Interstitial cystitis can be triggered by a variety of reasons such as the body reacting to a change in hormones or a response to ingesting acidic foods, including some substances like vitamins. Other reasons why a woman may suffer from interstitial cystitis may include stress or anxiety, and previous pelvic or back injuries, especially during the practice of sports or intense exercising. While in some cases interstitial cystitis can simply disappear naturally, in many cases IC may require medical attention to provide relief for its painful symptoms.

A common complaint by women suffering interstitial cystitis is bloating in the lower abdomen, especially during the menstrual period, when many patients note they have an exacerbation of their IC symptoms. The most concerning symptom is the excruciating pain some women feel as a result of the inflammation in their bladder. Just as in the case of an overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis can trigger a brain signal that causes women to have a sudden urge to urinate.

Women experiencing interstitial cystitis should manage their diet by avoiding:

• Coffee, soda, and any caffeine-based beverage
• Citrus-based juices, sports drinks,
• Vitamins and supplements are known to produce flare-ups
• and foods with high acidity
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) often found in Asian dishes