Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), also known as Interstitial Cystitis (IC), is a chronic condition with symptoms impacting 8 million women around the world (1) . The cause of BPS/IC is not well known, but there are currently two theories:
- The bladder barrier lining may be damaged, allowing urinary solutes to pass through the lining and cause damage
- Certain foods and drinks are irritating, stimulating nerves in the gastrointestinal tract and bladder to ‘cross-talk’ which then leads to bladder irritation (2).
This irritation can cause a range of symptoms such as pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort around the bladder, frequent daytime urinary frequency (10+ sessions) or urgency associated with pain and fear of wetting. In some people, these symptoms may then lead to increased levels of anxiety, reduced sexual function and desire as well as reduced relationship intimacy (3).
For those suffering from BPS, managing symptoms can be a challenging journey, often involving a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Bladder pain can come in flare ups as often as daily or less than annually.
One crucial aspect that can significantly impact symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life is nutrition (4). In this blog, we’ll explore how dietary choices can affect bladder health and help offer practical tips so you may enjoy bladder-friendly way of eating.
Understanding your connection between nutrition and Bladder Pain Syndrome
There is no one-size-fits-all way of eating for BPS. Many people find that specific changes in food and drinks help alleviate symptoms and their improve quality of life.
To help you with this, it is important to work with an accredited practising dietitian who is specialised in BPS/IC nutrition. The aim is that you identify your triggers and liberate what you eat so you no longer feel restricted in eating and drinking, know what your body can handle, reduce anxiety around food and enjoy what you eat and drink both at home and when eating out. Food and drink are so intertwined in socialising and connecting with people. It’s important that you feel confident and know your body to optimise your relationship with food and your quality of life.
Nutrition considerations to help Bladder Pain Syndrome
Common triggers include:
- Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea and some soft drinks. Caffeine can irritate the bladder and increase urgency and frequency
- Alcohol: All of these drinks irritate the bladder and act like a diuretic, worsening symptoms.
- Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar can increase bladder discomfort due to their high acid content in some people. The trick is finding what quantity works for you.
- Spicy Foods: Spices and hot sauces can irritate the bladder lining, leading to flare-ups.
- Artificial Sweeteners: These can cause irritation for some individuals and should be consumed with caution
When making dietary changes remember it is important to:
- Keep hydrated! Proper hydration is crucial for bladder health, but how you hydrate can make a difference. Drink plenty of water to help dilute urine and flush out irritants. Aim for 6-8 glasses a day but this may need to be adjusted based on your needs and symptoms.
- Avoid drinks that are irritating. Stay away from caffeinated drinks (including non-caffeinated alternatives of these), alcohol and acidic juices.
- Enjoy a balanced way of eating. This should include lean proteins from a variety of animal and plant-based sources, healthy fats and low glycaemic carbohydrates. All of this should be coupled with a variety of vegetables.
By doing this you will eat a nutrient-dense meal, getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs as well as increasing fibre for healthy gut and blood sugar balance!
Why working with a dietitian is so important for Bladder Pain Syndrome
Living with BPS can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to figuring out what you should and shouldn’t eat. Everyone’s triggers are different and advice on social media, from well-intentioned friends and family and the general internet may be conflicting and confusing. While adjusting your nutrition can definitely help, sometimes it’s tough to know where to start. That’s where a dietitian (like me!) can come in and really make a difference.
Here’s why working with one is like having a secret weapon in your BPS management toolkit:
- Expert tailored advice just for you. Your experience with BPS is unique. What works for one person may not work for you. A dietitian will dig into your specific situation (looking at your eating habits, symptoms, and health history) to craft a diet plan that fits you perfectly. No cookie-cutter solutions here!
- Provide practical food tips and recommendations to make food choices easier. The aim is to make changes as close to your current way of eating as possible. It shouldn’t be stressful or hard to implement. We will go through a bladder friendly plan together to help you know what to eat across the day, with variety! We will also go through easy swaps you can make and how to avoid common irritants without sacrificing flavour.
- Managing food sensitivities. You may have other dietary considerations that need to be considered. No problem! I will consider this as part of your nutrition plan. We can work together to help you navigate these, finding alternatives that won’t upset your bladder while still keeping you well nourished and enjoying food!
- Education to empower you. I’m a big believer of education to empower you. Knowing what is happening to your body, what foods are best for you and how to best implement these are key to helping you make food and drink choices by yourself. The long term aim is that you don’t need me! I’ll help you understand why certain foods affect your bladder the way they do. This knowledge gives you the power to make smart choices and feel confident in your food decisions going forward.
- Ongoing support. Most of the time, nutrition needs to be adjusted. What works today might need tweaking tomorrow. We will keep track of your progress, adjust your plan as needed, and I’ll be there to support you through any bumps in the road.
- Emotional and behavioural support. Making dietary changes can be tough, especially if it means giving up foods you love for a small period of time. I can help you stay positive and handle the emotional side of changing your diet, making the whole process a bit easier and less stressful. Just remember though, we don’t want to avoid anything completely unless we absolutely have to.
- Have a team around you. Whilst all of this is taking place, it is recommended to also have a multidisciplinary approach. Other modes of therapy that are beneficial to BPS include working with a pelvic physiotherapy, sex therapist, psychologist or taking part in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation or other activities that ‘fill your cup.’ What other modes of therapy are considered (if any) really depend on the person’s needs and capacity (e.g. time, finance, mental load, responsibilities, etc.)
Get started today!
Managing your PBS does not need to be confusing or hard. You just need the right professionals around you to help guide you through the process and better understand your needs and your body. Nutrition is a major component to managing your BPS. If you would like to get started and improve your quality of life, you can see me, an accredited practising dietitian, at the Maven Centre (https://www.mavencentre.com.au) by calling (03) 9958 5636 for an in-person or online session.
Bladder Pain Syndrome can be challenging, but with the right approach to nutrition and lifestyle adjustments, you can take meaningful steps toward managing your symptoms and enhancing your overall well-being. It will be a privilege to help you!
References
1. Rahnama’i MS, Javan A, Vyas N, Lovasz S, Singh N, Cervigni M, et al. Bladder Pain Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis Beyond Horizon: Reports from the Global Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Society (GIBS) Meeting 2019 Mumbai-India. Anesthesiol Pain Med. 2020 Jun;10(3):e101848.
2. Parsons CL. The role of the urinary epithelium in the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis/prostatitis/urethritis. Urology. 2007 Apr;69(4 Suppl):9–16.
3. Hanno PM, Burks DA, Clemens JQ, Dmochowski RR, Erickson D, Fitzgerald MP, et al. AUA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladderpain syndrome. J Urol. 2011 Jun;185(6):2162–70.
4. Gordon B, Shorter B, Sarcona A, Moldwin RM. Nutritional Considerations for Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015 Sep1;115(9):1372–9.