Interstitial Cystitis

One of the leading theories of causes of IC is diet. Many people are able to manage the symptoms of IC by changing their diets and lifestyle. Anytime we face a change like this, it can be difficult. But there are delicious recipes available to help you with the transition.

Why is diet important?

Foods that are known to cause problems with acid reflux have been shown to worsen the symptoms of IC. Fatty foods, and foods and beverages that are high in caffeine have also been shown to increase the symptoms as well. It’s best to avoid these things all together.

Caffeine

If you’re like many people, coffee has become a regular part of your day. There are plenty of alternatives to coffee that will give you some of the boost you’re used to without all the caffeine.

• Green Tea
  Green tea will still offer you some caffeine, it’s not even close to the amount you get with coffee. Green tea also has other health benefits, such as high levels of   antioxidants.
• Licorice Tea
  This doesn’t have any caffeine, but the flavor alone should help perk you up in the morning.
• Chai
  Chai has a wonderfully smooth, sweet flavor and the spices will help to waken    your senses in the mornings. It also has a small amount of caffeine.

Low Fat Foods

Choosing foods that are low in fat are healthy for you for many reasons. When you suffer from IC it can greatly reduce your symptoms as well. A simple internet search will yield you thousands of low fat recipes. Here are just a few.

Skillet Chicken and Rice

You will need:

• Non stick spray
• 2 Teaspoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• Basil, dried
• chicken bouillon (granules preferable)
• salt to flavor
• 1 cup white rice

First you will spray your skillet, add the vegetable oil and place over medium heat.

Add the chicken breasts. Cook on each side until chicken is brown and cooked thoroughly.

Put the chicken to the side.

Add the water to the skillet, with the basil (just a dash), salt, and rice to the skillet.

Add the chicken back to the skillet. Bring water to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer until rice is done.

Fish Taco’s

You need:

• 1 Filet of Salmon per person.
• 1 Cup shredded cabbage
• 1 Cup diced tomatoes
• ½ Avocado
• Salsa
• Sour Cream
• Warmed tortillas

Cook your salmon completely. You can grill or pan fry using a cooking spray.

Grate the cabbage and place to the side.

Slice the tomatoes, and place to the side.

Prepare the avocado and place to the side.

Keep the tortillas warm. Make sure they don’t get crunchy during the process though.

Place sour cream in a serving dish and set aside.

Do the same for the salsa.

Simply place all the ingredients on the table, serve the fish, and allow everyone to fix their own to their likings.

If you are interested you can find cookbooks specifically for low fat diets, and a few for those living with IC. Any kind of small change you can make should help with the symptoms you are suffering.