Over 400 million people in the United States suffer from bladder pain. 90% are women. There are many causes of bladder pain. A common cause is a UTI, a Urinary Tract Infection, which causes bladder muscle spasms and a burning sensation when urinating. However, there are other causes. 

Interstitial Cystitis is inflammation and pain in the bladder with no infection evident. There is no known cause for IC. People with IC often have small areas of stiffness, scarring, or bleeding on the bladder wall. Up to 10% of people with this condition also have Hunner's ulcers, patches of inflammation, which lead to more severe symptoms. 

Herpes-related bladder pain is called Viral Cystitis. Yes. It does exist. However, Viral Cystitis is never looked for in a UTI test (which drives me a little nuts). 

Irritable Bladder Syndrome is not the same as Nocturia, the need for sudden or frequent urination at night. However, these conditions can overlap. Nocturia is caused by releasing a particular hormone during oxygen deprivation and may be a symptom of Sleep Apnea. The feeling is so great that it can cause panic attacks or a sensation of fearing movement. It may even take a while to return to sleep once you've relieved yourself. I have Central Sleep Apnea, and I can tell you from experience that the panic from having to "pee" is real. 

Symptoms of Irritable Bladder Syndrome

• Bloating
• Bladder pressure
• Pain in the pelvic region, bladder, urethral or vaginal areas (burning, pricking, cramps or spasms, cutting or shooting pains) or constantly being aware of your bladder
• Frequent urination or the urge to go and only a little or no urine coming out (day or night)
• Incontinence when you laugh, sneeze, or run.
• Urine retention (inability to empty the bladder)
• Accidental voiding

Possible Causes of Irritable Bladder Syndrome

• Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections inside the bladder, bladder muscles, or urethra can cause severe pain. In women, harmful bacteria can migrate to the urethra due to the proximity of the vagina and rectum. When a virus causes a bladder infection, it's called Viral Cystitis or Viral UTI. When a bacteria, it's referred to as Cystitis, Interstitial Cystitis, or Bacterial Cystitis. As far as I know, standard urine tests don't look for viral causes, only bacterial ones. Herpes Varicella-Zoster, the virus that causes Shingles, can cause three types of urinary dysfunction: Cystitis, Neuritis, and Myelitis. Sometimes, it can take months to restore bladder function. Antibiotics prescribed for bladder and UTI infections target only bacteria, not viruses. These antibiotics can also cause the same symptoms as Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and a bladder infection. It's also worth mentioning that even if your doctor sees no bacteria in your urine test, it doesn't mean it's not there hiding out in small pockets of the bladder.

• Constipation causes the rectum to fill with feces and push against the bladder neck, leaving less room for the bladder to expand, which can lead to bladder pain with no infection, bladder pain with infection, urinary tract infections, voiding more frequently, or a feeling of having to urinate when the bladder is empty. Also, because the bowel and bladder share the same branch of nerves, anything that irritates the bowel can irritate the bladder.

• One theory about Irritable Bladder Syndrome suggests that one of the three protective layers of the bladder wall may leak, allowing chemicals in the urine to seep into bladder layers and cause irritation. This condition is called Leaky Gut Syndrome.

• Pinched, inflamed, or painful spinal nerves (particularly the Lumbar 5 and Sacral nerves 1, 2, and 3) can cause bladder pain with or without a backache.

• Fascia is what helps to hold our muscles and tissues in place. You know that tough, slippery coating right under chicken skin? That's fascia. We also have fascia. It's throughout our body, and when tension stretches the fascia too tense (tight) or damaged from injury or surgery, the fascia can develop tight scars that cause pain. There are exercises you can do to relieve fascia pain. Serrapeptase is an enzyme that can be supplemented may be used to break up scar tissue in fascia-related bladder pain.

• The Herpes Simplex Virus can cause leg pain when nerves are affected or damaged by inflammation, referred to as Postherpetic Neuralgia. Closely related is Radiculopathy. Symptoms are urinary retention, transient paralysis, constipation, anogenital discomfort, and leg weakness, usually resolved in days or weeks. An MRI of the lower spine may appear completely normal. Sacral nerves (where HSV-2 lies dormant) affected or damaged by the herpes virus can cause bladder pain. In addition, irritation to sacral nerves caused by Tension Myositis Syndrome or Myofascial Pain Syndrome (fancy titles for muscle tension) can also cause bladder pain.

• Hormonal imbalances cause weaknesses in various areas of the body and can contribute to bladder pain. For example, low estrogen levels cause the lining of the urethra to thin and can change the balance of bacteria in the vagina, making women more susceptible to bladder infections.

