7 Best Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder condition, is a chronic bladder problem that causes sudden urges to urinate along with pain, itchiness, and inflammation in the bladder. 

The term Interstitial cystitis is different from UTI, or regular cystitis, as it is not caused by any bacterial infection, and it mainly affects the bladder only. Whereas in the case of Urinary tract infections, all organs that are involved in the urination process can be affected such as kidneys, bladder, and urethra. If you often experience urges to urinate, then there are likely chances it is interstitial cystitis. 

Although, several natural remedies for interstitial cystitis are there to help you, and today, in this blog, we will be sharing some of these major ones.  

 In India, cases of Interstitial Cystitis are becoming common due to unhealthy dietary choices, and sedentary lifestyles. Although it can affect both genders, IC is seen more in women as compared to men. 

Unfortunately, there is no one single-specific cure available through which you can get rid of this disease instantly. 

But Yes, there are certain interstitial cystitis home remedies available that can be utilized in treatment in order to ensure relief against the pain and frequent urination pressure. 

To know what are those natural ways, stay tuned with this blog. But before jumping to those measures, let’s have a look at the symptoms and triggering factors of IC.

Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms

1. A strong, persisting, or sudden urge to pee.
2. Frequent urination, often in small amounts (both in day and night)
3. Pain, or burning sensation while urinating
4. Chronic pelvic pain
5. Pain, itchiness, and inflammation in Vagina (XX) and Anus (XX & XY)
6. Painful intercourse.
7. Smelly urine

Remember, these interstitial cystitis symptoms can vary from person to person depending upon the intensity of IC, or medical condition he/she is dealing with. If anyone is experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, then surely consult a healthcare professional, or follow the below-blog-mentioned natural remedies for interstitial cystitis. 

What Can Trigger IC?

Just like the cure, the exact cause of Interstitial cystitis is yet unknown. But there is a list of factors that may contribute to its development, or trigger the existing symptoms, such as:

1. Certain foods and beverages

The consumption of spicy, acidic foods and beverages like coffee, alcohol, and artificial sugar-loaded soft drinks can irritate the bladder. Additionally, excessive dairy products, non-vegetarian items, and potassium-high foods may also worsen the condition. 

2. Hormonal fluctuations

Interstitial cystitis shares a common linkage with the body's hormones. Increased estrogen and decreased testosterone are two major hormonal imbalances that may influence, or trigger IC symptoms.

3. Excessive medication

Certain medicines when consumed for a prolonged period may disturb the functioning of your urinary system. It mainly involves antibiotics, birth control pills, and chemotherapy drugs.   

4. Weather change or physical activity

Sometimes changes in temperature, or barometric pressure can also affect IC symptoms. Whereas doing strenuous exercises, or activities also puts pressure on the bladder, eventually resulting in exacerbation of Interstitial Cystitis complications. 

5. Distress

If you think IC is only a physical aspect, then you are absolutely wrong. In certain individuals, emotional restlessness, mental discomfort, and stress can also worsen IC symptoms. 

Choosing a natural treatment procedure for IC is helpful, or not?

An absolute Yes!

Anything that is natural, or involving herbs is always beneficial. All that is to be taken care of is its dosage, and manner of consumption/application to be considered as a natural cure for cystitis. 

In Ayurveda, we believe that every person is built differently in terms of his/her own body constitution. The severity of a health disease may be intense in some individuals (with poor immune systems), whereas others (with strong immunity) may find it nothing more than a common health issue. 

Catering to this aspect in the first place, a personalized treatment plan is devised for each patient that suits their body type in the best possible manner. For interstitial Cystitis, a number of remedies are available through which you can get relief while sitting in your home. 

Interstitial Cystitis Remedies

The experts at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda have shared certain natural remedies for interstitial cystitis through which thousands of patients who were earlier suffering from IC, have gotten relief. It mainly involves:

1. Follow an IC-friendly diet

The best and easiest way to ease IC is to work on your diet. The consumption of spicy, oily, fried, processed, and stale food can irritate the bladder, thus should be completely avoided. An emphasis should be laid on taking a diet that is rich in vitamin C, Vitamin D, B12, and omega-3. 

