The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Hydrogen Peroxide Douche
Posted by Lauren (Los Angeles, Ca) on 02/08/2011
★★★★★
Hey ladies, I developed "IC" after a miscarriage last year. A doc put me on various types of antibiotics (which always made my bladder feel better) for ureaplasma and possible Lyme disease; I have not had a positive urine culture since the onset of my "IC". Because of the antibiotics I got yeast infections a lot. Frustrated, I began douching with peroxide and - SURPRISE!!! My constant bladder symptoms (urgency, frequency, burning, pressure) and pain during intercourse were nearly erased!! So I ordered a vaginal test to figure out why. It showed that I don't have BV at all and very little yeast, but a serious overgrowth of group B strep (4 on a scale of 0-4 !! ) an antibiotic and herbal sensitivity test was done, showing all antibiotics to work, and also oregano and colloidal silver.
I'm currently trying oregano mixed with coconut oil (so I can mold it into a suppository and it wont sting). My doc says the herbals are better for vaginal problems because antibiotics kill off the lactobacillus/bifidobacterium, allowing infectious bacteria to return stronger. Whats interesting is I tested negative for group B strep while pregnant with my son 3 years ago.
Also, I noticed while using the antibiotics, kefir or any other cultured milk was the only product that seemed to truly have live and active bacteria. If I drank this, my stomach was fine. But with probiotic capsules, regular yogurt, my stomach was NOT happy! I hope this helps someone!! I'll keep you guys updated!
Reader Feedback
Posted by Jean (Wellsboro, Pa) on 02/07/2011
I was diagnosed with IC 1 1/2 yrs ago after a urogynecologist did a rectocele & urethral sling surgery. She suspected it before surgery & after testing in her office she said the only true way to diagnose this is during surgery when the surgeon fills your bladder with saline to full capacity & then takes films of the bladder. IC shows as tears in the lining. I had tiny tears and the treatment recommended was Elmiron(which I declined as it is a type of blood thinner), or bladder instillations (which I was taught to do at home) especially diet.
Eliminating caffeine, all artificial sweetners, all citrus & tomato products and advanced kegal exercises. These have helped me quite a bit. Baking soda 1 tsp in water 2x day gives fairly fast relief. My IC is not severe but extremely uncomfortable. Marshmallow root tea was also recommended in a book a read. Also helpful, but I'm not very disciplined, is the gluten=free diet which helps overall body inflammation. Did I mention I also have Sjogren's syndrome (severe dry eyes, nose, mouth, etc.) And allergies. I'm going to try the colloidal silver. Hope this helps someone.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Barbsdawn (Lakeland, Fl Usa) on 02/07/2011
I don't recall her exact words but I understood my doctor to say the only way to get the diagnosis is to have a biopsy. OH, NO, NO, NO! My bladder has been truamatized enough through multiple bladder surgeries which created this condition to begin with. Even the insertion of a catherter tube caused spasmatic episodes for days. How I wish, before the surgery, I had had the pelvic floor PT. It did wonders for me and I might have been able to avoid this whole mess.
Coconut Oil, Coconut Water
Posted by Aron1947 (Sarasota, Florida, Usa) on 02/05/2011
Hello Kelly from Chicago,
Could you, please, let me know how much coconut oil you were taking and who is the manufacturer. Thank you very much in advance. Best regards. Aron.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Gailde (Holiday, Florida) on 01/27/2011
Yes there is a test that can be done. I had the test done last week at my obgyn office. A Registered Nurse did the test. When it came to the potassium omg I thought I would die , it felt like a blow torch was burning my insides. This is how they tell you have I C. So I have been looking at natural things I can do for this and I will keep hunting and researching on this matter. I did just try the baking soda and water and I had instant relief. More than likely because people with IC are very acidic. So I am going to try to get my acid level down. You should get some urine test strips and check your urine to see if you are alkaline which is what it should be. I will see how I do. Will keep in touch. I also suffered for yrs with UTIs all the time.
Alkaline pH
Posted by Diane (Ottumwa, Iowa, Usa) on 01/14/2011
For I. C. , look at a particular form of calcium called Calcium Glycerophosphate, (brand is P______.) good luck everyone.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vegathegreat (Charlotte, Nc) on 01/13/2011
I am also in Charlotte. You should go see Dr. Robert Evans in Greensboro, NC. He's one of the foremost IC experts in the country, and is extremely knowledgeable.
Turmeric
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 01/03/2011
Barb- Try taking Uva Ursi with a little pinch of baking soda in your water. The alkalinity of the BS lets the uva ursi do its thing. I love the stuff.