• Sensitivity to certain foods high in histamine, oxalates, and salicylates (natural plant-food substances found in vegetables and fruits) can cause bladder pain. Also, black and green tea and honey may irritate your bladder. Chocolate, cranberries, some nuts, citrus fruits, drinks high in vitamin C (acidic foods and beverages), carbonated drinks, caffeine, tobacco, sugar and fake sugar substitutes, spicy food, onions, alcohol, processed foods, tomatoes, vinegar, some dairy, and corn syrup also pose problems. 

• Raw honey, while containing antiviral and antibacterial properties, may trigger bladder pain in those sensitive to it (or sensitive to a particular brand). For some, this goes away by changing the type of Honey used (https://www.ic-network.com/manuka-honey-bladder/). Some brands at the grocery store containcorn syrup, which is irritating to the bladder. Manufacturers add corn syrup to many prepackaged foods. When buying honey, look for raw, organic honey from local markets. An interesting fact about raw honey gathered from bees in the wild (a natural honey solution) is that it decreases urinary prostaglandin concentrations and increases total urinary nitrite content. Artificial honey produced in bee farms (manufactured settings) reduces urinary nitrites and increases prostaglandins (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16132771/). So, in the case of Interstitial Cystitis, consuming raw Honey is better than run-of-the-mill store brands containing sweeteners, such as corn syrup. NOTE: Honey is a food item that can cause bladder irritation in some people but not in everyone. You can cut raw honey from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. If you aren't used to eating raw honey and want to try it as a remedy (see below under Holistic Alternatives for Irritable Bladder Syndrome), use only raw honey and record your symptoms before and after consuming it. For some, raw honey may be irritating to the bladder when the honey comes from bees having pollinated plants you're allergic to. 

• According to The American Association for Clinical Chemistry, the normal pH range for urine is between 4.5 and 8 (above eight is alkaline, and under six is acidic). When pH is too high or too low, the bladder becomes a breeding ground for certain bacteria to overgrow, which causes inflammation and other symptoms, such as pain.

• Some say stress or psychosomatic problems can't cause Interstitial Cystitis (bladder pain with no infection), but I'm not inclined to dismiss stress. Under normal circumstances, the bladder microbiome can manage stress hormones that intermittently pass through the bladder. Under chronic stress, these chemicals may chip away at the bladder wall. Or, the microbiome of the bladder is unbalanced under chronic stress and lacks the good bacteria to defend itself. 

• Autoimmune disorders may cause bladder pain. For example, people with Hashimoto's have a higher incidence of bladder pain. However, it's unclear whether an autoimmune response is causing damage to the bladder lining or whether the immune system is responding to something that has already caused the injury.

• People with Interstitial Cystitis (bladder pain) or Neurogenic Bladder (urinary problems) over 60 likely have impaired immunity, unlike an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its cells. Impaired immunity means the immune system, for whatever reason, doesn't work as well.

• Mast cells in connective tissue release granules rich in histamine and heparin. histamine causes inflammation (swelling), like sinus pressure, during allergy season. It's theorized that mast cells are activated in the bladder, causing damage to the bladder's GAG layer, which results in a burning sensation. 

• Excess minerals, oxalates, and uric acid cause kidney and ureteral stones. Uric acid also causes Gout. Uric acid alone can cause Interstitial Cystitis. Foods and substances that cause excess uric acid are meats (pork, lamb, beef, shrimp, sardines, lobster), gravies, and fruit sugar. Foods that may cause problems are beans, lentils, dried peas, green peas, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, wheat bran, oatmeal, and mushrooms. It's also best to avoid processed foods. During menopause, women have a higher risk of uric acid complaints. 

• Studies show certain viruses directly cause Interstitial Cystitis. Epstein-Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus, HSV-2 (genital herpes), Cocksackie Virus B-1 and B-2, Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Hayfever, Asthma, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Tuberculosis may also play a role in Irritable Bladder Syndrome. 

• Certain drugs, such as Synthroid, a thyroid medication, can cause Interstitial Cystitis. Some over-the-counter and recreational drugs can also cause bladder problems. 

Spiritual/Psychological Causes of Irritable Bladder Syndrome: Anger, probably the result of insecurity, has you in its grips. You are afraid of letting go. Blame is part of this syndrome. Pardon the expression, but you may be pretty pissed off on some level of your conscious or subconscious mind.

