Greetings from Hawaii

Hi IC friends! I didn't mean to abandon you. I'm sorry for my posting hiatus. Things have been a little hectic on my side, but I'm back and ready to continue sharing my healing journey.  So, why have things been hectic for me? Well, I moved to the Big Island of Hawaii last week.  I live in a tropical rainforest with my boyfriend where cell reception barely exists and the closest store is at least a 10 mile drive. The rain falls freely and abundantly, but when the sun beams down, boy do we feel it. Our front porch sits on a koi pond, filled with colorful fish.  The smell of hibiscus lofts through the house like a faint perfume. Roosters crow before the break of dawn to wake us.  We eat fresh fruit from the trees for breakfast, feasting on mangos, papayas, whatever is abundant.  Down at the beach, we swim amongst sea turtles, exploring the mixture of coral and lava rock that paints the ocean floor.

Why am I here? To explore, experience, heal, grow, recharge, heal, heal, heal… do you see where this list is going? In my opinion, there is no better environment for me to continue my healing journey.  Things are verrrryyyy slowwwwww here, people are incredibly relaxed and laid-back, and holistic medicine, fresh fruits & veggies are everywhere. You should SEE the farmer's markets here! I have been feeling wonderful, even in the midst of a crazy move.  I cannot wait to share my experiences, new recipes and healing advice with you, so that you can experience a bit of this paradise wherever you are.  In the next few weeks, I will be sitting down with some local Naturopaths to discuss IC, and I hope to gain some new insight into the illness to help everyone along their path to wellness. 

I hope that everyone is enjoying a pain-free holiday season.  Happy healing!

Stress-Free Traveling With IC

Over this past weekend, I traveled from San Diego back to New York to visit my family for an extended holiday.  Traveling can take a toll on even the healthiest of people, so we ICers need to be extra careful. While it was wonderful to see all of my loved ones, the trip was fairly hard on my still quite fragile body. I forgot just how challenging traveling can be for us IC patients! While I usually feel quite normal and IC isn't a major worry of mine, I found myself combating a flare-up while I was on the East Coast.  

Flying out of beautiful San Diego to head to freezing cold New York!

People with IC know just how stressful traveling can be while coping with a chronic illness.  There are all sorts of things we must take into consideration that we once took for granted: packing IC friendly foods, making sure we get aisles seats on the plane, bring our emergency tools to cope with unexpected flare-ups... the list goes on! My experiences this weekend got me thinking, and I've developed a list of travel tips for ICers to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

• If traveling by plane, make sure to book an aisle seat. This will take away the stress of disturbing your seatmates while getting up and down if you aren't feeling well or if you are experiencing urgency. If you are having a particularly bad flare-up, it can be helpful to let the flight attendants know so that they can work to accommodate you better. One time during a brutal flare-up, a saintly flight attendant allowed me to stretch out and sleep over the back row of open seats.  It's better not to keep it to yourself when you are in pain.
• Wear comfy clothing. I'm talking leggings, sweatpants, a flowing maxi-skirt... anything with an elastic waistband that won't constrict your pelvis.
• Bring a pillow or cushion to sit on. This can help lessen the impact of plane turbulence or a bumpy car ride on your pelvis.
• Bring your favorite heating pad.  Everyone with IC knows that a heating pad can do wonders. I bring mine everywhere, and I even have a portable outlet in my car so I can plug it in during a long car ride!
• Pack your favorite on the go IC snacks.  Make sure you have options! Don't get stuck eating something because you are starving and have no other choice.  Some of my favorites are plain almonds, Larabars, or Kind Bars in IC friendly flavors! I also make sure to pack some herbal teas so that I can enjoy a comforting hot beverage while on the go. 
• Make sure to get adequate sleep. When traveling, we often spread ourselves too thin to get everything done in a short amount of days.  This is bad news! When we are tired, our bodies are more prone to flare-ups. While traveling, it is important to be selfish and make sure to care of ourselves; we can only do so much.  Your loved ones and friends will understand!
• Make sure to stay hydrated. While on the road, our water intake can often drop.  Also, flying dehydrates our bodies, badly! Make sure to continue to drink water during your visit, but make sure to take small sips instead of chugging so that you aren't running to the bathroom.
• Bring distractions. When we experience flare-ups, our minds can often be our worst enemies.  I like to distract myself with music, a good book, a movie, or meditation techniques.  During my most recent plane ride, I wasn't feeling very well so I used a new meditation app on my phone, HeadSpace, (I will write about this soon!) to help calm my nerves.  Within a few minutes, the pain had lessened. Having enjoyable distractions can really make a huge difference.

Happy holiday traveling and happy healing!

Healing Reminder :)

I have learned never to underestimate the capacity of the human mind and body to regenerate - even when the prospects seem most wretched.  The life-force may be the least understood force on earth.  William James said that human beings tend to live too far within self-imposed limits.  It is possible that these limits will recede when we respect more fully the natural drive of the human mind and body toward perfectibility and regeneration.  Protecting and cherishing that natural drive may well represent the finest exercise of human freedom.

- Norman Cousins, Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived by the Patient

Having faith and confidence in your own healing ability might just be your biggest ally along your journey to good health.  Happy healing!

Stay Current on IC Research

As IC patients, we know how important it is to be our own advocates.  Part of this means being aware of treatments and options for people suffering from this illness.  A dear friend of mine (who also happens to be a fabulous endocrinologist) recommended that I stay up-to-date by using the website PubMed.gov. This website generates a listing of the most recent medical studies released from around the world that pertain to IC.  It's very simple to use, just go to the website, and type "Interstitial Cystitis" in the search bar, or click here instead!

When I searched today, the first study that appeared was entitled: Urine alkalization improves the problems of pain and sleep in hypersensitive bladder syndrome. Isn't this exactly what we've been talking about here for the past few months?

 Be ahead of the curve, and your doctors.  Be your own advocate to help find ways to feel better.

Happy healing!

Sometimes the biggest results can come from the simplest changes...

found on instagram.. not sure of the original source! if you know, tell me :)

Healing Vegan Carrot & Rice Soup

I actually came across this cozy soup recipe on the blog of a former IC sufferer, Jess Lyons.  Jess was able to heal herself from IC over the course of  a few years by being extremely kind to her body (if you are interested in her healing tips and IC story, click here!). These days, IC is such a non-issue for Jess, that she barely even mentions it on her blog, Quaintrelle.  Instead, she now keeps a lifestyle blog focusing on fun things  such as crafting, cooking, and fashion. 

