Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome) and Food Triggers

Certain foods can increase painful bladder symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis. Most foods result in symptoms 2-4 hours after ingestion.

Most common irritating foods:

• alcoholic beverages
• carbonated drinks
• caffeine
• spicy foods
• tomatoes
• citrus fruits
• vinegar
• bananas
• cheese
• aspartame
• onions
• sour cream
• yogurt

There is no known reason why these food cause bladder irritation, however there are some theories as to why these foods are associated with IC. Many of these contain higher amounts of specific amino acids, including tryptophan and tyrosine, which are thought be broken down into products that are more irritating to the bladder wall. Another common irritant that is found in some of the above foods are "oxalates", which may irritate the bladder wall as well. 

However, diet is simply one aspect of interstitial cystitis. Hormones, an abnormal immune response, and poor bladder lining all contribute. These factors may be addressed individually and part of a complete plan. 

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How can I heat up my love life while trying to get pregnant?

Having difficulties conceiving can surround your sex life with a significant amount of stress and pressure. Infertility can be physically and emotionally draining and takes its toll on any relationship. Active intimacy and sex in a couple is important to strengthen your bond and keep that spark alive! Here are some tips for the bedroom:

Complement each other, daily. Does she look extra sexy after the shower? Did he make you dinner? Whenever possible, say nice things to your partner to encourage loving feelings between you two.

Create the right atmosphere and allow time for foreplay. Before the romance even begins, set the mood. Start with a massage, foot rub, sensual shower together, or a date night.

Avoid sex on a schedule. Scheduling sex around ovulation might help you get pregnant, but also can kill the mood. Focus on ovulation at a different time of the day, and keep your tracking tools out of the bedroom—looking at a flowchart beforehand can increase anxiety surrounding sex. Make a point to be in the moment with your partner, and not in your head focusing on something else (like body temperature)!

Connect on a deeper level. Communication between you and your partner is vital, and being spiritually aware of yourself and your partner can increase appreciation. It can also improve your sex life. Focus on enjoying every moment with them, with a goal of mutually satisfying sex.

Male Infertility

Studies confirm that male sperm counts are declining, and environmental factors, such as pesticides, exogenous estrogens, and heavy metals may negatively impact sperm production. An estimated six percent of adult males are thought to be infertile and an estimated 15 percent of couples attempting their first pregnancy will have difficulty conceiving.

There are specific on specific nutritional and environmental factors that contribute to a man's fertility, but also other factors and conditions including (but not limited to):

• Endocrine abnormalities
• Prescription drugs (anti-seizure medications, sulfa drugs, some antibiotics and steroids)
• Previous infections
• Liver disease
• Autoimmune conditions

In addition to these conditions, evidence suggests environmental reasons contributing to poor sperm quality, including exposure to chemicals, pesticides, heat, radiation, heavy metals, and electromagentic forces (a nearby cellphone).

There are many nutritional interventions for increasing sperm count, mobility, and motility. Often addressing the underlying medical conditions, environmental exposures, and stress can increase a man's fertility.

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Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic painful condition, characterized by urinary pain, urgency, and frequency. There is much contradicting information about what foods to consume or avoid with the “interstitial cystitis diet”. Some individuals claim that a gluten free diet reversed their symptoms, while others state that elimination of spicy foods and soda is the cure. The truth is, there isn't a single diet that will work for every person who has interstitial cystitis. While gluten may cause symptoms in one person, dairy or spicy foods may cause the same symptoms in another. 

The cause of interstitial cystitis remains unknown, however there is a consensus that an immune reaction is occurring, along with altered permeability of the bladder wall. The foods that result in an immune reaction and increased bladder permeability vary from person to person. Testing is available if you would like to know more about which foods affect you most.

However, here are the top 5 diet tips for interstitial cystitis:

1. Drink lots of fluid. Yes, with IC it seems the last thing you want to do is drink lots of liquids, but in the long term, staying hydrated and continually flushing the bladder can relieve symptoms. Consume 1 cup per hour throughout the day. A recent study showed that green tea is beneficial for cystitis, along with many antioxidant effects, consider adding this to your daily routine as well. 
2. Avoid Irritating foods. Certain foods and beverages are known to irritate IC, including coffee, black tea, alcohol, soda and citrus juices. 
3. Stay away from chemical additives. This includes food colorings and preservatives. 
4. Go Gluten free. Not every patient feels relief with a gluten free diet, however this inflammatory protein contributes to many IC symptoms. 
5. Increase those Alkaline foods. Certain foods are more acidic than others, which alters your blood pH and then your urine pH. A diet rich in vegetables, beans and nuts will result in a more alkaline body-pH, thereby reducing symptoms.

May also be related to hormone imbalances, gastrointestinal dysbiosis (undesirable microbe growth), autoimmune conditions, infections, or environmental chemicals. Find out more here.

Naturopathic Medicine Week 2014

The year 2014 has embraced a historic – and holistic – shift in health care choice. 

