A-Z bladder health Articles

Living with ongoing bladder discomfort can be physically and emotionally draining, especially when symptoms are unpredictable and impact daily routines. Finding ways to feel more comfortable and in control often requires a combination of lifestyle adjustments, dietary awareness, and targeted support. As a result, many people are exploring interstitial cystitis (IC) support through natural approaches that aim to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and promote urinary tract health. In this article, we'll explore practical strategies to help you support your body. 

Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis

Some patients report urinating more than 50 times a day when symptoms are severe. Pain on intercourse (dyspareunia) may also be present. These symptoms will range, depending on the individual, from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that can radiate to the lower abdomen/pelvis, low back and thighs. Menstruation can aggravate symptoms in the majority of women, as well. There are often periods of flare- up and remission. Interstitial cystitis is more common in individuals with IBS, spastic colon, hysterectomy, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, hay fever, asthma, and food or medication allergies.

Diagnosis Difficulties

Interstitial cystitis remains poorly understood and difficult to diagnose. Clinicians rule out other conditions before confirming a diagnosis. Doctors classify it as a diagnosis of exclusion. For example, urinalysis results in individuals with interstitial cystitis are normal, ruling out urinary tract or bladder infections. Tests for endometriosis, as well as STD's or vaginitis, are also commonly included in the work-up of these symptoms. A small percentage of individuals, when tested, will be positive for Hunner's ulcers, as well as reduced bladder capacity. If either of these findings is present, it is definitive for IC. It is important to understand that if you are negative for these findings, it does not rule out IC. Physicians may use cystoscopy or potassium sensitivity testing. These tests assess bladder permeability and support IC diagnosis. Patients often show bladder wall inflammation and small hemorrhages.

Causes of Interstitial Cystitis

Researchers have not confirmed a single cause of interstitial cystitis. Treatments focus on restoring bladder epithelial integrity. They also aim to reduce inflammation throughout the bladder. An increase in bladder permeability allows components of urine to penetrate and irritate the bladder. It has been suggested that this change in permeability is due to a deficiency in glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) in the bladder epithelium. Several studies have confirmed that patients with IC do have a deficiency in GAG. Another theory has to do with inflammation, and again, findings have shown an increased number of B cells, T cells, plasma cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells and interleukin-6, an inflammatory cytokine, in the bladder tissue of IC patients. The most likely explanation for IC is that it is a combination of these processes and more going on simultaneously. Given the trends with the incidence of IC, it is also well accepted that there is an autoimmune link.

Interstitial Cystitis Support Options

Treatment, once again, is difficult because it must be based on symptomology and less so on the cause of the disease. That being said, the common symptoms can be alleviated with a variety of lifestyle and therapeutic interventions. About half the patients who suffer from IC have noticed that highly acidic foods, like citrus fruits, tomatoes and vinegars, exacerbate symptoms. Many of these individuals find it helpful to avoid these foods. Avoidance of beverages, such as coffee, tea, and or carbonated/alcoholic drinks can also be helpful in reducing symptoms (A modified Elimination Diet). In terms of conventional medicine, dietary modifications are usually standard therapy, potentially combined with the very few medications approved for the treatment of IC, with guarded expectations. Surgical interventions are possible, but considered a last resort, as they are often associated with relapse, persistent pain and additional surgery.

Natural Support Options

Natural therapies may reduce interstitial cystitis symptoms and flare-ups. Colostrum supports bladder lining repair and immune function. Glucosamine sulfate and N-acetylglucosamine help restore glycosaminoglycans. Serrapeptase enzymes may reduce inflammation and pain. L-Arginine, commonly used for blood pressure, has also been studied for its ability to decrease inflammation and symptomology in IC patients, as has vitamin A. Do not use vitamin A in high doses if you are attempting to get pregnant. Quercetin may help to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting mast cell activity and the release of damaging inflammatory mediators. Other herbs to consider include Berberis, Zea Mays and Marshmallow Root.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are quite common, especially in women. Infections usually begin when bacteria colonize the bladder lining and cause inflammation (cystitis). The infection may spread up into the kidney, causing nephritis, or to the prostate, causing prostatitis. Let's explore some ways to find urinary tract infection relief and protect your badder health in case you find yourself coming down with a UTI. 

