Ask the Doctor

[MindGarden]

If you don't know me or remember me from edot,
I'm an MD - Family Practice

If you want a medical opinion on something,
I'll give you mine.

I can't promise prompt answers,
but I'll be honest.

[GK77]

Good to see you Mindgarden, glad to have another healthcare professional here to chat with.

[verybestsalvia]

It is good to know that another genius is here to solve problems. Thanks

[minderbinder]

great, thanks in advance!

[GK77]

Hey Mindgarden. Any alternative teatments for uti? A pt's mother wants to know. Cranberry juice didnt work, and the patient can't use Uva Ursi (I dont think) because she is a renal patient.
Thoughts?

[catfishrivers]

going on the raw food diet is my suggestion

[nepalnt21]

cool idea, thanks mindgarden!

ok well im wondering if you have an opinion on the gerson therapy and similar regimens that carry the claim of curing cancer and other serious diseases.

[TheNomad]

Great idea Mind Garden, thanks for giving back to the community!

I have a good friend, who's Mom has a really debilitating condition, Intestinal Cystitis. It causes her constant pain.

I've suggested her to try concentrates of *edit* to reduce inflammation, or legal CBD which can now be bought OTC.

I've heard that ginger and turmeric should reduce inflammation and maybe Nettle leaves will reduce the histamine response.

Do you have any further advice or ideas or modern treatments or alternative treatments?

I'd appreciate any ideas you've got too GK!

=)

[GK77]

To be honest we don't see an abundant of cases at our hospital. And if we do the majority of them are women on the women's floor which, I obviously do not cover

What I have garnered thus far:
Some literature states that Calcium glycerophosphatates may be useful in treating IC pain. A similar study reports baking soda (or a similar base) may reduce diet related IC symptoms, especially if acidic foods trigger pain.

A Moldwin (MD) and Shorter (RD) article in the Journal of Urology states that >90% of IC sufferers claim there is a definitive nutritional component that triggers their symptoms.

The food items that topped the list?...

Coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, and citrus juies (including cranberry juice). Foods and drinks with the artificial sweeteners aspartame and saccharin (splenda, monk fruit and Truvia may be ok).
Hot peppers and spicy foods. Horseradish, vinegar, pineapple and tomatoes.

She should (if she hasn't already) attempt an elimination diet to find her specific triggers... ie. eliminate all of the above, and then reintroduce each item, one by one, to see if it causes any symptoms.

Since IC is an inflammatory condition (ends in -itis) and is seemingly of unknown etiology, I dont see why anti-inflammatory neutraceuticals such as high potency omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. Ideally more EPA than DHA.

Some sites/articles that may help:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17499305/

http://www.ichelp.org

Allergies may also have an effect on interstitial cystitis, however, immunology is not my strong subject. I defer to the doc or someone else for that.

[TheNomad]

Thanks a lot GK! I hope the vote goes well in your state =)

I'll forward your info to the lady's son.