When I came across this recipe, I knew I had to try it out! I love both carrots and rice, and as the weather gets a bit colder (even in sunny San Diego!) I've been dying to make some more soups. Plus, it looked super easy, and it was. Below is my adapted version of her recipe.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 Stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1 Clove of garlic, minced
• 2-3 T of olive oil or vegan margarine, or butter if you aren't vegan
• 2 48 oz cans of vegetable broth (I try to avoid canned products, but Trader Joe's has a veggie broth that I find quite IC friendly.  You can also make your own, if you have the time!)
• 1 Cup of brown rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

• Combine all vegetables into a large soup pot with olive oil/butter/margarine/whatever your preference is. Simmer until carrots are tender.
• Add broth and rice, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium and simmer until rice is tender.
• Remove pot from heat and let cool.
• Use either an immersion blender to combine, or a regular blender to blend coarsely.
• Heat to your liking, and enjoy! 

Happy healing! 

Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights

What usually I look like the morning after a flare. via www.minddisorders.com

Most people with IC tend to dread nighttime. Why is this? For me (and many other patients), IC symptoms seem to be much more apparent at night.  Often times, pain, urgency, and frequency are more noticeable as our minds are trying to wind down and get into sleep mode. Instead of getting a solid 8-hours of rejuvenating and restorative sleep, we often lie awake for hours.  This is probably because during the night, we have less things to distract us and think about besides the current state of our bodies. Also, during a flare, it isn't uncommon for an IC patient to be up 5 or 6 or more times during the night attempting to urinate.  While everyone else is peacefully sleeping, we make frequent trips to and from the bathroom, which makes for a very disrupted sleep and a very cranky morning (at least in my case!). To add insult to injury, most IC patients can't consume coffee or anything caffeinated to provide an energy boost throughout the day.  Talk about cruel! 

For the better half of this past year, I woke up feeling like a zombie, having spent most of my night awake, worrying about when my body would finally let me fall asleep. By the time I finally fell asleep, it was basically time to get up and start my day. Often times, my boyfriend would have to coax me out of bed because I was continually sleeping through my alarm clock (or throwing it against the wall). Over time, however, I have been able to find some techniques and tools to help me fall asleep without having to resort to an Ambien prescription. Here are a few things that have helped me:

• Drinking calming and soothing herbal teas.  Besides the amazing lavender chamomile tea that I've mentioned, one of my favorite teas for bedtime or late nights is Celestial Seasoning's Sleepytime Vanilla.  This tea is super relaxing due to the mixture of chamomile and spearmint, and it hasn't caused me any flares. Everyone's body is different, so experiment to find a tea that works for you. 
• Reading a book. Often times when we are restless and wide awake at night, we turn to technology to distract us. BIG mistake.  This is not the time to turn on your TV, browse Facebook, or look at your phone! These devices will only keep you awake longer.  If you don't believe me, check out this article in the Chicago Tribune documenting how the light from electronic screens leads to sleep loss. I find that reading distracts me enough to make me forget any discomfort, and helps me to dose off peacefully.
• Listening to a sleep playlist.   I have created some amazing playlists with peaceful and calming songs that help me drift off into dreamland. This seems to have the same impact as reading- the tunes distract me enough to help me fall asleep.
• Using a Heating Pad/Ice Pack. I can't even count the amount of times I've fallen asleep with my heating pad.  Some people prefer ice, which is fine too! Both of these can reduce inflammation and lessen any acute pain we may be experiencing. 
• Taking a warm bath before bedtime. This will have the same soothing effect as the heating pad, while also relaxing all the other muscles in your body.  Talk about amazing!
• Spraying some lavender essential oil in the bedroom/on linens. If scents don't seem to bother you, I'd recommend picking up some lavender oil and mixing it with with a bit of water in a spray bottle.  Lavender has been proven to calm nerves and reduce anxiety, something that we all experience when we are having an IC flare. Mist this around your sleeping area before your head hits the pillow.
• Last but definitely not least - taking a natural sleep aid. I personally feel much better taking a natural sleep aid than something along the lines of Tylenol PM.  I can't say enough about this Valerian Root extract. This truly was my saving grace!  Valerian Root promotes restful sleep and lessens anxiety- it does WONDERS for me.When I feel a sleepless night coming on, I mix a few drops of this in a small glass of water before bedtime and it always helps me sleep peacefully.    I also can't say enough about these Super Snooze melatonin supplements that I picked up at my local CVS. Melatonin has similar benefits to Valerian Root, promoting relaxation and sound sleep.

Before trying any new sleep aid, check with your doctor to make sure it's safe.  It is important to make sure any new supplements won't interact strangely with any medications you may be taking or exacerbate any additional medical problems you may have.

Happy healing & happy sleeping!

Your Guide to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Often times, people with IC try to follow strictly the recommended IC diet and don't feel any better. This is because the standard IC diet is not anti-inflammatory, and not geared toward overall healing. I have been reading Wendy Cohan's The Better Bladder Book and found the following food lists quite helpful.  Below is a list of recommended anti-inflammatory foods, and also foods to avoid. Hopefully, this can help some of you kick-start a healthier diet. Thanks, Wendy!

Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include: 

• Fruits: Apples, pears, apricots, cherries, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, papaya, mango and persimmons.  You may not be able to tolerate all of these until your bladder is fully healed. 
• Vegetables: Raw, steamed or oven-roasted veggies; choose from green beans, zucchini, winter squash, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, artichokes, yams, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, celery, carrots, lettuce and other fresh greens and herbs, brussels sprouts, water chestnuts. Avoid only those vegetables that seem problematic for you individually; for example, some people are sensitive to vegetables that are very high in oxalates (kale, beets and beet-greens, spinach and rhubarb) and many people react negatively to vegetables in the nightshade family. 
• Grains: Brown rice and other forms of rice, millet, amaranth, buckwheat, wild rice, quinoa, and other grains in small portions.
• Protein: Halibut, salmon, trout, sole, cod, turkey, chicken, and grass-fed beef.  remember to purchase sustainably harvested fish and humanely raised meat and poultry, if available.  All seafood must be as fresh as possible or frozen to avoid the high histamine levels released as seafood ages and begins to break down. 
• Nuts, seeds. and oils: Cold-pressed olive oil, flaxseed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, pumpkin seed oil, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds, sesame seeds and oil, tahini, almond butter, coconut oil, and unsweetened coconut.
• Beverages: Unsweetened rice, almond or hemp milk; spring water; most herbal teas; highly diluted, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. 
• Seasonings: Dill, oregano, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, turmeric, coriander, sea salt, and kelp.  Stick with herbs, fresh or dried, for flavoring most foods; they tend to be milder than spices.  Ginger is a good choice, if tolerated, because it possesses anti-inflammatory properties.  Fresh garlic is often problematic for the IC bladder, but a little dried granulated garlic may be tolerated.  Some people tolerate cinnamon just fine, while it seems to bother other people with bladder sensitivity. 
• Sweeteners: Stevia and brown rice syrup; better is applesauce and other fruit purees.  Many people with bladder sensitivity find they cannot tolerate artificial sweeteners containing aspartame (side note from Janie: this is a blessing because aspartame is AWFUL for everyone, with or without IC.)