Additionally, excessive dairy products and non-vegetarian food items should also be avoided as they are heavy in nature, and may slow down your healing procedure. Last but not least, also try to avoid citrus fruits as they may be rich in antioxidants but may irritate your bladder health with their citrus effects. 

2. Drink plenty of water 

Increase the intake of your routine water consumption as it is believed to be a natural cure for cystitis. The enhanced quantity of water in the body will one side eliminate the harmful toxins throughout your body through sweat/urine, and on the other hand, it will also keep you hydrated, which is also a crucial aspect of the overall well-being of the body. 

If not water, then you can also take coconut water, fresh vegetable/fruit juices, or herbal teas. Make sure to consult a healthcare professional before the ideal dosage of water, or fluids, as such dosage may vary from patient to patient, depending upon the intensity of IC.

3. Heat Therapy

Application of a heating pad or warm compress to your lower abdomen can also work as an Interstitial cystitis natural treatment. Such heat therapy will help you in several ways such as relaxation of the pelvic muscles, and soothing of bladder irritation, pain & discomfort accompanied by IC. 

Additionally, such warm compression also increases the flow of blood to the bladder, and pelvic area, necessary for the smooth working of your overall urinary system. 

4. Use Herbs

Talking about natural remedies, and not discussing herbs, is not acceptable. Herbs are the basic ingredients of every natural, and Ayurvedic remedy. There is a list of herbs available that can be utilized as natural supplements for interstitial cystitis. Being nature-driven, and free from harmful chemicals, the usage of such herbs ensures only positive results. For IC, the best herbs are as follows:

You can add these herbs to your routine meals, or you may make their kadhas, soups, or herbal teas. 

5. Perform Yoga

Make yoga a part of your daily regimen. There are several yoga poses suggested by experts that may help you deal with the complications of Interstitial cystitis. On one side it will calm the sympathetic nervous system and on the other hand, it will provide strength to your pelvic muscles. 

However, such yoga poses must be incorporated into the routine after discussing it with a healthcare professional only, as sometimes excessive pressure may add to the bladder if such yoga poses are performed for a prolonged period.

Best Yoga Asanas for Interstitial Cystitis

1. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
2. Supta Baddha Konsana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)
3. Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
4. Malasana (Garland Pose)
5. Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)

6.  Avoid tea/coffee/alcohol

This is one of the easiest measures through which you can get rid of your bladder concern in a natural way. Excessive tea, coffee, beer, alcohol, soft drinks, and other carbonated drinks can hinder the functioning of your urinary system due to their inflammatory, and system-damaging properties. Thus, a complete avoidance of such drinks is advised in order to achieve proper bladder health and functioning. 

7. Meditation

If you think IC is only physical then you are wrong. As discussed earlier, your brain also plays a vital role in the urination process where the bladder signals through pelvic nerves the urges to urinate. During IC, such a process gets messed up, and you urinate frequently, even when the bladder is not full. 

Meditation is advised during such dysfunctioning conditions. Regular meditation not only calms your mind but also helps it to get proper signals from the bladder regarding urination. By strengthening your overall neurological system, it helps immensely in reducing unnecessary visits to the washrooms.  

General tips for patients with Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

1. Avoid wearing tight clothes as they add pressure to the bladder.
2. Do not use any chemical-based products in sensitive areas. 
3. Avoid excessive spicy, oily, and fried items. 
4. Quit smoking/alcohol. 
5. Maintain proper sleeping schedules.
6. Pour 1-2 drops of cow’s ghee, or badam rogan to your belly button daily.  
7. Prioritize consulting healthcare instead of self-medication, or treatment.

Conclusion:

Remember, it’s your body, and taking care of it is also your duty. Ayurveda has the best offerings for the overall well-being of your body, and measures to keep it far away from all the health woes. Surely, adopt these natural measures to treat interstitial cystitis in a natural and effective manner. For any feel free to consult the experts, we will be delighted to help you.