What Are Urinary Tract Infections?

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic infection between the bladder lining and muscular layer. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is usually non-infectious and occurs subsequent to several cystitis episodes.

Factors that predispose an individual to bladder infections are:

• Poor hygiene
• The use of perfumed or coloured hygiene products
• Antibiotic use
• Oral contraceptive use
• Catheter use
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Stress
• Poor nutrition

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

Symptoms of cystitis are urinary frequency and urgency with burning pain on urination. Emptying the bladder may not relieve the symptoms. The urine may be cloudy or “coke coloured”, due to the presence of blood. Lab testing of the urine reveals the presence of bacteria. Symptoms can be mild, with gradual onset or severe, with a quick onset. Fever and lower back pain signal that the kidney is affected. The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are the same but are usually recurring, and lab testing is negative for bacteria.

How Can I Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

Conventional Treatments

Conventional treatment of cystitis involves the use of antibiotics to clear up the current infection. However, the body becomes susceptible to subsequent infections if friendly bacteria are not replaced. The overuse of antibiotics has also led to antibiotic-resistant strains of urinary tract pathogens. Individuals can help to minimize resistance by using antibiotics sparingly and always taking prescriptions until they are finished.

Lifestyle Factors For Urinary Tract Infection Relief

Good personal hygiene habits can go a long way in preventing cystitis. Women should never wipe back to front when using the toilet, and both men and women should urinate following sexual activity and intercourse. Any feminine hygiene products and toilet paper that are scented, coloured or contaminated should be avoided, and underwear should be breathable and not too tight. Some products that might cause irritation of the bladder include lubricants, spermicides, douches and latex condoms.

Diet For Good Bladder Health & UTI Relief

Dietary interventions to prevent cystitis include drinking 2-2.5 litres of filtered water or unsweetened cranberry juice daily. This flushes the urinary tract.

Cranberry juice inhibits bacterial growth and prevents the binding of the bacteria to the bladder wall. Carrot and watermelon juices also flush the urinary tract. Eat garlic for its antibacterial properties. Avoid spicy foods, acidic foods, refined carbohydrates, sugar in all forms, coffee, black tea, tomatoes, spinach and yeast because they may irritate the bladder. For interstitial cystitis, maintain an alkaline diet. Read the article entitled “Acid/Alkali balance” for more information.

The bladder is the hollow organ located in the lower front of the pelvis that is responsible for holding urine produced by the kidneys until we can find an appropriate time to urinate. In order to accommodate more urine as time passes, the bladder actually expands and stretches a little like a balloon. Unfortunately, as we age, our bladder can become overactive. 

The average person’s bladder can hold anywhere from 350 to 550ml of urine at any time, although the urge to urinate tends to occur at around 200ml of fluid. Normal urination occurs at around every 3-4 hours in people with an average fluid intake.

Overactive Bladder - Urge Incontinence

There are two major muscles involved in urination; the sphincter at the external end of the urethra must relax to allow the urine to pass, and an internal muscle is then responsible for squeezing the bladder to force out the urine. When these muscles contract or relax at the wrong times, it can result in frequent strong urges to urinate and even cause urine to leak out at unintended times. This is a condition known as urge incontinence, or more commonly known as overactive bladder. It is important to distinguish the urgency of overactive bladder from Urinary Incontinence, where urine leakage occurs due to activities that increase abdominal pressure like sneezing or laughing.

What Causes An Overactive Bladder?

There are many potential causes of overactive bladder, some more serious and some that are very simple to treat. Common causes are: bladder inflammation, bladder stones, and bladder infection. Anything that blocks proper draining of the bladder can also cause an overactive bladder, such as an enlarged prostate or urethral obstruction. More serious conditions are bladder cancer and nervous system diseases (like Multiple Sclerosis) or nerve injuries (like a stroke). Unfortunately, many cases of urge incontinence are of unknown cause, making this a difficult condition to treat.

