Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory bladder condition. It can cause recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region. The symptoms can mimic a urinary tract infection (UTI). For example, you may frequently feel sudden pressure in the bladder and the urge to urinate, but only pass low volumes of urine. However, in IC, there is no active infection.

There are many potential causes of IC, including:

• Urine stagnation due to retention or distention (Vata type, specifically apana vayu)
• Thick, sweet blood with undigested toxins (ama) that can develop into infection (Kapha type with ama)
• Autoimmune disorder (Pitta type)

The result of IC is painful inflammation (Pitta), and urine stagnation (mutra vaha srotas dushti). Following a Pitta pacifying diet is recommended, ensuring to avoid irritants such as alcohol, and caffeine. The bladder will need to be cleansed with diuretics and anti-inflammatories, such as anantamul. Gokshura is another diuretic that will help relieve urinary retention or obstruction. It also soothes the membranes of the urinary tract, reducing inflammation. Other anti-inflammatories suitable for this condition include uva ursi.

For long lasting results, the root cause will have to be addressed depending upon the type as indicated above.

Disclaimer: 'Interstitial Cystitis' could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.

DIET REMEDIES FOR 'INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS'

HERBS & PRODUCTS FOR 'INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS'

AVOID DIETS, LIFESTYLES & HERBS THAT AGGRAVATE THESE EFFECTS

Symptoms Tell A Story

The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances. Symptoms show you where your body is weakened. Ultimately, all disease has a root in tissues too weak to defend itself. Ayurveda describes these patterns of weakness using doshas & qualities. If you notice a quality or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.

GUNA	FOODS TO AVOID	DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE?
HOT ABOUT HOT GUNA Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT	AVOID HOT FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS	FIND OUT Status Unknown Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Hot' guna.

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SEE A DIET WHICH REMOVES THESE CAUSES

ADDRESS ISSUES IN STAGE OF DISEASE 4

If you have symptoms in this category it means your imbalances have overwhelmed your body's resistance causing a full-fledged disease. Once imbalance reaches this stage it is more likely to cause acute or chronic conditions. You might be tempted to focus your attention on fighting symptoms in this category, but dismiss earlier warning signs of imbalance - i.e. symptoms in the stage 1 category. It is ideal to find and address the root causes weakening your system and remove them first. This ensures you are not adding fuel to the fire of disease. Once the root causes are removed, you can work on addressing the disease head on along with strengthening your body. This typically yields a quicker recovery and prevents recurrence. Ayurveda's preventative approach suggests you pay careful attention to every stage of disease development.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE BODY?

What aggravates it? What heals it? Then get your Personal Ayurvedic Body Book! This book, written by founder and director of Joyful Belly, John Immel, is individually formatted for your unique body and will help you confidently choose food that restores your healthy glow to get you feeling like your best self. Just $19.99!

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. His online course Balance Your Ayurvedic Diet in a Week provides tools for gracefully healing with Ayurveda to thousands. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.

John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.

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