In naturopathy, we often compare interstitial cystitis to “leaky gut.” Just as the gut wall can become inflamed and permeable, so too can the inside wall of the bladder. Once inflammation sets in, molecules pass through the bladder lining and get to the underlining muscle. This causes irritation and frequent urging.

Interstitial cystitis is associated with other conditions. These include endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, vulvodynia and overactive bladder. It is common for patients to have both interstitial cystitis and another one of these conditions.

Like with most other conditions, a naturopathic approach is holistic. That means treating the whole person, and not the bladder. For example, if someone with interstitial cystitis comes in with signs of chronic Candida, or metal toxicity it may be more important to work on that. Often these other problems are in fact the underlining cause of symptoms.

The following is therefore a summary of common natural strategies for interstitial cystitis. Depending on individual circumstances, other things may be recommended which are not listed below. .

There are two main parts to the naturopathic treatment of interstitial cystitis:

Removing bladder wall irritants

There are two main types of negative food reactions:

1. Food allergies which are caused by an immune system response.
2. Food intolerances are caused by something other than an allergy. For example, lacotose intolerance is caused by an inability to digest the milk sugar lactose. This causes symptoms when people drink milk, but there is no milk allergy.

Lab tests for food allergies may help people with interstitial cystitis. However, there may also be foods which the bladder is sensitive too, even if there is no allergy. Therefore, food allergy testing can help, but further detective work may be needed to figure out sensitivities.

Go to this page for more information food allergy testing

Common foods which may irritate the bladder even if there is not an allergy:

• Spicy foods
• Grapefruit
• Alcohol
• Tea
• Sodas
• Citrus fruits
• Caffeine
• Artificial sweeteners

The long term plan is not to avoid foods, but improve health so the bladder irritation does not happen. However, in the short term, irritating foods should be avoided. Some irritants may be plain junk food. Those are best eliminated from the diet and never reintroduced.

Histamine

Histamine is a proinflammatory compound associated with allergies and interstitial cystitis. Some foods are just plain naturally high in histamine. Other foods may have little histamine, but cause the body to realise its own. Both may contribute to histamine reactions in a sensitive individual.

Foods high in histamine

• Fermented alcohols: wine,champagne and beer
• Fermentedfoods: saurkraut, vinegar, soy sauce, kefir, yogurt, kombucha
• Vinegar containing foods: pickles, mayonnaise, olives
• Cured meats: bacon, salami, pepperoni, hot dogs
• Soured foods: sour cream, buttermilk, soured bread
• Dried fruit: apricots, prunes, dates, figs, raisins
• Citrus fruits
• Aged cheese
• Nuts: walnuts, cashews and peanuts
• Vegetables: avocados, eggplant, spinach, tomatoes
• Smoked fish: mackerel, mahi-mahi, tuna, anchovies, sardines

Foods that release histamine

• Alcohol
• Bananas
• Chocolate
• Cow’s milk
• Nuts
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Shellfish
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Wheat germ
• Many artificial preservatives and dyes

Go to this page for more on histamine intolerance (will be uploaded by April 2019)

Estrogen and Interstitial Cystitis

The two main female hormones are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen simulates masts cells to release histamine. Progesterone inhibits histamine release.

A pattern of high estrogen, and low progesterone is very common in women. This is often called “estrogen dominance” and leads to hormonal symptoms such as PMS. Natural health can be very effective in helping women with these symptoms. Strategies include dietary changes, fixing key nutrient deficiencies, detoxification and herbs for the liver, and hormonal balance. [1]

Go to this page for more information on estrogen and progesterone balancing

Herbal medicine for interstitial cystitis

Herbal medicine may help interstitial cystitis by:

• Protecting the bladder wall against irritants
• Flush toxins out of the urinary system
• Repair weak connective tissue
• Lower inflammation and histamine response

This is a list of herbs which are commonly used for interstitial cystitis. When working with a client, I select the best herbs based upon evaluation of the whole person. Therefore, additional herbs may be used that are not listed below. I don’t have generic herbal protocols based upon different diseases. After all, the goal in natural health is to treat the person, not the disease.

• Comfrey (Symphytum officinal)
• Corn silk (Za mays)
• Equisetum (Horsetail). Diuretic herb, also soothing and high in silica for connective tissue health
• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
• Garlic
• Ginko
• Gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum). One of the best herbs for kidney and bladder related issues. Called gravel root because it remove “gravel” from the urinary tract
• Gotu Kola (centella asiatica). May help prevention of scar tissue in the bladder
• Kava (piper methysticum)
• Khella (Ammi visnaga)
• Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Marshmallow (Althea)
• Marigold (Calendula)
• Mullein (Verbascum thapis)
• Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)
• St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Nutritional supplements for the bladder and interstitial cystitis

Just as with herbs, this is a partial list. Additional supplements may be used depending on the individual case. Some common supplements to heal the bladder and lower inflammation:

• Enzymes such as bromelain
• Glutamine and glucosamine. Just as these are often use to heal “leaky gut,” they can also be used to health a “leaky bladder.” Glucosamine in particular helps to repair connective tissue. Most glucosamine is sourced from shellfish, so those with a known shellfish allergy may need to avoid this.
• MSM is a sulphur containing sulphur compound used for detoxification and strengthening of connective tissue. Some research has showed it may be useful for interstitial cystitis.[2]
• L-arginine is an amino acid used to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide has been found to be low in people with interstitial cystitis and research shows that supplementing with L-arginine may help. Nitric oxide is involved with releasing smooth muscle tissue, hormones and the immune system.[2]
• Quercetin is a common anti-inflammatory used to inhibit histamine and allergies

References

[1] https://www.foodsmatter.com/allergy_intolerance/histamine/articles/histamine-estrogen-and-interstitial-cystitis-the%20link-01-16.html

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372953/