Under a new provision in the affordable healthcare act, insurers are not allowed to exclude licensed health care professionals who want to participate in their plans.  The intent is to give consumers greater choice among different types of health care providers.  Patients are meant to have access to holistic health care professionals such as naturopathic physicians, chiropractors, and acupuncturists.

 Holistic health care relies more on lifestyle changes and natural solutions and less on invasive procedures, surgery, and prescription drugs.  40% of Americans are taking greater control of their health by using holistic medicine.  Within this 40% is a small but growing number who are seeking care from the “general practitioners of holistic medicine” known as naturopathic physicians. 

 Congress has declared the second week of October as Naturopathic Medicine Week, recognizing the ability of naturopathic physicians to “provide safe, effective, and affordable health care” and urged Americans to learn more about this form of medicine.  So, the second week of October is a good time to visit a naturopathic doctor (ND) and size up see how this approach is potentially a fit for you.

 The naturopathic approach emphasizes the body’s inherent self-healing ability – a clear divergence from conventional medicine, which tends to focus on managing sickness.  As an ND myself, I emphasize the necessity of staying well by attending to such things as balanced nutrition, sufficient exercise, quality sleep, stress management, proper hydration, breathing patterns, and emotional health.  These elements of preventive care are vital because more than 75 percent of health care costs in the US today stem from preventable chronic illnesses. 

 It’s stunning that nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese…tens of millions are afflicted by conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes…and 70% of us report suffering from stress (which itself can lead to such problems as heart disease and depression).  Our fast-paced, high stress, “Big Gulp” lifestyle has brought about this plague of chronic illness and an intense focus on sickness management.  The result is that, while our country spends far more per capita on health care than any other nation, we rank just 37th in average life expectancy. 

Naturopathic doctors have been around for decades; “pioneers…who have been practicing integrative medicine all along.”  Today, 4,400 NDs hold a license, having graduated from accredited 4-year naturopathic medical schools.  What I thrive on as an ND is working closely with my patients, guiding them toward a restoration of health.  NDs in general use a range of non-invasive approaches such as physical medicine, oriental medicine, botanical medicine, mind-body medicine, lifestyle counseling, and nutrition counseling.  I aim to be the future of medicine – focused on the whole person and empowering him/her to take a more active role in maintaining good health.

The symptoms of chronic illness, and the costs, are spiraling all around us.  It’s important to realize that disease-causing pathogens are no longer the only or main threat to health.  We are: our lifestyles, our love of fast food, caffeine, sugar, fat and, in general, life in the over-stimulated lane.  People are discovering, though, that natural medicine is a better way than prescription drugs and surgeries to get on a healthier path.

 So, please join with me the week of October 6-12 to celebrate Naturopathic Medicine Week.  It really offers a glimpse of the evolution toward holistic care – and greater consumer choice.

"Contaminants" in the Environment

Researchers at the University of Minnesota examined a nearby stream to determine its levels of toxicants. What they found was surprising. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs were found at detectable levels, apparently being released by the sewage treatment facility. This included drugs such as anti-convulsants, anti-depressants, and steroid hormones, but also environmental toxins such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

The truth is, these compounds, along with the many other chemicals being leached into our environment at very low levels, have known and unknown effects on human health.

Many attribute the decline in fertility over the past 40 years has been attributed to these "contaminants", often classified as EDCs or endocrine disrupting chemicals. An example of these include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which, despite being banned in 1979, still linger in our soil and water. Once inside the body, they mimic estrogen and other hormones, and studies show a relationship between EDCs and male infertility, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriages, and even hormonal cancers.

What can you do?

Reduce your PCB and contaminant exposure at home as much as possible. Here are some tips:

1. Take high quality fish oil supplements that are screened for possible contaminants

2. If you consume animal products, ensure that they are organic sources of dairy and grass-fed grass-finished meat

3. Consume organic fruits and vegetables, especially the "Dirty Dozen"

4. Avoid eating fish that are heavily contaminated, such as tuna and swordfish (the complete list here)

5. Ensure adequate fiber intake. Fiber binds up hormones and EDCs to allow for better elimination

Contaminants are present in the environment, their role is unknown, and they could be a threat to your health. Thankfully, there are steps that you may take to reduce your contaminant exposure and improve your health.

Plants as Air Purifiers

We all spend a lot of time indoors. Unfortunately, the air isn’t always clean. Building materials, furnishings, and electronic equipment, among many other materials, are known to emit various volatile organic compound "toxicants" that have been linked to numerous health complaints. Leaching of trace chemicals can result in indoor air pollution, causing disease-like symptoms, even at very low concentrations. Buildings that have minimal natural ventilation contained higher levels of these toxicants, indicating that outdoor air is better.

But there’s good news. NASA conducted a study on the usefulness of plants as indoor air purifiers and found that the addition of a plant to indoor air reduced overall  air toxicants, independent of what plant species.  Some of the plant species reduced toxicants by over 80% in one day! Of the plants included Gerbera Daisy, Peace Lily, Chrysanthemums, Bamboo, and English Ivy had some of the highest purification abilities. And, a recent study shows that employees who work in an environment with indoor plants have greater satisfaction and productivity. 

Bring a plant indoors and breathe deeper!