Turmeric
Posted by Barb B (Lakeland, Fl Usa) on 01/03/2011
Thanks for the feedback, Tom. I did try a big jar of the D-Mannose. I've used it in the past with great success, but not this time. I took antibiotics almost continually for 10 months and every time I got off them, the infection was back the next day. I took the anitibiotics, the probiotics and the D-Mannose, plus AZO or other OTC, but the infection was relentless. Xylitol was the only thing that kept it at bay. It still keeps it at bay but it doesn't get rid of the infection. I would have tried the D-Mannose with the Xylitol along with the antibiotic and probiotics, but my funds are very limited.
Turmeric
Posted by Tom (Regina, Sk) on 12/30/2010
Barbara:
Did you ever try d-mannose, the sugar in such as blueberries and cranberries that is determined as the real healing substance in those products?
http://www.tahomaclinic.com/mannose.shtml
D-mannose is a naturally occurring simple sugar, closely related (in chemical terms, a "stereoisomer") to glucose. Small amounts of D-mannose are metabolized by our bodies; more than small amounts are excreted promptly into the urine. But how can even large quantities of a simple natural sugar do anything at all to cure over 90% of all bladder and urinary tract infections?
The answer is found in the interaction between D-mannose and the bacterium found in over 90% of all bladder infections, Escherichia coli ("E. Coli"). [No, that's not the infamous E. Coli mutant associated with unsanitary food processing that's hospitalized and killed people. It's the normal E. coli found as part of the "normal microflora" in every intestinal tract.
But even normal E. Coli don't belong in the bladder and urinary tract; in these areas it multiplies and becomes an undesirable infection. But why doesn't the normal downflow of urine from the kidneys through the ureters into the bladder and thence beyond simply carry the E. Coli right along with it? What allows the E. Coli to "stick" to the inner walls of the bladder and even work their way upward (like "Spiderman") in some cases reaching as far as the kidneys?
Mannose found as a supplement in a bottle is not one of the cheaper nutraceuticals, because of course there is only a tiny percent by weight of it in a pound of blueberries. But compared to the miseries of a UTI, it would amount to nothing if it works! Example of bottles of mannose here in BING Images:
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=d-mannose&go=&form=QBLH&scope=images&filt=all
Turmeric
Posted by Barbara B (Lakeland, Fl Usa) on 12/30/2010
I was thrilled to find this site and spent several hours reading about IC. It is so refreshing to be able to communicate with others who are experiencing what I am experiencing. I don't believe I have IC, but I believe I have the precursors to it. I sailed through four bladder surgeries, but the fifth, a year ago, traumatized my bladder and turned my life upside-down. Although I do not have the intense pain of IC, I do have painful urination, I do have daily episodes of acute inflammation and spasms and have to follow a low acidic diet to maintain control. I now have a potty chair next to my bed so that I avoid most night-time accidents. I adjust the leg length to tip the front forward a bit, which allows me to empty my bladder more quickly and completely. With the chair nearby and a draw on my bed, I also am able to avoid wearing protection at night, which helps helps with UTIs. The potty chair is also raised, which is much more comfortable than using a lower commode.
I am very eager to try the boric acid, turmeric, coconut oil, oregano oil, and marshmallow root. During flair-ups, tiny amounts of baking soda are moderately successful but I will increase my dosage. While I am going to try the apple- cider vinegar, I am cautious. I know that vinegars are very acidic in nature and and bother me tremendously, so I will introduce ACV VERY slowly. I had tried taking large amounts of cold-press aloe vera juice with not much success, but I will try the distilled concentrate to see if that has more benefit. Potassium citrate would tear me up (citric acid. ) and DSMO causes a strong and very unusual body odor, so I'll save that one for last. I have IB with diarrhea as well as OB, which are related, and the generic little green anti-diarrheal pills help tremedously with both conditions. If anyone knows something cheap and natural which would replace these, please let me know. I take probiotics.
I make my own low-acid coffee by mixing equal parts coffee (decaf is STRONGLY recommended for IC patients) and cold purified/distilled water, and storing it in a dark container in cool dark place or 18 hours. I then filter out the grounds to make a coffee concentrate that can be stored in the frig for up to a month. To make coffee, rule of thumb is 12 oz hot water to 2 tablespoons of the coffee concentrate, but adjust for personal taste.
