15f. Urinary Health - Interstitial Cystitis Flashcards
What is interstitial cystitis?
Chronic inflammatory bladder condition
Characterised by pain and sense of pressure
Is interstitial cystitis associated with infection?
No
Who is more likely to get IC?
Women
Signs and symptoms of IC?
Mild to intense pressure/pain in bladder/pelvic area
Urinary urgency/frequency
Dyspareunia
Causes and risk factors for IC
Injury to bladder wall
Allergy
Neurogenic pain
Alterations to urinary microbiome
Why is injury to the bladder wall a risk factor for IC?
Damage to the glycosaminoglycan layer increases permeability allowing K and chemical irritants in urine to damage underlying tissue
Why are allergies a risk factor for IC?
Activation of mast cells increases histamine and cytokine release = pain
Why is neurogenic pain a risk factor for IC?
Excitation of sensory nerves triggers inflammation through release of neuropeptides
What can trigger excitation of sensory nerves?
Mast cell activation
Stress
AI conditions
Why are alterations to the urinary microbiome a risk factor for IC?
Reduced Lactobacillus
Reduced microbial diversity
Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines
Naturopathic approach to supporting IC
Remove urinary irritants (as per UTIs)
Reduce inflammation
Promote microbial balance/diversity
Assess for food allergy intolerance
Elimination diet and/or IgE antibody testing
Naturopathic diet - emphasising AO rich veg, oily fish etc
Aloe vera juice - increases production of glycosaminoglycans
Probiotics
Nutrients to support IC
AO rich vegetables
O3
Quercetin
N-acetyl glucosamine
Chondroitin
Why is quercetin good for supporting IC?
Anti-allergic - inhibits histamine release from mast cells
Anti-inflammatory
Dosage of quercetin to support IC
500mg 2/day
Why are N-acetyl glucosamine and chondroitin good for supporting IC?
Increases glycosaminoglycan synthesis in bladder
Reduces inflammation