Associated Chakra: The 2nd Chakra/The Orange Aura Color Personality

Associated Temperament: Sanguine

Associated Energy Meridian: Urinary/Bladder

Holistic Alternatives for Irritable Bladder Syndrome

• Don't become dehydrated. Dehydration keeps the bladder from being flushed out, changes urine pH, and allows bacteria to cling to the bladder lining. Drink plain, pure water. Avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages that instantly irritate the bladder, causing burning, irritation, and urgency. Drink down a full glass of water. If what you drank (or ate) is the cause of your Irritable Bladder Syndrome, the water will dilute what is in your bladder and immediately reduce the irritation. Try to eliminate or significantly reduce what you eat or drink that might irritate your bladder. See if it helps. You can always add these things back in to see if they begin to bother you again or to discover your tolerance level. 

• Go to the bathroom when you need to. Waiting too long causes bladder stress. On the other hand, tinkling at every tiny urge can create a weak bladder, or so I've read.

• Take the time to urinate. Wait a few seconds when finished to see if there's more to come. Don't just hop off the toilet and run. Sometimes, there's a tiny bit left that you can't even feel coming out, especially if you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Fibromyalgia Syndrome, are overweight, have a prolapsed (saggy) bladder, have given birth, are aged, have prostate problems, or have any other nerve-affecting conditions. Ladies, if you feel you have more to go, but nothing is happening, twist or lean gently from side to side on the toilet seat to give your bladder a little wring. Try opening your legs further apart (give a little tug to the side of your vagina to spread the folds away from the opening of the urinary tract or shift one knee further out than the other. It takes the pressure off the bladder, and the urethra opens further to allow urine to escape. For males, while standing there, shift from one foot to the other or bend slightly forward, backward, or sideways to see if you get a better stream. Also, wait thirty seconds to see if there's more to come. You can also sit on the toilet to empty your bladder. 

• Stay regular. A build-up of stool can become heavy, push on the bladder, and cause sensitive nerves to scream. Fiber feeds your good gut bacteria and helps you "poop" regularly if you drink enough fluids. Add fiber to your diet, such as Fiber One cereal, beans and legumes, and green leafy plants. 

• Change your shoe style, which also goes for men. Wearing shoes that fit improperly causes imbalances in the hips, which, in turn, causes stress and tension in the muscles of the buttocks, lower back, and pelvic floor. If your feet hurt, it can stress your bladder due to muscle tension in your pelvic floor. If you wear spiky high heels or heels, try wearing flats until you feel better. If your symptoms return with the shoes, buy a new shoe wardrobe in all flats or low pumps. Heels cause pressure build-up in the legs that can cause tension higher in the body in the bowel, bladder, and reproductive areas. Recently, there has been news that wearing heels tightens up muscles in the lower abs, uterus, and sexual organs as you wear them, which is great, but constant tension can cause muscle tissue fatigue and pain. If you wear high heels one day, try wearing just flats or pumps the next day. Rotate your shoe wardrobe.

• Again, ladies, if your bladder or ureteral pain may be related to a vaginal infection or vaginal atrophy due to decreased estrogen or the continuation of a vaginal bacterial or fungal infection, such as Gardnerella or Candida. Please, see your doctor for testing if you have these concerns. 

• Avoid tight clothes. Restrictive clothing is stressful to the body and strains muscles and nerves.

• Avoid sitting for more than an hour in one position without stretching. Get up and walk around. Stretch a bit. If you have an office job where you sit most of the day, invest in a good chair or cushion that supports your bones. Constant pressure on bones and muscles can affect nerves in the bladder and cause pain.

• Try Kegel exercises once you are healed from a bladder infection to improve the strength and tone of the bladder, which also goes for male bladders. This exercise also helps firm the pelvic floor and wall of the vagina. You can do Kegel exercises anywhere and in just about any position. No one will even know that you are doing them. Empty your bladder to avoid any unnecessary pressure. To perform the Kegel exercise, tighten the muscles of your rectum by squeezing as if you were trying very hard not to urinate or pass gas. Hold for two seconds and relax to the count of 10 seconds. Do a set of 10 squeezes up to 4 times per day. As these get easier, increase the hold to 5-10 seconds or until fatigued. If there is any discomfort, or you begin to feel your muscles grow tired, STOP. Don't stress. The focus isn't on building your muscles but toning them with gentle exercise. Then, relax for the same count. Repeat. Can you do more or do it more often? Yes, but only gradually, or you may get sore muscles in the pelvic region. DO NOT perform Kegel exercises during an Interstitial Cystitis flare-up. Also, if your pelvic floor muslces are extremely out of shape, you should start with light exercises for the lower back and abdomen before beginning Kegal exercises. Look into pelvic floor exercises.