Barley Milk
Posted by Mel (Portland, Or) on 12/22/2010
★★★★★
I can not say for sure if there is a direct link between my personal joint pain and I.C. , however, I believe they are indeed related. I believe they are related because first because the dietary/supplement remedies that help one always seem to help the other. And correspondingly, when one is flaring, so is the other. I believe that they are conditions both exacerbated by high acidity in the system, either as a result of diet, or stress, or both. These are the dietary items I have found that seem to give me comfort, relief, and healing... -barley water, and barley milk
-eastern barley (also known as hato mugi, jobs tears, coix), also as water or milk
-unflavored gelatin, mixed with cold water, then dissolved in tea or hot water and drunk or added to kefir, nondairy drink, or low-acid juice
-agar, used with beverages the same way as gelatin, above
-whole grain hemp seed milk
-whole grain unsweetened brown rice milk
-whole mixed grain nondairy beverage (a healthfood chain sells one with quinoa and amaranth)
-coconut water/juice (all natural)
-carrot juice
-marshmallow root tea
-soaked basil seed drink (all natural/homemade)
-fresh broccoli and kale sprouts
-onions
-chondroitin supplement
-msm supplement
-d-mannose supplement
If there is anything above you have not heard of, search it online and you will find info. I am doing very well after changing my diet and drinking plenty of the assorted beverages listed here. Good luck!
msm
Posted by Five Loaves (Fremont, Ca) on 12/07/2010
Dear Elizabeth,
I read your posting and knowing that you were looking for a form of vitamin C which is friendly to IC patients, I have been using a product called "Advan C" by NSI. This vitamin C's main ingredientce is: Advan-C mineral ascorbate complex. Together with this formula is: Calcium threonate and citrus bioflavonoid complex. I wish you can receive this e-mail and will be able to get this product. It is such a loss if you cannot take Vitamin C with the MSM. They do work together very well for IC pain. You may add 500 mg of turmeric, 3 times day. Another product is "Bladder Q" by a company called The Natural Bladder. You have to take it for 4-6 weeks to clear the flare up. But it is well worth it. Hope the above will help you relieve the pain and May God bless you. Five loaves
Barley Milk
Posted by Ziggy (Franklin, Pa) on 11/29/2010
I have read your post & see that you suffer from ic & joint pain. I am currently going thru the same thing at this time. Do you know why you have the joint pain. Just curious to know if you found out anything. Thanks so much!
Barley Milk
Posted by Mel (Portland, Or) on 11/25/2010
★★★★★
Whole Barley Milk with MSM Recipe
This recipe is very easy and cheap to make. Whole barley flour can usually be purchased from a health food store or ordered online for about $2/lb. The cheapest source of pure MSM powder I have found is an online bulk food supply site for $9.71/lb, and it lasts a really long time. Even if you omit MSM from the recipe, it is still wonderfully soothing and healing. Whole barley milk is smooth, creamy, and easy to drink. Personally, I find it tasty. It is a perfect beverage for mixing in other supplements such as ph drops, aloe, condroitin, d-mannose, liquid calcium, etc. It makes a nice smoothie shaken-up with 100% blueberry juice. I have been drinking about a quart of whole barley milk a day and it has helped me greatly. I recommend it for any one wanting to improve their health, especially those suffering with IC, UTIs, arthritis, or heartburn. Like marshmallow root water, barley water is demulcent. It is purportedly soothing and healing to soft tissues, such as internal organ linings and soft tissues surrounding joints throughout the body. Water boiled from barley has been used for digestive health and general soothing tonic for centuries. Whole barley is rich in fiber and good for cholesterol health. I usually triple this recipe, making three quarts at a time. Ingredients:
2 tablespoons whole barley flour, organic preferred, - not coarsely ground
1 pinch sea salt, optional
1 tablespoon raw honey or organic agave syrup, optional
1 tablespoon safflower, grapeseed, or coconut oil; cold-pressed/organic preferred
1 level teaspoon pure MSM powder
4 cups cold water
Have a clean quart jar and lid handy for each quart of milk being prepared. In a good non-reactive saucepan, whisk the barley flour into 3 cups of the cold water, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring regularly until steaming. Do not boil. Whisk or shake the MSM into the remain 1 cup of water, and set aside. Add salt and honey or agave to the saucepan, if desired. Continue to heat and stir until thickened (about 5 to 10 minutes). It should look something like skim milk the consistency of heavy cream, and should be well heated like hot soup. Remove from heat. Whisk in oil. Whisk in MSM mixture. Pour un-cooled into clean quart jar, cap and refrigerate. Chill barley milk overnight before using. This allows fine barley particles to fully absorb liquid. Shake well before serving. If you prefer a thinner beverage, mix with water or blueberry juice. Keep stored barley milk refrigerated and use within a week. Notes about adding other supplements: A single serving size (as directed) of supplements such as ph drops, liquid condroitin, and/or d-mannose powder may be mixed in the last cup of water along with the MSM, before incorporating into the barley milk and refridgerating. Heat sensitive supplements - such as Aloe, or supplements that should not be taken near bedtime - such as liquid calcium, may be added when serving, if desired.
