A new iPhone and iPad application (ICN Food List) can help overactive bladder and other urology patients to choose the foods that suit them. The food list and database in the app helps them to avoid those foods that can trigger pain and/or bladder discomfort or interstitial cystitis.
"It comes as no surprise to most interstitial
cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients that some foods can exacerbate
their symptoms. Several studies have revealed that 90% of patients report
sensitivity to a variety of foods, particularly coffees, teas, citrus fruits,
carbonated beverages, hot spicy foods and alcohols" offered Jill Osborne MA,
President of the Interstitial Cystitis Network. She continued "Typically, foods
high in caffeine and acid, such as coffees, green teas, regular teas and soda,
are the worst offenders but there are many other foods that can trigger bladder
discomfort."
The application contains an easy to use food database
developed from published research studies and food lists created by support
groups. The more than 250 foods in the list are divided into three general
categories: bladder friendly foods, foods worth trying cautiously and foods to
avoid. Foods that patients generally find soothing during IC "flares" are
highlighted. It is also the first list to cover wine, beer and spirits, listing
the results of a study conducted by the IC Network in 2009. Lower acid wines
and pale ale beers were more bladder friendly. Surprisingly, some patients even
tolerated mixed drinks provided that they were used with IC friendly mixers.
"This app is also a powerful educational tool that can be
used by clinicians, nursing staff and registered dietitians," Ms. Osborne
continued, "It's designed to help anyone struggling with urinary tract food
sensitivity including IC/BPS, overactive bladder, hypersensitive bladder
syndrome, prostatitis, chemotherapy induced cystitis, radiation cystitis,
ketamine cystitis, trigonitis and urethritis."
The app is currently available in the App Store for
iPhones and iPads at just 99 cents. Additional information can be found at: http://www.ic-network.com/apps/
Source: Newswise
Careers
