IC101 Master Class MasterClass #16 - Why Food Matters

This class will help you understand the role that diet and certain foods can play in irritating your bladder and triggering painful flares.

Not all IC patients are diet sensitive. Why? It depends upon your phenotype. Patients with Hunner's lesions and estrogen atrophy are the most diet sensitive while patients who are pelvic floor driven might be able to tolerate a few more foods. If you're not familiar with the concept of phenotyping, please watch episode #4!

I ask you consider the following. Would you pour acid on an open wound on your hand? What would happen to a wound if you poured acid on it every day? It would, undeniably, get far worse. Many IC patients do have an irritated, inflamed or ulcerated bladder and your goal is to create an environment that will support its healing. This means that you MUST stop putting acid and other irritants in it for atleast 3 to 6 months to give it time to heal and repair. Even one coffee or soda a day will prevent healing.

The foods that are the most irritating are:

#1 - Coffee (reg & decaf). Coffee has two harmful effects. It can be very acidic depending upon how the coffee is roasted and brewed. Caffeine is neurostimulatory and makes you urinate and have a bowel movement. There are some lower in acid coffees on the market but you must give the bladder time to heal first. Dandy Blend herbal coffee is the perfect alternative. It's low in acid yet has a fabulous, rich flavor and taste. You can find that at: http://www.icnsales.com/

#2 - Teas (black, green, white, some herbals) - Green tea and black tea are strong bladder irritants due to both acidity and caffeine. Green tea is, by far, the most irritating of the teas, as well as any products made green tea leaves or weight loss supplements. Similarly, some herbal tea blends that contain citrus and/or rose hips can be very irritating. Look, instead, to rooibos brown teas or chamomile & peppermint, which also have a natural smooth muscle relaxant properties. If you are flaring with a bladder wall flare, a strong cup of chamomile or peppermint might help.

#3 - All energy drinks should be avoided.

#4 - All artificial sweeteners should be avoided. In 2023, the World Health Organization suggested that all artificial sweeteners should be avoided for their strong connection to obesity and other illnesses. Similarly, sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol) have been linked to heart attack, blood clots and strokes.

#5 - Fruit Juices - Please avoid all citrus juices & cranberry. Look, instead, to an organic apple or pear juice. We suggest diluting 2:1 with water.

#6 - Alcohols. Any alcohol should be avoided during periods of flares. 95% of report worsened symptoms after drinking alcohol but there are some exceptions when your bladder is better. Pale ales, clear spirits and low acid wines may be possible. But, again, alcohol should be avoided during periods of flares.

#7 - Chocolate - Chocolate is well known for its ability to trigger migraines, IBS and IC flares. Look instead to a very dark chocolate, white chocolate or, ideally, carob instead.

The ICN has a fabulous book "The IC Chef Cookbook" with lots of recipes that you can try along with a very extensive diet list. We also offer coaching services for patients who are struggling to find foods they can eat or drink. Learn more at: icnshop.com