Inflammatory Foods to Avoid: 

•  Fruits: citrus fruits (lemons and limes may be used in small amounts, for seasoning, by those who are partially healed), dried fruits (especially those containing sulfur dioxide to preserve color), and grapes.  There may be additional fruits that bother some individuals despite being both alkaline and anti-inflammatory.
• Vegetables: Potatoes, eggplant, red and green peppers, tomatoes, and hot peppers. Fresh tomatoes appear to be better tolerated than cooked tomatoes. 
• Grains: Gluten-containing grains, including wheat, barley and rye.  Oats may be tolerated by some people.
• Animal protein sources: Grain-fed beef and pork; processed meats like bacon, salami, baloney, cured hams, and cold-cuts; shellfish; eggs (some people may be able to tolerate eggs used in baked goods, but if not, use egg substitutes for baking.)
• Nuts: Peanuts and peanut butter.
• Legumes: Dried beans, peas and lentils, except in small amounts.  Those with a sensitivity to oxalates must be especially careful. 
• Dairy products and fats: All milk, cream, yogurt, cheese and other products made from cow's milk.  Also avoid butter, all margarine and spreads that contain trans fats, and most processed oils. 
• Beverages: Soda, black tea, coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits
• Spices: Cayenne, paprika, black peppers, and other hot peppers.
• Sweeteners: Refined sugars, including white and brown cane sugar, and corn sweeteners, especially high fructose corn syrup. 

Happy healing!

Stress & IC Flares

via www.doclind.com 

Ah, stress and IC flares.  They go together like peas and carrots, like peanut butter and jelly. Stress is basically IC's arch-nemesis, and eliminating it is a HUGE factor in combating your IC flares.  Though stress does not necessarily cause IC, most people have worse IC symptoms when they are worried, anxious or nervous. You can do everything else right, but if you are still under stress, I guarantee that your symptoms will persist.

Here is an important expert from Along the Healing Path, Catherine Simone's book about how she healed from IC.

"You might want to sit down with yourself and or/your loved ones and determine what is draining your energy; what exactly is stressing you, both emotionally and physically.  You might need to make some tough decisions about how to eliminate these things to the best of your ability, even if only temporarily while you are healing. Once you are well, you will be able to handle more stress than you can right now.  Stress, right now, is only going to make you worse and make it harder for you to heal. 

The thing is, most of the time, we have trouble realizing that we can control any of it.  Asking for help in eliminating stress, as well as providing that comfort to yourself are two very difficult things for people to do.  But know this for certain.  If you are intending to heal from IC and all of it's related symptoms/illnesses, eliminating stress in your life, eliminating toxic relationships and people who are not supportive of you or who may, intentionally or unintentionally, be emotionally or verbally abusive to you is very important.  In fact, it is my opinion that these things are crucial. It will be very difficult for you to heal in an environment that is completely unsupportive of you loving yourself and taking care of yourself."  

So, how do we eliminate stress? Some easy tips include:

• Take time each day to do something you love - i.e. read a book, listen to music, curl up on the couch and watch movies, take a walk, chat with someone supportive and caring
• Admit if your burden is too much.  This is no time to pretend to be superwoman. Speak to your boss/teacher/family/friends if you need help managing your responsibilities while you are sick. 
• Exercise! For me, yoga has been a lifesaver. Get your body moving each week in a way that doesn't cause a flare.  You will feel happier and healthier!
• Say goodbye to negative-nancies and debbie-downers. There is no place for those who bring you down while you are trying to heal.
• Meditate. Give your mind a chance to slow down, and give yourself a break from your constant thinking and/or worrying. Light a candle and sit in peace.
• Take a warm bath/shower. One of my favorite ways to unwind.
• Get adequate sleep. I know that this can be difficult during flare-ups, but adequate sleep is crucial for handling stress and promoting healing.  I will be writing about some sleeping tips very soon!

These may seem obvious, but most of us know that eliminating stress is easier said than done.  Make it a priority to destress this week by giving yourself some "me" time.  I guarantee you will feel better.

Happy healing!

 

The pH Spectrum

Another easy to follow pH chart, courtesy of MindBodyGreen.  IC patients who are trying to lessen the acidity in their bodies should stick to the alkaline side of the spectrum.  When you are first starting off with an Alkaline Diet, try not to include any foods on the right side that you may be sensitive to (such as lemons and limes) .  As you begin to heal, you can start to add these back into your diet one at a time.

IC Featured on "The Doctors"

Last week, popular television show "The Doctors" did a segment on Interstitial Cystitis. I am so excited to see such a huge TV show bringing awareness to IC.  It is so rare to see this illness discussed in any health magazine or on any TV program, and when it is mentioned, IC is typically oversimplified to a "chronic UTI." Though I think a lot more time could have been spent on this segment, and I also think that (as usual) the importance of alternative treatments in beating IC was ignored, this segment is a great start to spreading awareness. Hopefully, those who saw the segment realize how serious and traumatic this illness can be.

Check out the video clip here!

The Most Relaxing Drink on Earth

If you are feeling stressed, having a flare up, or cannot sleep, I urge you to look no further than this fantastic tea I discovered at the local organic food co-op recently.  I guarantee this little concoction will de-stress you better than that glass (or three) of wine ever did.  Presenting: Chamomile Tea with Lavender.

This caffeine free herbal tea has become my new favorite relaxation tool.  And the best part: it's not flare inducing! We are all too familiar with the famous IC-induced insomnia. Next time you can't sleep due to a flare up, grab your heating pad and a cup of this tea (or any chamomile tea that you enjoy), and I guarantee you will be instantly relaxed and soothed back to sleep. I found this version from Traditional Medicinals Herbal Tea Company, but I'm sure there are other varieties out there.

Both chamomile and lavender have some pretty amazing benefits.  To name just a few:

• Chamomile - sleep aid, cramp soother, wound healing, instant relaxer, and immunity booster.  Pretty much amazing!
• Lavender- calming, also a sleep aid, headache reliever, indigestion and bloat fighter, and did I forget to mention that amazing smell? Instant stress buster with every sip. 

You can enjoy this tea on its own, or with a splash of milk and honey. Whatever (safely) entices your taste buds.