• Tight muscles can cause more symptoms than you probably realize. Try finding a sore muscle in your lower back, buttock, or thigh. You may not know you have sore muscles in your rear end, but they can pull on muscles and nerves that lead to the bladder. If you find a sore spot, massage it. Then, press on it and hold for 2 minutes. Ensure you are only pressing enough for it to feel good, not cause more pain. Massage for a few seconds again. Afterward, lie on the floor and do buttock stretches by bringing your knee up to your chest (one leg at a time) and holding it for 5-10 seconds. Slowly release your leg to the floor. Releasing the tension may release the pain in your bladder. 

• Seeing a chiropractor can help if the problem is pinched nerves caused by bones out of alignment or tight muscles. Of course, if you have tight muscles, they will only pull the bones out of alignment once again. For that, you'll want to see a massage therapist.  Adam Field is my favorite online chiropractor for helping to alleviate incontinence. If you suffer from incontinence, you could also suffer from bladder pain. Both can be caused by muscle imbalances. You'll find his video at the bottom of this page. 

• Foods and chemicals that often cause problems are additives, artificial sweeteners, monosodium glutamate (MSG), yeast, sugar, gluten, caffeine, carbonated beverages, fermented foods (sourdough, fermented rye bread, kombucha, kefir), acidic fruits and juices, bananas (bother some people and not others), hot spices, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, mayonnaise, tofu, yogurt, aged cheese, alcohol, tea (other than herbal), nuts (except almonds, cashews, and pine nuts), mass-produced honey (see directly below), and dark chocolate. Don't consume cranberry juice. Use cranberry supplements instead. Some people report worse symptoms using cranberry.

• Avoid gluten for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve. 

• As mentioned, oxalates are natural chemicals in plant foods that can cause bladder pain in sensitive individuals. They can also be found in personal care products and absorbed into the skin. 

• Mast cells releasing histamine in the bladder can cause pain. 

• Raw honey (Algerian is best) combined with powdered cinnamon (cinnamomum cassia is best) can help fight harmful bacteria, such as E.coli, and viruses and reduce bladder inflammation. Raw honey (not artificial honey contains antiviral and antibacterial properties, and cinnamon soothes the digestive tract and detoxifies the blood stream. Twice daily, add half a teaspoon of cinnamon and one tablespoon of raw honey to one cup of warm water (not too hot) and sip. I also add one teaspoon of virgin coconut oil for its ability to help heal Leaky Gut Syndrome, which many with Interstitial Cystitis have. I mentioned this earlier but some folks skip straight ahead to holistic alternatives without reading the top half of the page. NOTE: Honey is a food item that can cause bladder irritation in some people but not in everyone. Try cutting honey out of your diet to see if your symptoms improve. If you aren't used to eating honey, record your symptoms before and after eating it. 

• Minerals, such as calcium, magnesium (malate or citrate), and zinc, buffer the effects of acidic wastes and toxicities that may affect the bladder and cause pain. Be sure to eat foods that are high in minerals or use supplements.

• Selenium works to keep the Herpes Simplex Virus dormant. If you suffer from recurrent breakouts, consider taking 55-100 mcg daily (no more than 200 mcg) of this essential mineral.

• If your bladder problem isn't pain but overactivity (having to "pee" way too often), pear juice, aloe vera juice, and nuts (almonds, cashews, and peanuts) can calm the bladder. However, nuts are high in arginine and feed the herpes virus. I you coexist with herpes, you might want to avoid eating too many of those or take an L-lysine supplement to offset the arginine. Oxytrol (patches) for overactive bladder is also an over-the-counter product you could try. Please read the fine print for instructions and potential side effects.

• Tension settles everywhere, even the bladder. If you have a problem with urine retention (never fully emptying your bladder), you can try peeing like normal, waiting 30 seconds, and then shifting your position to allow a little more to come. Ladies, you might find that if you give your labia a little pull toward your inner thigh it can open up the urinary pathway a bit. Closed "lips" down there can stop the last bit of flow from trickling out, which causes urine to dribble down your leg once you stand up. Always spread your legs a little and give a soft tug to one side of your labia. Foods and supplements that relax the bladder are magnesium-rich foods and magnesium hydroxide.

• Bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple) is a potent anti-inflammatory and prevents bladder irritation. Cleavers (an herb) and cornsilk (the silky threads at the top of a corn husk) are anti-inflammatory and protect the bladder from irritation. 

• Do you have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction? Weak or damaged nerves or muscles in the pelvic floor from trauma, child birth, or surgery can cause bladder pain. Pumpkin seed extract helps to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and the control of muscles that control urine flow. Taking the extract while performing pelvic floor exercises can speed healing. Again, you should check out Dr. Adam Fields's video for retraining pelvic muscles. I've posted it at the bottom of this page.

What To Do For Bladder Pain

• My go to tea for bladder pain of any kind is parsley. Parsley is antibacterial and antiviral. It's also a diuretic and helps to flush out the bladder. There are so many benefits to drinking parsley tea. Almost everyone can drink 3-4 cups of parsley tea daily with no side effects. Take three days off every seven days. To make parsley tea, add i teaspoon of dried herb to 1 cup (8 ounces) of near boiling water. Steep for 5-7 minutes and sip. You can add raw honey to taste. I like to combine parsley and crushed fennel in equal amounts. I use 1 teaspoon per cup of tea. Fennel is antibacterial, antiviral against all herpes viruses, and anti-inflammatory. It must be crushed or ground. If you take diuretics or are pregnant or nursing, please don't use parsley. Other antimicrobial herbs and are discussed under Herbin The Wellness Corner.

• Rosemary, lemon balm, fennel, and holy basil fight all herpes viruses. Garlic, sage, and oregano are best for fighting HSV-1 (coldsores). Oregano also works against stomach flu, Murine Norovirus (MNV), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

• Oregano tea can be used to flush bad bacteria out of the bladder. However, you'll have to use twice as much Oregano tea as other teas for this purpose (8 one cup servings daily for  3-4 days. 

• Pipsissewa (chimaphilia umbellata) leaf tea breaks down kidney stones, disinfects the urinary tract, and heals urinary tract and bladder infections. The active ingredient is hydroquinone, which also fights upper-respiratory infections. It works as a diuretic in the same way as uva ursi but contains fewer tannins, so it's more suitable for prolonged use. You can use pipsissewa for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout. For tea, use one teaspoon of dried herb to 8 ounces of rolling (not quite boiling) water, and steep for 2-4 minutes. Add milk and raw honey to taste (optional). You can also take pipsissewa as a tincture (see The Tarotpothecary). People with iron deficiency and poor nutrient absorption shouldn't use this herb. Long-term use (more than a week or two) can cause side effects such as ear ringing (Tinnitus), vomiting, confusion, and seizures. It's unknown whether this herb is safe for pregnant or nursing women, so in this case, avoid it.

• Do all you can to reduce Histamine Intolerance, such as taking quercetin, buffered C  with bioflavonoids, and calcium, and eating a low-histamine or anti-inflammatory diet. Taking these with aloe vera capsules (see below) and cutting down on oxalates can be extremely helpful (oxalates are natural chemicals found in plants), as can avoiding toxins as much as possible. Things like deodorants, air fresheners, and even cleaning products can increase your histamine load, which increases inflammation in the body.

• D-mannoseis a type of sugar found in fruit. Like cranberry supplements, it can help ease bladder pain by preventing harmful, pain-causing bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall or urinary tract. Even if it does, D-mannose can flush it out. Numerous studies say D-mannose works well, if not better, than antibiotics for bladder and urinary tract infections and can also help with symptoms of a bladder infection when there isn't one. There are little to no adverse side effects to taking D-mannose. Some say they've experienced mild indigestion, bloating, stomach discomfort, soft stool, and even slight bladder irritation that mimics bladder infection. I've taken D-mannose myself. It gave me no stomach issues, and the overall reduction in pain was a welcome relief, so please don't be afraid to try it. However, I was surprised to discover it slightly mimicked my bladder infection when using it only for preventative measures. If you find it irritating, switching brands may help. D-mannose is made from birch tree juice, cranberries, pineapple, or corn, so your bladder might become sensitive if you have allergies to these items. Read your labels. You can take D-mannose, even if you have Diabetes. It won't raise your blood sugar or interfere with medications. It also doesn't interfere with antibiotics or urine tests. Studies vary on dosage, so I designed a plan on what I thought would be appropriate, and my urologist agreed. Take 3 grams daily for three days. Then, 1.5 grams daily for ten days. Put another way, take one and a half teaspoons daily for three days and 3/4 of a teaspoon for ten days. I broke this down to 1/2 teaspoon in one cup of water three times per day and 1/4 of a teaspoon three times daily for ten days. I used one cup of water for each dose. Don't take D-mannose if you have SIBO, as it could worsen your symptoms. Also, if you are trying to get pregnant, D-mannose can bind to sperm and knock it out of the ballpark, making it harder to fertilize an egg. And anyone with genetic disorders, MPI-CDG or PMM2-CDG, might suffer Diabetic-like symptoms. Taking too high a dosage of D-mannose (or taking it too long) may cause depression. The good news is that symptoms quickly dissipate once you stop taking it.

