6. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat virtually all health conditions. Studies have shown that it is also effective in treating interstitial cystitis. If you are wary of needles, acupressure can also be used to treat this condition.
7. Many people take low does of tricyclic anti-depressants in order to relax their bladder. This also limits the production of the neurochemicals that further irritate and inflame the bladder. These anti-depressants also help people who suffer from interstitial cystitis get a better night’s sleep.
8. Dimethyl sulfoxide is the only bladder instillation drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This drug is paced directly in the bladder. It helps to relax the bladder and reduce the pain and inflammation of the bladder.
9. Bladder training can also help ease the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. This is a process through which you train your bladder to only go to the bathroom at certain times. This process, once completed, can help you lead a more normal life without the threat of a potential accident.
10. There are also several holistic treatments available to those who suffer from interstitial cystitis. If this is the route you want to explore, make an appointment with a holistic practitioner to discuss your options. Based on your current health needs, your practitioner will be able to suggest treatments that will be the most effective for you.