 If you are still in mourning regarding the loss of your favorite wine/coffee/adult beverage, I urge you to delve into the world of herbal teas.  You'd be surprised how delicious they can be!

Easy Food Chart to Help You Give Your Body What it Needs!

source: Raw and Vegan Life

Another Fall Favorite - Pumpkin Bread :)

This recipe was great, and non-flare inducing.  My friend and I made it last night (adapted from The Simple Veganista) and we almost ate the whole thing.  Not only is it delicious, but it is really good for you, and guilt free for all of you vegans (or anyone trying to follow a dairy free recipe!). And it is SO.EASY.

Note: This would be even better with some sort of icing on top (perhaps pureed dates or a cream cheese type of that suits your diet needs).

Ingredients: 

• 1 3/4 cup spelt flour (or flour of choice)
• 1/2 cup coconut or organic pure cane sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice mix or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp allspice (which ever is better for your flare needs)
• 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup water or pure maple syrup (we used the syrup, yum!!)
• 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted), or veggie oil of choice
• 1 can 100% pumpkin puree or 1 1/2 cups fresh pumpkin puree (we used Trader Joe's canned pumpkin)

Directions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices.
• In small bowl, combine oil, sugar, water/syrup and vanilla. 
• Add the wet mix to the try mix along with the pumpkin puree and mix well to make sure there are no clumps.
• Taste batter adjusting flavor or sweetness to your liking (you can do this because there are no raw eggs!)
• Spread batter into a lightly greased loaf pan
• Bake for 50-55 minutes.
• Remove from oven, let cool before serving.

Enjoy! 

A Yummy IC-Friendly Fall Recipe

 I love the fall, and everything about it- sweaters, boots, pumpkins, orange-hues, apple cider... it is the perfect time of year to cozy up and be extra kind to yourself.  Fall is also an extremely transitional time of year, which means that is a great time to start fresh on your way towards better health.  It is never too late to turn over a new leaf (pun intended) and make the changes you need to live a happier, healthier lifestyle.

This brings me to butternut squash.  This delicious (and nutritious) fruit (I know, I was shocked to hear this as well.  I spent my entire life thinking it was a vegetable until Martha Stewart told me otherwise) will always remind me of fall days. Now that I live in San Diego, I certainly don't get to enjoy the same crisp air I used to experience during fall back east, so I desperately try to bring fall into my home in every way possible.  I obsess over anything squash-pumpkin-apple-cinnamon oriented, and dress in layers that are quite unnecessary in the 75 degree San Diego heat. 

My desire to bring fall to San D has lead me to find and experiment with the following recipe for butternut squash soup.  The ingredients are IC friendly (at least for me, and according to the standard IC diet), but you can feel free to experiment as you wish to make this recipe work for you.  

Happy Fall and enjoy!

Homemade Butternut Squash Soup (adapted from The Savvy Vegetarian)

(Warning: This recipe is for a lazy day when you have a lot of time to simmer soup on the stove. I'm a huge fan of slow cooked meals! I'm sure there are faster recipes,and I will definitely try one in the future, but I love how this makes my home smell and I don't mind having soup simmer on a lazy Sunday.  You can also make this in a crock-pot overnight.)

(another warning: this recipe might not be for you if herbs and spices send you into a flare. All of the spices below are in the "Bladder Friendly" or "Try it" columns on the IC food advisory. I personally have no issues with spices in low doses such as the recipe below, but proceed with caution or adjust the recipe if you are concerned!). 

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 4 cups vegetable stock (try to find one with minimal ingredients, or make your own! I have found great pre-made ones at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp dried ginger powder
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp fennel powder
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• ground pepper to taste

Directions:

• Cut the ends off the squash and peel it. 
• Cut the sqaush in half, and scrape the seeds out with a sturdy spoon
• Cut the squash into 2-3 inch chunks
• Add the vegetable stock and squash to a large crockpot
• Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours or until squash is tender
• Scoop the squash into a blender and add enough extra vegetable stock to blend it. Blend til smooth
• Heat the olive oil on medium low in a small fry pan, and add spices. Heat until they bubble.
• Add spices, blended squash, coconut milk, and salk to the large pot and whisk until blended.
• Add fresh pepper to taste, and garnish as desired (cilantro and croutons are suggested). 

Clear Your Mind to Enable Healing

"Our minds and bodies are interconnected, and the condition of one affects the condition of the other. This is why meditation is such a powerful tool for healing the body, as powerful as physical therapies. When our minds are cluttered with thoughts, information, and plans, our bodies respond by trying to take action. When the body has a clear directive from the mind, it knows what to do, but a cluttered, unfocused mind creates a confused, tense body. Our muscles tighten up, our breath shortens, and we find ourselves feeling constricted without necessarily knowing why."- The Daily OM

Spend some quiet time alone each day meditating to promote healing in your body.  Our minds and bodies are connected in ways that we may never be able to grasp, but one thing is clear: a sound mind leads to a healthier body. 

Happy Healing!

A Few Words on "Healing"

"Let's take the taboo-ness out of the word HEALING.  No one should be ashamed to use that word.  We're all healing.  Whether it's a disease or illness, a destructive behavior, or misery we've brought with us from a past life, stuff comes up.  It arises, so it can pass away.  It says hello, we heal it.  We're all healing, and we're all  healers. 

But here's the thing: healing doesn't have to be heavy.  It doesn't have to feel like a tiresome concept that we lug around on our backs, one that holds within it the burdens of our pain and suffering.  It doesn't have to be cloaked in drama.  Healing can mean whatever the heal you want it to mean: happiness, softness, awareness, forgiveness, letting go, returning to totality..." - Tara Bliss, guest blogger at Wellness Warrior

Let's not let healing become our burden, but our joy. Read the rest of this great article here.

Self-Healing Insight

"The path of self-healing is not an easy one.  In fact, it is the most difficult path because it is a path into the self.  It is a path of self-discovery on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.  This path encompasses one's whole being and is the basis of holistic healing.  This is a path that each person must walk for themselves; no one can walk it for them.  Other people can serve as guides along the way.  However, choose your guides carefully.  A helpful guide is one who is willing to teach you, but then is willing to let you walk your own path and does not demand you walk theirs."

-The Path of Self-Healing, Introduction into Ayurveda

It is up to us to be our own best friends, caretakers, and advocates. Happy healing!

Get Your Greens!