• Aloe vera supplements can help reduce inflammation in the body and the bladder. It contains some mannose (see D-mannose above), which attaches to bacteria and carries them out of the bladder. However, taking D-mannose would offer a higher dose. Aloe vera also has glucomannan, a fermentable fiber that some beneficial bacteria like to eat. However, fermented products are one of the things to beware of when it comes to bladder pain.

• Place an ice pack on your lower spine and tailbone. Major nerves that lead to your bladder stem reside there. So does the Herpes Simplex Virus when you live with HSV-2. You can also try placing an ice pack over your bladder or between your legs (touching between the vagina and anus or between the testicles and anus) for 20 minutes, then rest for 20 minutes (or alternate with heat). Repeat up to 4 times and then break for one hour.

• Drinking 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in two cups of warm water in the morning and again in the evening can help balance bladder pH. Visit WikiHow.com for directions and safety precautions.

• You can take over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol, to help ease the pain of cystitis, bladder infection, and urinary tract infection. Take Tylenolas directed to avoid liver problems. You can also try Aspirin for pain and inflammation. However, children under 18 should not use Aspirin as it can cause Ryes's Syndrome, which can be deadly in children with fever. So that you are aware, aspirin is a cause of Pruritus (all-over itch). Ibuprofen is anti-inflammatory but has many side effects, including stomach and liver problems and the threat of making COVID-19 symptoms worse.

• Cranberry supplements can help the bladder by eliminating the chance of certain bacteria sticking to the inside of the bladder wall. Do not substitute whole cranberries, cranberry juice, or dried cranberries for this remedy. Use only supplements. If you notice worsening symptoms (bladder irritation) with cranberry supplements, discontinue use. Foods and supplements containing citric or asguycorbic acid can cause bladder irritation, especially when the bladder is inflamed or raw. Using D-mannose is an alternative (see above). Also, when taking a vitamin C supplement, make sure it contains bioflavonoids. 

• Prebiotics and probiotics can help multiply and replace good bacteria in your microbiome. When your microbiome is out of whack, it can cause problems with the bowel, bladder, and vagina. Why? Because gut bacteria "poop out" bladder-irritating toxins, especially when harmful bacteria overgrow. However, it's essential not take the right ones. Certain probiotics can increase histamines in the body. I discuss which prebiotics and probiotics are safe to take when you have Interstitial Cystitis or Histamine Intolerance. 

• Oregon grape root is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial that naturopaths often use to treat UTIs.

• Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antiviral. However, it can be smelly and cause heartburn and gas when eaten. Allicin is the active ingredient in garlic. Try taking an odorless garlic supplement instead. Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding in some individuals so be sure to research garlic before using it. 

• N-acetyl cysteine, morinda citrifolia (Noni), and lactoferrin are also beneficial. All of these ingredients are formulated in a product called Ausilium NAC).

• You might also give cornsilk a try. Cornsilk has been used to remedy bladder infections and relieve pain.

GAG Injection (Glycosaminoglycan Injection)

A Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) injection consists of a clear, colorless liquid that temporarily replaces the bladder lining. It's primarily sodium hyaluronate, naturally found in the bladder lining's glycosaminoglycan layer. This layer is deficient in painful bladder conditions and may provide the bladder wall with a protective coating against irritants in the urine.

Antidepressants for Irritable Bladder Syndrome

Doctors often prescribe an antidepressant for Irritable Bladder Syndrome (and Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Here's why. Anxiety and depression can cause hormonal changes that adversely affect the bladder and cause pain. Reducing stress reduces the chances of hormonal cascading, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. Antidepressants also contain antipain properties. If you feel it may benefit you, please talk to your doctor.

NOTE: Elmiron, a prescription for Interstitial Cystitis (bladder pain without infection), causes vision problems (retinol damage, maculopathy, blurred vision, central vision loss, and blindness). If you've taken Elmiron and developed vision problems, call 855-953-0666 for legal support.