No one knows what causes interstitial cystitis. Because IC varies so much in symptoms and severity, most researchers believe that it may actually be several diseases. One theory being studied is that IC is an autoimmune response following a bladder infection. Another theory is that there are substances in urine which are irritating to people with IC. Other theories are also being studied. Interstitial cystitis is different from urinary tract infections, which are caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. Studies have shown that antibiotics are not useful for treating IC.
Natural Treatments For Interstitial Cystitis
With that said, we can see that the Baseline of Health® approach is more likely to have results than most any other approach since it addresses so many possible causes. For example:
- Raising pH can help by changing the acidity of the urine. There are a number of ways to do this. Coral calcium will work as well as any of them.
- Using proteolytic enzymes between meals can help clear up circulating immune complexes, which can promote autoimmune conditions. Another advantage to using a solid detoxing regimen of proteolytic enzymes is that it can actually help eliminate the scar tissue in the urinary that often is so often a contributing factor in the discomfort of IC.
- Also, using L. Carnosine and cetyl-myristoleate can help modulate immune responses.
- Using a strong systemic antioxidant formula can help repair damage to internal tissue.
- DMSO is the only FDA-approved bladder instillation drug for interstitial cystitis. It helps relax the bladder and alleviate pain and inflammation. Some research suggests that more than half of patients improve after six weeks of once-a-week treatments.
Again, think Baseline of Health®rather than magic bullets. With that said, one shot you may want to take is to try using some chanca piedra — just in case small kidney stones are contributing to the problem. If that is an issue, the chanca piedra can help in 2-3 days.
Note: one other thing you will want to check is if you are suffering from a hormonal allergy to either estrogen or progesterone. It should not be a surprise that hormones might be involved. 90% of all IC sufferers are women.
I was diagnosed several
I was diagnosed several months ago for having auto immune disease. How would I approach my doctor to find out all of the details, in order to get down to the real truths that may help my disorder?
Thank You, Evelyn Orf
Being told you have an
Being told you have an “autoimmune disease” doesn’t actually tell you very much. There are dozens of triggers for autoimmune disorders ranging from Graves disease to allergy producing foods. How you approach remedying the situation involves dealing with the trigger. You need to know what the trigger is. That said, you might want to read what Jon Barron has to say about immunomodulators. http://www.jonbarron.org/article/anatomy-and-physiology-immune-system-part-4
I have IC, and am very
I have IC, and am very familiar with the above theories – except the hormonal allergy idea. I know I flare if my estrogen ever goes up – or before it was medically stopped in my 20s, I had terrible IC flares before and during my periods (also complicated by other disease, and by a bleeding disorder).
So, my questions:
*How can I get allergy testing for hormones?
*What products raise PH? … because I know from some experience, particularly by modifying diet and using coral calcium, that this approach is very helpful.
*Can I take proteolytic enzymes with a bleeding disorder?? I would really like to try these, but am covered with bruises when I take NSAIDS (or a large portion of anti-inflammatory (and other) herbs and supplements, etc.). This is a dangerous state because I could get a bruise in the temple or lung, etc. Your article mentions hemorrhagic stroke.
*If not, could I take a subset of the proteolytic enzymes – if such a thing exists – without the Bromelain (or with a low amount), and without the others mentioned in your article that affect blood clotting? Would a digestive enzyme taken as a proteolytic enzyme product between meals be of ANY benefit – IN MY UNIQUE situation – in order to avoid the effect on blood clotting? OR are the “extra” enzymes absolutely mandatory to impact inflammation, CICs, scar tissue, etc. as in your article?
*Can you give me a link to information on L. Carnosine and cetyl- myristoleate?
Thank you for the info.
The other component to
The other component to treating IC is dealing with inflamed nerves. The disease quickly becomes a long-standing, severe neuralgia. Do you have recommendations to relieve chronic pain / neuralgia?
What can be done to get rid
What can be done to get rid of Sjogren’s syndrome (auto immune disease)?
Ive had sm kidney stones and
Ive had sm kidney stones and have got a bladder infection for 6 mths now,I’ve just finished strong antibiotics,it helped for one wk but am now right back to where I started. My Dr doesn’t seem to know what’s wrong with me. I’m experiencing pain when urinating, bed wetting,urgent urination, unable to stop the flow once it starts. I’m beside myself as what to do about the problem. My Dr wants me to have an ultrasound on my bladder but i’m unable to drink 750 ml an hold it for 1 hr for the ultrasound. I’ve only once before had a bladder infection,i’m 68 yrs young and have never had anything like this before,could it be cystitis??? I suffer from Crohns disease the past 28 yrs