Is this what your bladder feels like?
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant helpful in healing a long list of health problems. It’s a naturally occurring polysaccharide that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, soothing skin and mucous membranes, both internally and externally. What is interesting is that Elmiron (which is the most common drug prescribed for interstitial cystitis), is actually a synthetic polysaccharide. So you can think of AV as a natural version of Elmerion. Score!!
IC patients need to be extra careful when choosing their aloe vera source. If you are buying the juice, there will likely be citric acid in it which can cause a flare, so make sure to check the label.
Most people choose the capsules so that they can avoid this issue. If you want to avoid the laxative effects of AV, also look to see that the “aloe latex anthraquinones” removed.
A super popular brand amongst the IC world is Desert Harvest, but there are lots of options out there. This is one thing that I did find helped me if I took it consistently.
Best deals online:
Desert Harvest Super-Strength No anthraquinones
A little pricy but a well known brand.
Herbal Secrets 5000mg
Much more affordable. But, it does have the anthraquinones so if you have constipation issues you might prefer this aloe vera capsule better than Desert harvest!
Cautions:
As with any supplements and/or medications, check with your doctor before using. Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe latex. This goes back to what I mentioned earlier about the anthraquinones. Since aloe latex is a laxative, it may reduce the absorption and therefore the effectiveness of some drugs that are taken orally. Just things to keep in mind.
If you have diabetes and use glucose-lowering medication, you should be cautious if also taking aloe orally because aloe may lower your blood glucose levels. Also, according to the NCCIH site, there have been a few reported cases of acute hepatitis in people who took aloe vera orally. But the evidence that there was a clear relationship is not definitive.
Further Reading:
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root has historically been given to soothe and moisten mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts. It is also used as an external soothing poultice for wounds and burns. But what we care about is that “soothing of the urinary tract” characteristic. This was one of my favorite supplements to use and I took it for several months during a bad flare.
Best deals online:
Nature’s Way Marshmallow Root 480 mg, 100 Capsules, Pack of 2
Cautions:
Again if you have Diabetes, you need to know that marshmallow might interfere with blood sugars (lowers blood sugar). This can be a problem if you are already on blood sugar lowing meds. So If you have diabetes, check with your doctor before taking any supplements, like this one, and make sure to check your blood sugar per your MD’s orders to avoid dangerously low blood sugar.
Marshmallow root may also interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop taking marshmallow at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Let your surgeon know that you have been on it (and any other meds or supplements!).
Further Reading:
WebMD article on Marshmallow Root
Gota Kula
Gotu kola contains has various uses for ICC patients. One of the major ones is its ability to decrease inflammation. Gotu kola also seems to increase collagen production, which is important for wound healing and a healthy bladder lining. If you have ulcers in your bladder wall, this supplement might be of interest to you.
Best deals online:
Nature’s Way Gotu Kola – 180 Capsules/475 mg certified
Cautions:
Gota Kula might cause liver damage. If you have any type of liver dysfunction (like hepatitis) you should avoid using gotu kola since it might make your liver problems worse. In fact, if you have liver disease, you are better off checking with your doctor before taking any supplements, herbs or meds. Gotu kola might cause too much sleepiness if combined with the type of medications that are used in surgery. If you have a surgery coming up stop using gotu kola at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery and tell your medical provider that you were on it.
Further Reading:
NAG (N-Acetyl Glucosamine)
NAG is a form of glucosamine, which is one of the building blocks of joint tissue and other connective tissues. For IC patients, NAG is used because it forms the basis of the complex molecular structures that compose our bodies connective tissues and mucous membranes…including the lining of the bladder.
Best deals online:
Jarrow NAG
Great reviews, good value.
Cautions:
This supplement has some important cautions and potential interactions with other drugs. Please make sure you read up on the concerns (blood sugar, bleeding disorders, shellfish allergies, liver dysfunction) before taking. Most people do fine but you need to make sure it is right for you.
Further Reading:
Natural Database section on NAG
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