The good news: there are natural supplements that work for many people to reduce and sometimes completely eliminate symptoms. Not everything works for everybody, but when it comes to a chronic debilitating disease it never hurts to try right?
Some of the supplements that I have started taking are:
1. Grapefruit seed extract - the grapefruit bioflavanoids (polyphenolics) are an extremely potent compound that has been proven highly effective for yeast infections like candida albicans, urinary tract infections, vaginal infections and gastro-intestinal issues. Taking grapefruit seed extract in combination with baking soda seems to be extremely effective for reducing interstitial cystitis related flare-ups.
2. Garlic - Garlic is considered a very powerful immune system stimulant. It aids in digestion, dilates blood vessels, thins the blood, helps in the prevention of blood clots (anticoagulant), and lowers cholesterol. As a natural antibiotic, garlic is effective against many strains of bacteria and parasites. It also stimulates the body's natural defences against foreign invaders. It is believed that garlic achieves its antibiotic action through a by-product (produced by crushing or bruising the bulb) called allicin. Research shows that one medium garlic bulb is the equivalent to 1% penicillin. Garlic was used as an antibiotic prior to the discovery of penicillin and sulfur drugs.Garlic also has antifungul properties and has shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Garlic has been used in the treatment of systemic candidiasis and vaginal yeast (candida).
3. Marshmallow Root - It is believed that marshmallow root tea provides a soothing coating to the bladder because of the mucilage found in the plant. Marshmallow root relieves local irritation, inhibits mucocilary activity, functions as an anti-inflammatory, good for bladder infections and is an immune stimulant. (I am taking this in tea form).
4. Cinnamon - cinnamon may have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It's active against Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections and thrush, and Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers. Recent studies have found that cinnamon may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar.
5. Collostrum - Collostrum has been researched to help treat certain health problems such as diarrhea, gastrointestinal difficulties and sports injuries. Some people claim that it helps to rebuild the lining of the bladder walls that has been damaged during the course of IC inflammations. It also helps boost your immune system since it contains many beneficial antibodies like immunoglobulins.