About me:
I am a 38 yrs old. I believe that I have had too much acid in my system my whole life, both as a result of diet and exacerbated by times of stress. As I approach middle age, soft tissues throughout my body are suffering, especially my bladder lining and those involving my joints. I have been a natural foods junkie most of my adult life - but unfortunately I also had a serious daily habit for all things extremely spicy and sour, as well as copious amounts of caffeinated tea. I also drank alcohol and smoked cigarettes socially. For bodily comfort, I have omitted these things from my diet/habits. General stress reduction is also a must. Yoga helps! Best of luck and health!
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Hot Diva (Lexington, Sc) on 11/19/2010
★★★★★
I have to agree. I suffer from IC as well and been dealing with it for 2 years now. I was just introduced to this site last week. After reading some of the rememdies on here, I decided to buy some Colloidal Silver and Cinnamon tabs. My symptoms tapered off in a matter of 2 days. BIG relief! Thanks to all!
Reader Feedback
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 11/17/2010
There is, in fact, no special test to diagnose IC. The doctors review your symptoms and test for bacteria. If no infection is found then they go right to the IC diagnosis. I don't have an IUD so I can't help you there but my symptoms started the way yours did (with the uti's, yi's and bv... I constantly had something going on down there. I was diagnosed last year after I had a cysto with a biopsy done to rule out anything life threatening. He wanted to put me on Elmiron, but the side effects were very alarming to me, so I decided against it. I now only have periodic flare ups, actually going through one now :( I have been next to symptom free for the past eight months. Right now I'm throwing everything I got at the IC... Uva ursi, turmeric, oregano oil, msm and I'm looking into other herbs. I hope you find some relief. God Bless!
Reader Feedback
Posted by Sarah (Thibodaux, Louisiana) on 11/16/2010
I have a Question about Interstitial Cystitis. I have not been told that's what I have yet but I have a lot of the symptoms. I'm 28 years old and have 3 children. I had my last child 17 months ago. I got an IUD 16 months ago. I have never had any problems with my bladder till about three months ago. It started with bacterial infection, yeast infection and I was treated for bladder infections. I was treated with antibiotics and symptoms would go away but keep coming back. My urine was also tested and the was no infection in my urine. So my doctor told me to see a Urologist. Is there a possibility my bladder problem could be caused my the IUD? And if not How can I test to see if it is in fact Interstitial Cystitis?
Turmeric
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 11/12/2010
Yezenia- I've had to do alot of experimenting with my YI/BV/IC issues. I can honestly say that most of the time I am pain free. I believe I've had and still have systemic candida from overuse of antibiotics and cortisteroid medications for my asmtha. It doesn't help that my immune system has never been very strong either. I've experienced alot of improvement with my YI/BV issues by using boric acid suppositories that I make at home. I did alot of internet research before I finally took the plunge. It's a personal decision.. You have to weigh the pros and cons. I use the boric acid after I have sex and after my period to correct the alkaline ph these instances cause. Also, I will use an empty veggie capsule filled with jojoba oil and one or two drops of oregano oil to fight any active infection (in conjuction with the boric acid). I find this one-two punch approach really knocks out the infection quickly. I also find that drinking aloe juice, the distilled kind, really helps with repairing the bladder lining. I try to drink it at night right before bed so it can hang out in the bladder for awhile.
Turmeric
Posted by Yezenia (Chandler, Az) on 11/12/2010
Elizabeth, I am so happy to know that you have found relief from IC with Turmeric. I am going to try this one. Also, I wanted to know what home remedies you have tried for your BV/IC because as many other women on here I am on a cycle of IC, then yeast infection, then BV over and over again. It has been the worst pain/experience of my life. Thank you for sharing what works for you.
Quercetin
Posted by Renae (Mpls, Mn) on 10/27/2010
If I take 2 quercetin per day, my skin gets all wrinkled in the morning from my P. J. S and stays that way for hours. My skin is actually Puffy! Just type Quercetin and pro-inflamitory in a search engine for more info. Remember I take 4 tea bags of Camomile 3X per day also, and this contains Quercetin.
Quercetin
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/17/2010
Hi Renae, I take Quercitin twice a day for my allergies. You got me worried by saying that it is pro-oxidant..... Maybe I should stop. Anyway, I didn't feel that it helped me much although I took it together with Vit. C, other vitamins and Evening Primrose Oil. I thought that Quercitin was quite harmless....