Conventional Treatment Options

Medical doctors will most commonly treat an overactive bladder with medications to help relax the bladder muscles to prevent the spasms that trigger urgency and leakage. Side effects of these medications include dry mouth, constipation, and glaucoma. Some doctors may instead prescribe tricyclic antidepressants to prevent stimulation of the bladder walls. Side effects of these medications include: blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, and nausea. In severe cases, surgery may also be presented as an option.

Natural Treatment Options For Overactive Bladder

Diet 

Monitoring and managing your consumption of liquids can help reduce some symptoms. If your bladder is infected or irritated, drinking more water can help ease your bladder. Even if your bladder isn’t infected, drinking more water can help reduce urine odour in the case of leaking. Ensure that your water consumption is steady rather than all at once. Drinks that contain caffeine, like coffee, tea, and energy drinks, will only further irritate your bladder. Some foods, namely acidic foods like citrus, as well as spicy foods, would be beneficial to avoid. By maintaining a healthy weight and diet, urination frequency should be reduced.

Lifestyle

A healthcare practitioner should diagnose bladder symptoms and rule out infections or bladder stones. A simple urinalysis can identify underlying issues and guide treatment. Staying active helps maintain a healthy weight and supports pelvic floor strength. Avoid urethral irritation from harsh soaps, bubble baths, and tight clothing. Choose breathable cotton underwear and sanitary pads to reduce bacterial growth. Urinate after sex to help flush bacteria from the urethra. Sit fully on the toilet to empty the bladder completely. Avoid squatting, which may prevent complete bladder emptying. Review medications for diruetic effects and discuss alternatives with your doctor. Acupuncture may also help reduce symptoms of an overactive bladder.

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises and other means of strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor can significantly improve the symptoms of an overactive bladder. These exercises simply involve squeezing and lifting the vaginal and rectal muscles as though you are holding in urgent urine and/or stool. Hold this squeeze for 5-10 seconds each time without clenching your buttocks; Repeat 5 or more times daily. You can do them anywhere, and no one will have to know! Other options include vaginal weight training, where a small weight is held in the vagina for 15 minutes a few times a day to help tighten the pelvic floor. When these muscles become stronger, they help to prevent bladder leakage.

Sanitary Products

Often, the use of sanitary pads or adult diapers is our biggest fear of aging, and people will avoid them at all costs. There’s a feeling of loss of dignity with loss of continence. This doesn’t have to be the case. Interestingly, we can use these devices as stop-gap measures while we deal with the underlying problem to get life back on track. One example of these measures is bladder retraining.

Bladder Retraining

We are born without control over bladder function. Infants release urine automatically when the bladder fills. This explains why toddlers require potty training. Similar techniques can retrain bladder control later in life. Bladder muscles can gradually learn to hold urine longer. Start by tracking your urination habits in a journal for one week. Use this information to create a realistic bathroom schedule. Begin with manageable intervals, such as 1-1.5 hours. Practice holding urine between scheduled bathroom visits. Sanitary products can help manage urgency or leakage during training. Over time, bladder control improves. Gradually increase the time between bathroom trips by 30 minutes. The goal is to urinate every 3-4 hours.

Supplements

The proper treatment of an overactive bladder will always rely on an understanding of the underlying cause of the problem. There are a number of things that can help to reduce the symptoms, but the ultimate goal is always to fix the root of the problem, so the symptoms resolve naturally. There are a number of anti-spasmodic herbs that can help to reduce the smooth muscle spasms associated with an overactive bladder. Butterbur, in particular, can help to reduce spasms in the urinary tract, and thus reduce the urgency and leaking associated with this condition. Supplementing Magnesium can also help to relax the smooth muscles of the bladder and prevent spasms. There are a number of herbs that can soothe bladder irritation, such as marshmallow, and in men, Saw Palmetto can help prevent BPH associated problems.