george basile said:My father has interstital cystitis and I have noted that some of the
suggested treatments include following diets which are low in green
vegatables and fruits. I gather that one part of this is to cut down
on
Quoted message said:the amount of oxolates (sp?) in the diet. Can anyone expand on this,
Quoted message said:tell me where I can get more info, and is there a urine test which
will
Quoted message said:tell an IC patient if these diets will help him/her. Thanks much.
George Basile
Hi George!
I was just browsing the internet when I came across your question. I am
a registered dietitian who works with IC patients since I also have
it!Actually, the dietary modification that is suggested with
interstitial cystitis is more of a food sensitivity than trying to
avoid any particular substance in food. It isn't even that clear
whether or not "acid" foods bother the bladder as some people believe
since high acid foods don't always contribute to acid urine. Also, when
pH gets too high, symptoms are often reported. The rule seems to be to
keep the urine pH as neutral as possible.
The thing to keep in mind is that IC has different symptoms, and
different treatments for each person. Diet seems to affect up to 90% of
patients, yet the foods that affect them vary, and it is important to
find out the individual's food triggers so that the dietary intake is
not extraordinarily restrictive. My goal is to teach the IC patient how
to use an elimination technique so that along the way they can
reevaluate foods. Many people find they have a very restrictive diet at
first, but then they can add foods back in. Small quantities of a food
may not cause problems, and some foods may have different effects in
raw and cooked forms.
It sounds like you have found at least one of the various forms of the
"IC Diet." If you would like to visit my website at:
www.NutraConsults.com/confidentchoices.html you can browse.......see
other things that may help. I also offer a free newsletter that you
can sign up for on www.NutraConsults.com/newsletter.html
Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions!
Warm regards..........
Julie Beyer, RD
NutraConsults
Confident Choices: Nutrition Education Exclusively for IC Patients