Quercetin
Posted by Renae (Mpls, Mn) on 10/16/2010
Chamomile Tea: A lifesaver!!! I drink 4 teabags at a time in a large mug. 3 mugs per day. I keep extra tea bags in the car for emergencies. Chamomile also helps w/Irritable Bowel, and it contains Quercetin. Too much Quercetin is pro-oxidant even though it's an anti-oxidant. I can only take 1/day (Quercetin capsule also has Bromalin) I also recently added some couchgrass, Marshmallow, cayenne (Note: for us older gals: (I am age 47) 1xday on 1st 1/2 of menstrual cycle... Too many hot flashes on 2nd half.. It's estrogenic and so is quercitin, which I still take all month). Always remember that flairs can come back so do maintenance forever.
Turmeric
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 09/23/2010
★★★★★
Julie- I still take turmeric every day as a precaution (it doesn't hurt it's good for you too). I think I found a link between my vaginal issues of yeast/bv and my IC. Once I started treating the YI/BV with home remedies my IC symptoms decreased alot. I've noticed when my lady parts are happy, my IC pain is practically non-existent. Woo-hoo! Also, I use Uva Ursi as a urinary cleanser after sex and a couple times a month. This seems to help also.
Boric Acid Suppositories
Posted by Rs (San Francisco, Ca) on 09/22/2010
★★★★★
I also tried all the remedies for BV and also had continuous bladder infections (so I thought) most likely caused by douching with H20 and H202. I read about the boric acid capsules and quickly bought boric acid and veggie caps and made my own (very cheap). I inserted one capsule nightly for about 3-4 nights and it was gone. Totally gone, and like you, I never had another bladder infection again, which I later found out was I.C. And I never knew it. I also believe that the boric acid capsule cured the I.C. When I feel the BV or the I.C. coming on, I immediately insert a boric acid capsule and its totally gone. I also highly reccommend liquid colloidal silver for I.C. I read about it on this site for treating I.C. And also make that a daily part of my regimen. The first day I took the liquid colloidal silver I felt all my I.C. Symptoms go away. I take it everyday now without fail and no pain, everything is back to normal. I also take large doses of super cranberry extract everyday just to be sure I have everything covered. It may be over kill, but its better than dealing with the pain and discomfort of I.C. And BV on a daily basis. Thanks for your comment and thank your Earthclinic for helping me and others.
Boric Acid Suppositories
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 09/21/2010
★★★★★
That is wonderful to hear! I also had suffered from IC and never once thought to look in that area until I read this article:
"Researchers Ruben Gittes, MD and Robert Nakamura, MD, of the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation recently published a research study on Female Urethral Syndrome: A Female Prostatis" in the May 1996 issue of WJM. Their studies have conclusively proven that women do indeed have a set glands, the paraurethral glands, which are homologues of the male prostate. In the abstract for their research project, they state "The most important aspect of recognizing this microscopic 'female prostate' as an anatomical feature is that it's infections may completely explain many cases of the urethral syndrome."
I noticed my symptoms decreasing when I started using boric acid capsules for my recurring bv/yeast infections. I noticed within weeks that my IC symptoms improved dramatically. I now use a verrrry diluted oregano oil for my vaginal health and guess what???? No IC symptoms.... I take my daily turmeric just in case (it's a great anti-inflammatory) I just thank the Lord that I found Earthclinic over a year ago. I have found soooo many awesome remedies that WORK!
DMSO
Posted by Zsaqwe (Brownsville, Texas) on 09/21/2010
★★★★★
I think DMSO is for interstitial cystitis. CVS pharmacy might have it for that condition. I got it from the web. DMSO, although it is not approved by the FDA for anything except an obscure bladder condition (interstitial cystitis), is widely used in sports medicine. Professional sports in particular are obligated to use DMSO to get their athletes recovered from injury and back on the playing field. Each team knows the competition will use it, and this would mean a tremendous advantage for the other team, if it were to be ignored. Combine that with the fact that DMSO is as safe as it is effective (unlike large-dose steroid injections, which were once commonly used in professional sports) and its use becomes mandatory in professional sports medicine. When you consider the fact that DMSO is not a new and patentable drug, is cheap, safe and effective, and knowing what you should know about the medical establishment in the U. S. , you could predict with your eyes closed that there is a propaganda campaign against DMSO. The FDA has done nothing except drag its feet in DMSO research since October 25, 1963 when the first research application to study DMSO was filed with that agency. I got the information from: The Doctors' Medical Library by Ron Kennedy, M. D. , Santa Rosa, CA
Cinnamon
Posted by Jen (Ann Arbor, Mi) on 09/08/2010
Be careful with Cinnamon, it's a major IC bladder irritant for me.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide Douche
Posted by Cherieh. (Odessa, Texas, Usa) on 09/04/2010
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis more than 2 years ago and it's been excruciating. Having been told there is no cure, and after many painful and expensive treatments I had to be my own health care advocate. A couple of months ago I began to douche 2x a day... Morning and afternoon... Using equal parts apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. (Do NOT douche in the evening or the hydrogen peroxide will keep you from sleeping. ) Within 4 days, the constant urge to urinate was completely GONE and I was able to discontinue the Flo*** I was taking to help me urinate. After the second week, I was able to discontinue taking El***** because all my symptoms of I. C. disappeared! My doctor is utterly amazed and telling his other I. C. Patients. I am able to eat anything I want (with the exception of beets and hibiscus tea) without fear of a flare up. I have my life back!!!! Amazing that the help I needed was under my roof the whole time. I am still douching 2x a day as of today.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Molly (Madison, Sd) on 08/27/2010
I have had IC for quite sometime. I am going to a chiropractor now (not your typical one) and he is treating me with laser treatments and acupuncture. It seems to be helping, but I did just start. You may want to give that a try. I've had more problems solved/questions answered going this route than I have for the past 6 years plus of doctor visits, tests, and "treatments".