I have read/heard countless stories of people suffering from Interstitial Cystitis who ease their pain by incorporating whole, natural foods, specifically leafy greens and other vegetables, into their diets.  Why does this work? 

today's lunch :) 

When you are giving your body the nutrients it needs and deserves, your body in turn has a greater ability to nurture itself and heal. Basically, we have the capability of fostering a healing environment in our bodies.  So why are salads so fantastic? Vegetables, particularly dark, leafy greens, are incredibly anti-inflammatory.  Though it may not seem like it, each salad you eat is sending soothing nutrients to the most sensitive and irritated parts of our bodies. Most vegetables are also alkalizing, which means that they help to decrease the acidity in your body and your urine.  What does this mean? Less pain, less inflammation, and a happier you! Research continually shows that a properly alkalized body helps to restore and maintain our optimal health. 

I encourage you to add salads to your meal plans, or at least more veggies. Some people claim that eating salad is boring, but there are ENDLESS possibilities and ways to make your salads both nutritious and delicious.  Just make sure to not include any of your personal triggers and beware of salad dressings, as most are highly acidic (try making your own- I like to use avocados, olive oil, or homemade hummus to add some additional texture and flavor).  

Happy healing!

The Importance of Hydration

Let's talk about water.  Water is absolutely amazing. Humans need water to regulate their body temperatures, expel wastes and toxins, absorb nutrients for use in the body, and to perform many other crucial tasks. In fact, around 75% of a human's body weight is actually water.  So, why is proper hydration even more important for IC patients?

Often times, IC patients skip out on drinking a lot of fluids because they feel that the greater their intake, the greater their frequency and discomfort level.  This is not true.  While I'm not telling you to chug water all day, dehydration can cause terrible IC flare-ups in many patients.  Without adequate water intake, our urine pH level drops, causing it to be more acidic.What does this lead to? Horrible, painful burning- like squeezing a lemon into an open wound. Not good! The darker and more cloudy your urine is, the more pain it will cause. It's important to aim for a neutral urine pH (often a more diluted, pale yellow color).  This will be much less irritating.

 It is important for IC patients to get at least the standard 6-8 glasses of water in every day to make sure that they are properly hydrated. Instead of drinking a glass at a time, try to take small sips over the course of the day.  This will decrease the volume of urine in your bladder at any given time, causing less distention and less discomfort. Also, if you find that you are often awake at night with increased discomfort, try to cut back your fluid intake towards the evening time. This will prevent you from being up all night!

Happy healing!

What's IC About?

"It’s about having a deep, burning pain that pain medications barely touch. It’s about sharp, shooting pains and dull aching pain 24 hours a day for many of us. And it’s about the constant discomfort on top of that pain.  It’s about feeling as if your body is falling apart and that there is just one thing wrong after another. It’s about not knowing how you’re going to feel from one minute to the next and no longer being able to make like a normal person. It’s about not feeling like yourself anymore and not being able to do the things you used to do. It’s about being left out of things because you’re ‘not well enough to attend.’ IC is about having an invisible disease. It’s about having pain that no one can see and symptoms that no one understands. It’s about having family and friends look at you like you’re a hypochondriac or a wimp. It’s about being told you’re crazy when you’re totally and completely sane..."

-Excerpt from Catherine M. Simone's "Along the Healing Path." This is exactly how I felt when I was first diagnosed with IC... but it does get better! I highly recommend reading this book.

Help Your Body Heal Itself

"Your body is a self-healing organism.  By bypassing its natural self-repair process and handing all your power over to a doctor, you might be ignoring the very thing you need to heal."

In the following article, Dr. Lissa Rankin discusses ways that we can promote our own healing.  Always remember that you know your own body best! Happy healing!

Mind of Medicine: How to Help Your Body Heal Itself

IC On the Go - Larabars

Lately I've been incredibly busy.  So busy, that it's a little harder to take the time to prepare all of my meals. During these times, I turn to another grab-and-go treat that I can rely on to satisfy my hunger and not set me off into a flare: Larabars!

Similar to the Kind Bars I mentioned in a previous post, Larabars are energy bars made with entirely unprocessed ingredients.  I make sure to stock up on some before a road trip or a flight, or when I know I'm going to have a long day.  This way, I'm not tempted to eat something that could potentially trigger pain.

Of course, everyone has different triggers, but I never seem to have a problem with  Peanut Butter Cookie.  This consists of peanut butter, dates, and some salt. If you have an issue with peanuts or any salt content, I suggest trying Cashew Cookie, which is purely cashews and dates. The bars are pretty delicious and will give you an instant energy burst (which we all need, considering most of us can't tolerate coffee!).

In my area, they are available at various supermarkets, including Vons, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

Enjoy, and happy healing! xx

A Year with IC

Today, August 20th, marks one year since I underwent my cystoscopy with hydrodistention and was diagnosed with IC.  I feel like I should be having a party! If I'm stuck with this shitty disease, I might as well celebrate its anniversary, right?

All kidding aside, I was shocked today when I looked at the calendar and realized that a year had passed.  This year has been by far the most challenging and rewarding year of my life.  Rewarding?! I know, but don't call me crazy yet.  In my reflections, I realize just how much I've learned and just how much I've grown during my involuntary partnership with IC.

A year ago today, I woke from my surgery to hear the following three things: chronic, forever, and no cure. These are words that no one ever wants to hear with regards to an illness.  My immediate reaction was to throw myself a pity party.  "Why me?" I asked myself again and again, feeling sorry for myself for my recent prognosis.  I cried, sulked, and lashed out at those closest to me who weren't suffering, those who couldn't feel what I was feeling.

As time passed, I learned to accept my fate.  I realized that my negative attitude was not conducive to healing.  If my mind wouldn't accept my diagnosis, how could my body begin to heal.  Instead of basking in my self pity, I decided to take control of the situation that life had handed me.  I began looking at life through a different lens, fostering a positive, fearless attitude that has changed the way I handle any struggles that come my way. Along this new, happier road, I've learned many valuable lessons that I believe, regardless of chronic illness, have led me to a happier, healthier life.  These are lessons that everyone needs to learn in life, regardless of your physical or emotional state.

