Dietary Consumption Triggers in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Patients

Abstract

: Interstitial cystitis diets do not have to be overly restrictive. It is recommended that patients with IC/BPS avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, tea, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and vitamin C. The use of calcium glycerophosphate and/or sodium bicarbonate before consumption of these trigger consumables may also help reduce sensitivity.

CUA guideline: Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/ bladder pain syndrome

“…58 Up to 90% of patients have exacerbations of their symptoms after ingesting certain foods or drinks. 15,59 Based on survey studies, common food triggers include coffee, tea, citrus fruits, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, bananas, tomatoes, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, vitamin C, and wheat products. 15,59,60 Only one placebo-controlled, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) on the effect of diet in IC/BPS has been published, which failed to report any significant association.…”

“…15,59 Based on survey studies, common food triggers include coffee, tea, citrus fruits, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, bananas, tomatoes, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, vitamin C, and wheat products. 15,59,60 Only one placebo-controlled, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) on the effect of diet in IC/BPS has been published, which failed to report any significant association. 61 Dietary modifications, such as a steady intake of water to dilute urine and reduce constipation, 62 and an elimination diet trial have been advocated.…”

Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome

“…Even though the only placebo-controlled dietary study failed to associate diet with symptoms [38], other questionnaire-based studies continue to support dietary associations with IC/BPS symptomatology [37,39]. As there is no standardized diet for these patients, dietary recommendations are highly individualized with many clinicians advocating an elimination of problem foods.…”

Nutritional Considerations for Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

“…The primary trigger items were similar to those found by Shorter and colleagues 9 and included citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, tea, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and spicy foods. 29 Analysis of data from 3-day food and voiding diaries suggests that trigger foods may exacerbate symptoms within 2 to 4 hours of consumption 30 ; anecdotal information indicates, however, that patients with IC/BPS may experience flares within minutes after intake. Of note, patients have complained that bladder symptoms may last anywhere from days to weeks after the consumption of offending items.…”

“…28 In a web-based, cross-sectional study conducted in 2009-2010, researchers from the University of South Florida found further evidence connecting diet with IC/BPS flares. 29 Nearly all (96%) of the 598 respondents indicated that certain foods and beverages made symptoms worse. The primary trigger items were similar to those found by Shorter and colleagues 9 and included citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, tea, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and spicy foods.…”