Cinnamon
Posted by Emily (Charlotte, Nc) on 08/16/2010
Hi Donna,
I live in NC but used to live in Ann Arbor, Mi! Hope you are doing well. I have suffered from pelvic pain for a while - I believe it's IC, as it flares up after I drink coffee, eat chocolate, or eat strawberries or tomatoes. I read your post and bought cinnamon capsules. I would love to know if you or anybody on this post has had luck with cinnamon - how many 500 mg capsules should I take every day to feel a difference?
Thanks! Emily
Coconut Oil, Coconut Water
Posted by Lucy (Chicago, Il) on 08/14/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I'm wondering if the coconut oil is still helping and how long it took to see results. I have been taking both the water and oil for nearly 1 week, with no decrease in symptoms. Thank you.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lori (Palatine, Il) on 08/12/2010
Essentia 9.5 ph - I bought at Whole Foods
Turmeric and Lemon Juice
Posted by Diane (Berkeley, Ca) on 08/07/2010
Turmeric in Indian stores is pretty pure - and because of high turnover it is a lot fresher than that in the regular grocery. You may be thinking of asafotida, which is often cut with rice flour. In any case, simply drying the root in the sun isn't enough to suitably cure it, but you can buy the dried root whole in many Indian stores and grind it yourself. If you do this look for "haldi root" - and be SURE to bash it into small pieces in your mortar & pestle before attempting to grind it in a coffee grinder. If you try to grind it whole or in large pieces it will break your coffee grinder. I know as I have broken parts of blades this way. The dried root is super hard. I cook tons of Indian food and used to grind my own from scratch, but have given up as it's just too darn hazardous to my equipment.
Turmeric and Lemon Juice
Posted by Sun (Abbotsford, Canada) on 08/06/2010
Hi,
You can easily find some of these ingredients such as turmeric from East Indian food stores. I think the turmeric powder there is usually diluted with some chemical or other, probably used to dissolve the root. So the quality of turmeric powder can vary. You could buy whole turmeric, leave it out in the sun for a long time, and then pulverize it. A lot of work, but very good for u. If it doesn't work, then boil it for awhile, that's better than turmeric (haldhi) with chemical additives. Although we still use those for our cooking. Also, google Iherb to order lots of cheap supplements.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Rs (San Francisco, Ca) on 06/30/2010
★★★★☆
I have been battling interstitial cystitis since February 2010 and have been on several rounds of Levaquin thinking it was a UTI. After reading this site I know its cystitis. I went to Whole Foods yesterday and bought ultra colloidal silver and took 2 tsp. yesterday right when I got home and 2 tsp. this morning on an empty stomach, as directed. As of this moment I have no urinary pain at all and no urgency to pee. This is a miracle. It worked fast and it took all the symptoms away in about 24 hours or less. I took my first dose yesterday at about 3:0pm and my second dose this morning before work at about 4:40am. Im pain free and peeing like a normal human being. I did get up last night about 3 times to pee but I expect tonight to be very different. I can feel a difference already. I will give another update in a week. Good luck ladies!! Give this a try if you are at your wits end like I was.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Katie (Atlantic, Pa, Usa) on 06/28/2010
★★★★★
I have been taking a teaspoon of colloidal silver daily for 6 months and its been amazing for my IC along w/ a little baking soda now and then. I feel human again, no more peeing razor blades.