1. Be kind to yourself.  Learn to accept what is going on in your life and with your body.  Don't try to battle it.  Don't blame yourself. Practice compassion towards yourself and others on a daily basis. 
2. Listen to your feelings. Your body and heart will always tell you what is going on, and will always point you in the right direction. 
3. It's okay to slow it down.  It's okay to take a break and say no to others in order to put your healing first. If they are good friends, they'll understand.  If they don't understand, than do you really need them in your life anyway?
4. People will disappoint you when you need them most.   Friends disappear and become less understanding; some can't make sense of your lifestyle changes.  Let them go.  There is no time to worry about pleasing everyone in the world.  Just worry about getting better.  There are those who will be there for you regardless of what you are going through.
5. People will also amaze you. During my time with IC, I've been blessed to have the support of some amazing individuals, both old and new friends, health care practitioners, and strangers who provide me with the love and hope that I need when the going gets tough.  I wish I could just give them all a giant hug, because they have been absolutely incredible. 
6. It can always get better.  There were days when I was so completely miserable, not wanting to leave bed because of physical and emotional pain.  Now, I have so many days where I forget I even have an illness, and I continue on with my life almost as it was before.  Did I ever think I would get here? No! It's important to remember that nothing is permanent, and that there is a light at the end of every tunnel.
7. Healing is possible. Healing also takes lots of time.  Patience is the most important virtue I've honed in on during my time with IC.  We are always looking for instant gratification.  Healing and feeling better is possible, but we must understand that it won't happen overnight.  It takes dedication, hard work and a strong mindset.  We all have our setbacks, and the road to good health is not a straight shot.  However, just remembering that healing will happen is enough to keep me on the right path.
8. Bad things can lead us to something wonderful. When I got sick, I didn't realize that IC would lead me to a completely different calling.  Because of my illness, I am now pursuing a degree in nursing to eventually become a Holistic Nurse Practitioner, so that I can help others who are afraid and in need. 
9. Everyone is fighting some battle. Look at people with IC.  We are fighting an invisible disease.  Most people look at me and think that I am perfectly healthy, which I don't blame them for! There are so many other people in the world who are also fighting invisible diseases and battles, so it pays to be kind.  You never know what anybody else is going through.
10. Appreciate the little things. When your life is turned upside down overnight, it can be hard to let go of what has been lost due to illness. Don't take life of your health for granted, even with your sickness. When you are having a good day, enjoy it.  Savor it, and think to yourself, "this is nice." Learn to look at the cup half-full.  Take a walk, watch the sunset, enjoy the company of good people, and you will instantly have a smile on your face, regardless of whatever else maybe going on. If you confront each day with a positive attitude, you will be a lot happier in the long run. 
11. When it comes down to it, and all else seems lost, a cup of tea, a hot bath, and a heating pad can cure all sorts of ills :) 

As the Grateful Dead sang, "Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right."  I've found the light in my IC, where (at one point) I never thought I would find any happiness or hope.  For that, I consider myself chronically grateful.

I  hope that you can take my lessons and find some positives in your healing process as well!

Happy Healing, xx.

Experiencing Setbacks

I have a confession to make.  Recently, I've been feeling good.  So good, that sometimes I almost even forget that I have IC (almost). I've been feeling really amazing, with minimal symptoms and pain.  When this is the case, it is so easy to forget what we've been going through and the goals we have set. Over the past weekend, I got distracted with the joys of living a pain-free life.

So, what exactly did I do in my moments of weakness? I cheated on my strict diet.  Not terribly, but enough.  I went out, had couple of drinks with friends, and indulged more than usual.  After doing so, I experienced no residual pain whatsoever.  I was ecstatic! Could I truly be getting better? Feeling stoked, I decided to take it a step farther - I went for a run.  Now, running is a HUGE flare inducer for me, but I was feeling so great and just had the strongest urge to run down the cliffs by my house.

Big mistake- about a mile and a half in, there it was - cramping, stabbing pain in my pelvis.  I had to stop, and almost fell over to the ground because it was so excruciating.  Somehow, I managed to slowly walk back to my apartment without passing out.  The spasming subsided, and I truly feel completely fine now. A little frightened, but fine.  However, was there a major lesson learned? Absolutely.

I'm not angry at myself for my behavior over the weekend, because I am human and it can get really hard sticking to such a strict and boring diet.  However, the experience serves as a reminder that I still have a long way to go to being better.

So, what will I do?

• I will get right back on the path to health, putting myself and healing first.
• I will be kind to my body and nurture it as it deserves to be.
• I will eat soothing, calming foods, particularly for the next few weeks.

What won't I do?

• I won't get discouraged about my healing progress.
• I won't get stressed or angry at myself for my mistake. 
• I won't attempt more than one "cheat" activity when I'm feeling good. We should always remember to ease our way back into normal activities. For example, try only little bites of trigger foods, have small sips of trigger drinks, and don't dive full force into any rigorous activities. 
• I won't indulge in anything that I know is causing more harm in the long run until I am back in a good place.

We all have our days and our weak moments, but it is important to remember that healing is a long journey.  We can't expect results overnight.  Even when experiencing minor setbacks, know that and we can always bounce back to where we were.  It can always get better.

Happy healing!

Where Western and Eastern Medicine Meet

I have long been a proponent for the combination of Eastern and Western medical practices.  I feel so strongly about it that I currently am studying to eventually become an Integrative Nurse Practitioner (unfortunately, this won't be for quite some time since I received my undergraduate degree in something entirely different).  I believe that both sides of the spectrum have a lot of great things to offer, but practicing one without the other leaves out crucial elements that can help a person heal. In terms of IC, I'm a big fan of a "whole"-istic approach to treatment.. exploring all possible avenues- and I feel that not enough (if any) doctors actually do this.

 In the following article, Dr. Robin Friedlander argues for the integration of both Eastern and Western practices for the best overall care. Check out the article below!

Where the Private Practice Model Still (Sort of) Makes the Most Sense

Radiate Love

via Rosie Molinary

Radiate love and good things will come your way.  Positive vibes lead to positive feelings. Remember, your mental state has a lot to do with how you are doing physically! Breathe deep, relax and know that you can feel better. 

Happy healing! xx

Easy Mediterranean Veggie Wrap

Since moving to San Diego, my obsession with avocados has grown immensely. They are absolutely amazing, and so so good for you! Here is my new favorite quick-and-easy lunch wrap that won't set me off in pain.  I hope it works for you too :)

Mediterranean Veggie Wrap 

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado
• 1/2 a cucumber 
• feta cheese
• 1 sandwich wrap (or if avoiding gluten, use collard greens or a gluten free choice)
• tahini sauce or homemade IC friendly hummus (found on the IC Network website! modify if necessary of course)
• Ingredients for IC friendly hummus (blended to taste):
• 2 cups drained canned or jarred garbanzo beans
• 1/2 cup or less tahini, to taste
• 2-3 T olive oil
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, squeezed
• salt to taste
• 1/2 to 1 tsp cumin to taste 
• shake of paprika 
• minced parsley

Directions:

• Slice pieces of avocado and cucumber
• Toss with tahini sauce or homemade hummus
• sprinkle with feta cheese
• Wrap, cut in half and enjoy!

Happy Healing!

