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Points -  Ask the Doctor

Q: I am suffering from a painful bladder situation that has not stopped for several months now. I've been tested for several things and doctors have told me that I have interstitial cystitis. (All tests are negative for STD's or any other bacteria.) My main symptom is feeling like I have to urinate all the time, although I do not feel burning with urination. I'd like to avoid invasive procedures. Any recommendations?

A: Has the interstitial cystitis (IC/PBS) been definitively diagnosed? I would like to suggest your physician rule out endometriosis because some of these symptoms may be caused by endometriosis. The only commonality for IC/PBS is the presence of antiproliferative factor, or APF in the urine of those that suffer from IC/PBS. Since there is no definitive cure for the condition, I would like to suggest the following dietary and adjunctive treatments that might help with the symptoms.

Dietary: Avoid alcohol, tomatoes (and the nightshade family, in general), spices, chocolate, caffeine, citrus beverages, high-acid foods, and artificial sweeteners. Eliminate various items from your diet, starting with wheat and dairy products, and gradually reintroduce them one at a time to determine which, if any, is affecting your symptoms. In general, you need to maintain a varied, well-balanced diet, on the bland side. No smoking.

Adjunctive treatments: Try acupuncture and herbal remedies; visit an acupuncturist to obtain specific advice. Electroacupuncture in specific may produce good results. Tai chi or qigong exercises with light stretching may also help.

I would suggest you discuss the possibility of trying these recommendations with your physician before considering invasive procedures like fulguration and resection.

About our Doctors

This month's Ask the Doctor question was answered by:

Dr. Maoshing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., Ph.D. from his website:

June 2009
Volume 7, Number 6

Rejuvenate Naturally: No Drugs, Hormones, or Surgery

Allergies: Spring Root & Branch

The Ways to Cook and How Your Food is Affected

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