Turmeric and Lemon Juice
Posted by Canadiangal (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) on 06/21/2010
Hi All, I'm on the west coast of Canada and I find that much of what you mention I cannot find. I must admit though that I've just started to try natural remedies after feeling that western medicine has failed me!!! I feel pressure EVERY DAY and pain every day. I'm depressed and isolate. The only thing that's helped me is working out and drinking a lot of water (3-4 ltrs per day). I have tried baking soda but only get mild relief. PLEASE could anyone make suggestions to me about how to get relief and what products would be available in Canada. Also, what type of natural dr. could I see to assist me in this new journey in medicine I'm committed to trying.
Thanks to any and all that help and to all of your for your posts!!!
Quercetin
Posted by Janetspencer (London, United Kingdom) on 05/26/2010
★★★★★
Dear all,
I also like the naturale food supplements and remedies. I tried a natural product composed of Quercetin, D-Mannose and other natural products from plant kingdom. It was a great solution for my IC problems and now after about 5 months of treatments I'm really feeling well.
I suggest you to try Quercetin products, there are no side effects and you won't get antibiotics anymore. Feel you free to contact me for any further information.
[email protected]
cheers.
Janet
Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine, Organic Food
Posted by Dms (Chandler, Az) on 05/02/2010
Iodine - CAUTION!!! - SHELLFISH Allergy
If you are allergic to shellfish you may also have an allergic reaction to iodine.
Proceed with caution - consult your physician before using iodine.
Be Well
Quercetin
Posted by Teresa (Rockville, Md) on 04/27/2010
★★★★★
I have suffered from IC for years. I take a prescription med but also take quercetin. I have been in remission for 8 years.
Turmeric
Posted by Julie (San Diego, California) on 04/20/2010
Elizabeth, that's awesome you found something to rid your pain! Has the turmeric continued to give you relief?
Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, Marshmallow Root
Posted by Wendy (Toronto, Ontario) on 04/08/2010
I have found the Marshallow Root to be very helpful for flare-ups. The Baking Soda did not help me but Apple Cider Vinager has been helpful. I get flare-ups the same as you - stress, certain foods and during that time of the month. I am also prone to bladder infections and collidoial silver has been helpful for these.
Coconut Oil, Coconut Water
Posted by Kelly (Chicago, Il) on 03/29/2010
★★★★★
I only found out about virgin coconut oil Dec 2009. I had bladder pain for 15 years - eventually diagnosed with interstitial cystitis but was always convinced it was a bladder infection since Bactrim (sulfa antibiotic) would always make me feel better with flare ups even though cultures were negative. I had a flare for months that would no longer go away with Bactrim. I started with coconut water and it helped my urethral pain. Now, I take coconut oil and coconut water. I no longer have urethral or bladder pain!!!!
I am beginning to believe that interstitial cystitis is a bogus diagnosis that thousands of MDs have earned a pretty penny off of - in fact - entire medical fields have opened due to this diagnosis. I think all women with this should try coconuts before they spend another dime! I know the frustrations - I have been to the best urogynes and urologists - Northwestern in Chicago since I was a teenager and in California. I have had my urethra widened twice, - I have been tortured like so many other women; missed life events, canceled trips, spent many days in the ER with flares - not too mention the $$$ spent! AND ALL THIS TIME -- COCONUTS WOULD HAVE SOLVED MY PAIN. I MUST TELL EVERY WOMAN!!!!
Couch Grass
Posted by Lisa (Coral Springs, Fl) on 03/14/2010
★★★★★
Couch grass works wonders for IC. Take it in pill form or in a tea and after about 30 days you will never knew you had it.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine, Organic Food
Posted by Melissa (Tampa, Fl) on 03/13/2010
I wanted to know what the doctor prescribed for Leslie's daughter for the yeast allergy. I have also been diagnosed with a yeast allergy and have IC. Thanks, Melissa
Dietary Changes
Posted by Julie (San Diego, California) on 03/03/2010
this is a reply to husseypat-- evian and fiji have the best ph, which is a 7. many people drink these when trying to alkalinize their bodies... hope this helps!
Marshmallow Root
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 01/15/2010
The aloe works wonders for the bladder pain. I've read it actually works to repair the lining of the bladder. Slippery Elm is supposed to do that too. I use the distilled kind of aloe juice that "tastes like spring water". Can't mention the product name. I had IC pain that got so bad last summer I thought about taking pain pills. I didn't want to do that so I went the natural remedy way. After alot of trial and error this is what works best for me:
1) I drink lots of water to keep the urine as non acidic as possible. I also take Prelief when I eat or drink anything acidic.