A Grab & Go Snack that Works for Me

As an IC patient, it is difficult to find already packaged snacks that will not send me into a flare.  In fact, I typically don't recommend consuming pre-packaged foods to any IC patient, because pre-packaged items often come with a lot of other crap that we don't want to put into our poor bodies! However, sometimes you are in a hurry and need something fast and easy that is nutritious and won't hurt you.  That's when I grab one of these babies:

Kind bars are amazing! I typically grab a few before traveling (either during road trips or before a flight where I know I won't have access to healthy food) so that I have them whenever I need a pick-me-up. They are typically sold at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, and Vons (at least in the San Diego Area). Kind bars are fabulous because they:

• are all natural
• are gluten free
• are dairy free
• measure low on the glycemic index
• provide necessary fiber
• have no additives
• are non-GMO

  The almond & coconut bar is the only one that I have tried, because the ingredients I have seen in others could potentially set me off in a flare.  But, as we all know, IC is very particular for each person, so what works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.

Ingredients in the Almond & Coconut Kind Bar:
almonds, coconut, honey, non-GMO glucose, crisp rice, chicory root fiber, soy lecithin

Now now, before you freak out at the word "soy," let me explain a little about soy lecithin.  While many IC patients have issues with soy products, some (like myself) can tolerate soy lechitin.  This is because soy lechitin is derived from soybean oil, and not from the soy protein itself.  Soy lechitin is used in many products as an emulsifier, holding a product together without making it unbearably sticky.
It is up to you to decide what works best with your dietary needs, as I am in no way a dietary expert, but if you do not have a serious allergy to soy, I would give it a shot!

Enjoy & Happy Healing!

Yoga - Why You Should Try it Today

Having fun on Cowles Mountain, IC and all.

Oh man. Yoga.  In the past few months, we've been having a serious love affair. If yoga were another man, I'd leave my boyfriend for him (just kidding!!). But seriously, yoga has honestly turned my life around since I developed IC.  Why? Let me list just a few of the many reasons:

• Provides amazing stress relief
• Releases endorphins (those happy little natural pain relievers) and helps to calm inflamed nerves
• Increases flexibility and agility and overall well being
• Low impact work-out ( very important: most IC patients have serious issues with high impact exercises! Look for something more mellow. Low impact does NOT mean less of a workout. Most days I leave yoga a sweaty mess, and I love it!)
• Improves mindset. We IC patients do a lot of damage worrying about our illness.
• Allows us to connect physically and emotionally with our bodies. We need to develop peaceful, kind relationships with our bodies, not angry combative ones.
• Serves as a great pain distraction. I never think about IC during yoga class, ever. It's funny how it seems to just go away while I'm focusing my energy on something else.

I hope this has inspired you to roll out your mat today! And don't worry, you can start out slow.  Most yoga instructors will be happy to discuss your concerns regarding IC.  Yes, not ever pose is great for our condition (particularly those that focus on core work), but modification is welcome in every class.  The best part of yoga is that you can truly make it your own practice.

Namaste and happy healing :)

What's for Breakfast?

As an IC patient, it is often hard to find easy, healthy recipes that won't leave me in searing pain.  Here is one of my favorite go-to morning meals that is both nutritious and really freakin' tasty.

Old Fashioned Gluten Free Breakfast Oats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of gluten free oats (I like this brand)
• 2 cups of nut milk of your choice (I usually use unsweetened almond milk)
• any fruit that you can tolerate (I usually use bananas and blueberries)
• nut butter of your choice (I like organic peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower butter)
• cinnamon
• sweetener or choice (I use honey or agave syrup)

Directions: 

• Bring 2 cups of nut milk to a boil
• Stir in 1 cup of gluten free oats
• Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes
• Stir in nut butter, cinnamon, and sweetener
• top with fruit slices
• Enjoy with herbal tea of choice :)

Happy healing! xx

Aloe Vera Juice for Healing

(from foreverliving.pro/about-aloe-vera/)

I have been using aloe vera juice to help soothe my poor bladder for quite sometime. It's incredibly anti-inflammatory, and I believe that by consuming it, the juice can directly reach all of those nasty cuts and sores and calm down a flare instantly. Some people take aloe vera supplements, but I like the idea of the healing elixir flowing directly through my body. I highly recommend George's Aloe Vera Juice  because it has a pleasant taste and doesn't have any nasty additives. Now, don't go chugging glasses and glasses with the hope of being cured - be sure to stick to the dosage suggested on the bottle (for George's, it is only a few ounces per day).

Check out  following article to learn some other great healing benefits of this awesome plant.

Top Twelve Benefits of Aloe Vera

Happy healing! xx

Having the Strength to Say "No"

I'd like to briefly discuss my love/hate relationship with Western medicine and my IC doctors. Let me just preface this with the fact that I have TONS of respect for all individuals in the medical field, and I'm in no way denouncing Western medicine as a whole.

HOWEVER... during my time battling IC, I have put a lot in the hands of urologists and gynecologists hoping that they would magically cure me over night.  Guess what guys? This is not the case.  Guess what else? You have the right to say NO to anything that you don't feel comfortable with.  I know, I know.. shocking right?! Often times, people put all of their faith in their doctors as if they are all-knowing, immortals who have all the answers. While I truly appreciate all of the medical professionals I have dealt with, I have learned the hard way that they in fact do not have all the answers, and they also certainly don't know my body as well as I do.

I woke up one morning with a sort of epiphany. I was set to head to the doctor later that day for another round of instillation treatments, and also to learn how to do them at home.  Sounds exciting, right?! Really, I was stoked to have vials of medication stored in my refrigerator next to the eggs and OJ, and even more thrilled to have catheters and needles lying around like any other average twenty-something.

I woke up and in my semi-conscious daze my mind said, "NO. I will not go to my appointment later."  I no longer wanted chemicals going into my body that I didn't believe were truly healing me.  I was no longer comfortable taking medications that medical professionals didn't know everything about..."it works for some patients, but we're not really sure exactly why.." That's real comforting, doc. I was sick of being a medical guinea pig regarding IC.  As a young, otherwise healthy, strong twenty-five year old, I was sick of masking my illness and not genuinely healing it.  I was sick of being told that this was my fate forever, by doctors who had never been in my shoes, in my body, in my brain.

That day, I made a promise to myself to love, respect and nourish my body from the inside out, and to do all things with healing in mind.  So, doctors everywhere: Don't tell me that my body is incapable of healing.  I know I can get better, even if it is a slow and tedious process. I have heard the stories and seen the proof that healing from IC is very possible, and it's usually not at the hand of medications.

So, friends, please do not ever feel pressured into doing something that you believe will cause your body more harm, even if your healthcare professional suggests it.  I'm not saying to refuse all Western medicine- there are plenty of amazing things about modern science, biotechnology and pharmacology.  Just do your research, and always love yourself enough to say no.

