According to the National Institute
of Health one in five women experience discomfort caused by Interstitial
Cystitis (IC).
Women’s health expert and naturopath
Narelle Stegehuis, explains that “effective management requires an
individualised approach to provide long term relief”.
Interstitial Cystitis is a complex condition caused by erosion of the protective
bladder lining. This may be due to infection,
inflammation, hormones, autoimmune
conditions or a combination of factors. For
many suffers, symptoms are often worse during ovulation and under stress due to
a neuro-hormonal connection.
Symptom relief can be achieved with
traditional herbal support that targets the underlying cause. This can be established with hormonal
profiling and wellness mapping.
For
example, Rachel achieved relief from IC by
applying a combination of antimicrobial herbs such as Thymus vulgaris and anti inflammatory herbs such Achillea millefolium, as the underlying
cause of her IC was triggered by bacteria and inflammation. Other herbs such as Passiflora incarnata were included in her tonic since stress was
thought to be a contributing factor.
This is why a tailored herbal tonic is often the best choice of natural
treatment.
So
What Natural Support Is Available?
IC may improve with medical
treatment but unfortunately infection associated with both of these conditions
may be resistant to traditional antibiotic treatment which means symptoms may
recur with time.
Improving bladder tone and the
health of the urinary tract is achievable in three easy steps:
Step 1 Identify The Cause
A diagnosis for IC can be both time
consuming and frustrating and even once a diagnosis is made, treatment options
can be limited until you isolate the cause. “Symptomatic health screening and hormonal
profiling coupled with pathology testing to identify the underlying factors
triggering the symptoms, is the first step in the right direction”, says
Stegehuis. “Once the cause is
established, effective long term management is possible”.
Step 2 Diet and Lifestyle
Start making small changes such as
giving up coffee and alcohol. Consume
foods that promote alkalinity within the body and remove allergens such as wheat
or dairy from your diet.
Other changes depend upon a more
individualised approach such as tailored diet and lifestyle changes to support immune
or digestive health and hormonal balance.
Step 3 Targeted Treatment
Finally, the choice of traditional
herbal medicine for IC and UTI’s depends upon the underlying contributing factors
to the condition, such as hormones, auto-immunity, central nervous system
excitability, bacterial infection, inflammation or digestive weakness .
According to Stegehuis, a common
mistake is to take Vaccinium macrocarpon
(cranberry) for IC. For many women with
this condition, taking this herb aggravates the condition.
Probiotics such as Lactobacillus
rhamnosus may provide beneficial support for IC caused by Escherichia
coli due to their protective influence on the immune system.
Remember, IC is a complex condition
requiring an individualized treatment approach. This is why I recommend
sufferers seek the expertise of a qualified health practitioner and if symptoms
persist seek medical advice.
To find out more, call 1300 133 536 or visit www.massattack.com.au