2) I use marshmallow root liquid- non alcohol (1 dropper full), aloe vera juice (3 oz) , MSM (4000 mg), and tumeric (1000 mg) as a daily regimen. I have some break-through pain sometimes but I keep it under control most of the time. It tends to flare up more when I get close to my cycle. I've noticed that this regimen also helps quite a bit with my IBS and asmtha too.
I've done alot of reading on IC causes and I think mine started because of systemic candida and having an acidic ph. Candida can affect all of your organ systems, which it has mine. I take coconut oil (2 tbspn), oregano oil, and ingest H202 to fight the candida (I'm seriously considering doing the H202 intravenously). I'm going to add fresh garlic to the mix. I also take 50 billion probiotics daily. My health is still not at 100% but I have come a loooong way in a year.
Good luck and God Bless!
Marshmallow Root
Posted by Angela (Houston, Tx) on 01/14/2010
I was diagnosed with mild IC a little over 4 years ago, but think I've had it more like 20...I remember trip after trip to the dr's for a UTI, finding nothing wrong, but being prescribed antibiotics. Been taking Elmiron on/off for the past 4 years and have finally had it. I've lost so much hair over the past year, and finally faced the fact that it does nothing for me! Also done the whole DMSO thing, but think that's more painful that helpful. Anyone else felt the same way? I'm usually in bed the rest of the day from pain. I've got Marshmallow Root and Whole Leaf Aloe on the way, and use baking soda for a quick fix. Will let you know how my experiment goes! : )
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Donna (Royal Oak, Mi) on 01/08/2010
The same thing happened to me - test after test came up negative for any bacteria. Finally one doctor, out of desperation because I kept insisting there was an issue, decided to use a scope and look. Turns out I had a massive infection. Surprised him but not me. It wasn't showing up in the urine tests because it wasn't coming out in the urine - the bacteria was actually imbedded in the lining!
Glad to hear about all these other things you have been trying. I'll put them on my list too. thanks!
Cinnamon
Posted by Donna (Royal Oak, Mi) on 01/08/2010
★★★★★
Fresh is of course always better, but I basically took premade capsules for the convenience. Started out with 4-6 a day, a couple in the morning, afternoon and evening. After the symptoms were alleviated, I gradually reduced my intake. I still will take one a day, and sprinkle fresh cinnamon on my toast or apples just for maintenance purposes. Wonderful thing is that cinnamon also helps stomach issues! (gas, bloating,etc) It is a miracle worker as far as I am concerned.
Test Your Urinary pH
Posted by Sarahbelle (Bryan, Ohio) on 01/06/2010
★★★★★
Uti or interstitial cystitis and acid/alkaline
Please read this if you have a UTI or IC!! I have been researching and this is my conclusion: Your urine is either too acid OR too alkaline. It may have caused bacteria to grow, or if cultures couldn't detect bacteria, it could just be irritated as in IC. I always read that my urine was too acidic. When I tried to make it more alkaline I was even more miserable! Once, when I was taking a barley powder product for it's health benefits, my bladder got worse. It was too alkalinizing. I read that DISTILLED WATER was very acidic, so I chugged a gallon that day. What a relief! (One wouldn't want to drink distilled water for more than three days, as prolonged use can be detrimental, but it is easy on the struggling kidney and bladder.)
Make sure you know if your urine is too acidic or too alkaline before you treat yourself. You can buy testing strips at a pharmacy. The doctors in our rural area would think I was weird if I started talking about natural cures and acid/alkaline. Be your own doctor if possible. Best wishes.
Cinnamon
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 01/06/2010
How much cinnamon do you take daily? Do you take capsules already premade or use fresh? Thanks.
Cinnamon
Posted by Donna (Royal Oak, Mi) on 01/05/2010
★★★★★
I've battled bladder issues all my life, and for a while, high contentrations of cranberry (pills, not juice - juice has too much sugar which feeds the infection) helped. That was until I got IC and became antibiotic resistant. Felt like I was peeing glass. By fluke I read 3 sentences in a magazine that saved me - it basically said that cinnamon kills off E-coli. E-coli is often the cause of bladder issues and IC. I started taking cinnamon capsules and felt major relief in a matter of a few days. I highly recommend it to anyone who suffers from IC. You'll sing its praises too.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine, Organic Food
Posted by Leslie (Anaheim Hills, Ca) on 12/15/2009
My daughter has suffered with IC for two years. She lost out on going away to college this year because of her constant pain and flair ups. I went to at least 8 different doctors and many hospital stays for pain control. I took her to my good old family doctor for a flu bug and told him about her problems. He ran allergy tests and found she is highly allergic to Yeast. She has Candida which is an over growth of yeast through out her whole body and it is inflaming her bladder. Look up yeast connection and women. Your answer is there!