Happy healing! xx

"It's up to me to be happy and healthy.."

"As I grew older and began to take more responsibility for my life I came to realize that it was up to me to be happy and healthy. I had a health problem at an early age that no medical doctors could seem to find a remedy for, only a band aid effect. After many frustrating years I truly took control of the matter and learnt all I could about nutrition, the body/mind and alternative therapies. I soon discovered that the food I put in my body can be medicine or poison for me. I collected information from various sources and put together a diet/lifestyle plan that works for me and my unique constitution."- Amber Le’strange, interview with Wellness Warrior

More on Thinking: Positive Thoughts, Healing Thoughts

"These days, even modern medicine agrees: 70% of all illnesses materialize because of negative thoughts or emotional stress. Illnesses attributed to this cause are called “psychosomatic,” and they are the biggest headache of the whole mainstream healthcare system." - Martynas Jocius

Our thoughts can do much more physical damage or good than people realize.  Read more of this wonderful article by clicking the link below:

256 Year Old Chinese Herbalist Li Ching-Yuen, Holistic Medicine, and 15 Character Traits that Cause Disease

Enjoy the article and happy healing! xx

Good Thoughts :)

FINALLY.. An IC Friendly Cold-Pressed Juice

Yesterday, I went into Whole Foods with my lovely boyfriend to do some food shopping.  Normally we are Von's people, because Whole Foods can get quite pricey.  HOWEVER, my wonderful brother decided to give us a gift card to the magnificent, amazing, healthy super-store, and we were pretty psyched to check out all the nutritious food options.

We wandered the store in amazement for quite some time (yes- I have been to Whole Foods many, many times, but no, all of the goodies never cease to amaze me). While browsing, I came across a section of cold-pressed juices. Cold-pressed juicing keeps the fruit or vegetables juice fully intact, allowing for all of the beneficial nutrients to be retained in the process.  I have read many, many times about the benefits of juicing in healing IC, but juicing at home can become timely and expensive. I had been hearing a lot about Suja Juice recently, on various blogs and from friends, and I was completely stoked to see that there was an option that was ENTIRELY IC friendly.  This is HUGE! Most pre-made juices I have found have at least one ingredient that I can't have.

Not only was this juice IC friendly, but it was absolutely delicious. I mean, so delicious that I would happily consume it for breakfast everyday.  Win-win!

Here are the exact ingredients if you would like to decide of this juice is IC friendly for you (I know that everyone's flare triggers are so different) or make the juice at home (with a cold-pressed juicer). 

2 apples

6 celery stalks

1/2 a cucumber

a handful of spinach

3 collard leaves

3 kale leaves

a sprig of mint

Try it out, or modify as you'd like, and enjoy!

Happy healing! xx

Food is your healing friend :)

"Food also acts as a foundation medicine.  It is sometimes slower to take effect, but more profoundly affects all systems of the body.  If diet is used correctly for prevention and treatment, other medicines are required less, if at all."

- Healing with Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford

Because we're the three best friends that anyone could have...

blueberries & herbal tea.. .two of my saving graces since my diagnosis. 

I tend to sip on chamomile or peppermint tea to help soothe my belly in a flare.

A little reminder...

Today's Wisdom

you have three options... let's all choose the third :)

Self-Forgiveness in Healing

Hi everyone!

Today I'd like to address something that I believe anyone who suffers from a chronic illness deals with.... guilt. If you are anything like me, your diagnosis brings along not only physical pain, but emotional stress as well (which in turn breeds more pain - how fun!).  Having something "indefinitely" wrong with you is a huge issue to face.  Not knowing how you are going to feel from moment to moment and how it will impact others leads to a lot of pressure. I have spent hours, days, even months feeling bad about being sick.  I find myself constantly apologizing for what I can and cannot do, for not being able to live the same lifestyle that I used to. And this is bad, very very bad, friends. This type of attitude can't be good, because it just adds to the pity party (and nobody likes a pity party).

Many things have changed since my IC diagnosis.  Before being diagnosed, I was extremely social, and being in my twenties, partying and alcohol were hugely involved in my night life. I could also take a long trip without having to stop a thousand times along the way, or worry if I packed all of my pain medications.  I could order at a restaurant without being 'that girl' (I literally always want to tell waiters my life story so they don't think I'm just some picky bitch). Ah, all the things I took for granted.  Looking back, without having pain as a restriction, my possibilities were endless! Obviously, all night partying and throwing back shots are not in the cards anymore (oh yes, we used to have lots of fun!). Since I've called it quits on my former life, I've felt as if I have been constantly disappointing others because I'm not the "Old Janie" and I used to be "more fun" (yes, people actually do say these things! and I'm sure you've heard it too... but try not to punch them immediately :) they just don't understand).

I think that it's time that we stop feeling guilty for things that we cannot control. If you have found yourself thinking the same way I have, I urge you to stop immediately (easier said than done, right).  It truly is a form of self-sabotage and will NOT help you to get better! Illness was not brought into your life because of anything you've personally done, and you do not choose to be sick. I know that we all would do just about anything if it would lead to a cure (really, I'd literally drink camel piss if someone told me it would lead to no more pain). If someone in your life can't deal with your illness, then they are not worthy of being in your life to begin with! People will come and go when times get difficult. Most won't understand until they find themselves facing a difficult situation.  However, your true friends and loved ones will be by your side until you get better (which you will!). It is important for you to just allow yourself to feel whatever it is you are feeling while you are healing.  The last thing you need to do is stress about who you are disappointing by being sick!

I found an awesome post on a blog today written by another IC patient (Montreal Healthy Girl- I am currently stalking you) who has healed herself naturally. The following quote from her post about her experience at Hippocrates Health Institute really struck a chord:

 The greatest thing I realized from my HHI experience is that perfect health is not something that you ever truly achieve. It is a constant learning curve and requires regular maintenance. Dr. Brian Clement, one of the HHI directors, said something so touching I will never forget it ( bare with me, I’m paraphrasing): “Your pain and suffering is your punishment for the sins you’ve committed against your body and mind. Loving and respecting yourself is 80% of the healing battle, the other 20% is proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices, which should be easy to do once you love yourself enough to take responsibility for your body. The only people who die of cancer or diseases are the ones who do not love themselves enough to fight, those who depend on someone else to dictate their health to them, family, doctors etc. You cannot live for someone else, not your spouse or parents or even children and no one can ever predict how long you will live but nature and you. You have to want to live for yourself, forgive yourself and love yourself always." 

So today, and for each day after, allow yourself to just be.  I promise, you will feel a whole lot better about everything if you do :)

Happy Healing! x