The IC/BPS Plate

When you first realize that there is a link between interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and diet, you may be afraid to eat because of the risk of a food-induced IC/BPS flare. But in order to heal and stay healthy, everyone living with IC/BPS needs to eat a balanced diet. This helps you to maintain a strong immune system, good blood flow, proper bowel movement and nerve transmission.

Severely limiting variety in your diet can make it bland and boring, and takes the fun out of eating. It doesn’t have to be that way! Select whole foods and fresh foods whenever possible—processed foods contain lots of ingredients, some of which may be personal triggers, and it can be difficult to determine what ingredient in these foods may be irritating to your IC/BPS. Also try different brands. Various brands of the same food may have completely different ingredients and additives that could irritate your bladder.

A simple tool for eating when you have IC is The IC/BPS Plate^TM method. This tool helps you focus on eating a variety of wholesome food, getting the right amounts of different foods, and ensures balanced nutrition. It can also help you make choices when you are eating away from home.  The IC/BPS Plate^TM is also a way of limiting foods and beverages that may bother your IC/BPS symptoms. It is also a great method for simplifying meal planning. By following this approach, you can build a plate that helps you select items from each of the five food groups:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Grains
• Proteins
• Dairy foods

Want to take the worry out of IC-friendly meal planning? Learn how to build a healthy IC/BPS Plate™ and get 21 easy IC Plate™ meals the whole family will enjoy.