Treating Health Issues Overview
* Treating each individual health issue will improve general IC symptoms. Overall health is often compared to a puzzle with each piece related to the whole in the same way that all pieces of a puzzle fit together. When one piece of the puzzle is missing the “whole” is compromised or incomplete. Disease does not occur in a vacuum and neither does healing. It is important to understand and treat underlying health issues.
* IC is a chronic inflammation of the bladder; however inflammation affects many other body tissues and areas. The scar tissue that diminishes bladder capacity in IC is created by chronic inflammation. IBS, allergies and fibromyalgia are connected to inflammation. Getting and keeping inflammation under control is essential to reduce pain, reduce scar tissue and help resolve or prevent other inflammatory disorders from developing. Multiple natural products have been clinically tested and proved effective in resolving inflammation.
* The role of bacteria, yeast and viruses as both a causative and exacerbating factor in IC is well known. Recurrent bladder infections precede and follow IC. Yeast, in particular, has been clinically shown to produce tissue damage in mucus membranes. The GAG layer is a mucus membrane. Due to the chronic inflammation of IC and weakened immune system it is difficult, but necessary, to get and keep infections under control on a continuing basis. There are many natural remedies available to keep infections under control.
* Allergies are a known factor in IC; but affect the entire body not just the bladder. Allergies trigger an inappropriate response in the immune system resulting in pain, tissue damage and inflammation. Some common allergens include mold, pollen, various chemicals, dairy products, shellfish, wheat and chocolate. Avoiding allergens and strengthening the immune system significantly reduces IC symptoms. Anti-allergy remedies are components of all IC treatment regimes.
* IBS may precede IC and significantly contribute to the overall pelvic pain common in IC. IBS may be linked to and/or caused by a “leaky gut”. A leaky gut is a breach in the intestines that allows toxins and proteins to penetrate the protective intestinal lining. These items are then seen as foreign invaders by the body. An immune reaction is triggered that attacks both the foreign invaders and the tissues where they land (autoimmune). Specific body cleanses and products designed to heal a leaky gut significantly improve IBS.