I got a request yesterday from a subscriber (Ann) to write
about a subject that I haven't yet talked about.
Here's what she says:
*******************
Would you promote your column to Interstitial Cystitis
sufferers (there are millions out there) because acidity
is the enemy for all of us who have IC.
We have a problem with urologists who don't seem to know
very much about IC (my own urologist says I know more about
it than she does!).
It's a chronic situation with no cure so far, and
extremely painful in differing degrees to all of us.
Thx
Ann Mitchell
*******************
Ann, I'm happy to help.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a condition that results in
recurring inflammation in the bladder and the surrounding
pelvic region.
What's happening is this: The natural inner lining of the
bladder is protected from toxins in the urine by a coating
of enzymes called the GAG (glycoaminoglycan) layer.
In IC, this protective (GAG) layer malfunctions. This
allows toxins to penetrate into the "interstitial layers"
of the bladder wall.
I compare it to using rubber gloves to clean with harsh
solvents. If there's a tear in that rubber glove, the skin
on your hand will burn and get inflamed from the chemicals.
Over 700,000 people in the US alone have IC, and 9 out of
10 of them are women.
The symptoms vary from person to person. People may
experience mild pain, pressure, tenderness, or intense pain
in the bladder and pelvic area.
The pain can suddenly go from mild discomfort to feeling
like you're being stabbed without warning.
Sufferers can also feel a sudden urgent need to urinate,
or have to urinate very frequently, and often it's
excruciatingly painful.
Women's symptoms get worse during their monthly period,
and they also can have extreme pain during sex.
Like Ann says above, IC isn't really understood by the
medical community and therefore they have trouble treating
it.
The mainstream medical community offers two choices for
treatment of IC--drugs and surgery.
Little thought is given to what may be causing or
contributing to the condition, especially things like
someone's diet or their body's pH levels.
Now, there are an increasing number of doctors who are
taking a more holistic approach and looking at what may be
causing disease (instead of just concentrating on a band-
aid to fix it), and that's good news for patients
everywhere.
In this case, what has been overlooked about IC is the
point that Ann makes above--she says acidity is the enemy
of people with IC and she's absolutely right.
Being too acidic (having acidosis) causes inflammation
throughout the entire body. That is a scientific fact.
Inflammation rears its ugly head in countless ways. Some
people get headaches or backaches. Others develop
arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia or colitis. Still more get
acne, rashes or skin infections.
Look again at the list of conditions associated with IC
that I mentioned above.
EVERY SINGLE ONE of those conditions is caused or worsened
by acidosis in the body. Every one.
So it's not surprising that people with IC also have
inflammations coming out in other ways too.
I am telling you this and so will any other good holistic
practitioner: Our bodies are meant to be alkaline. When
we are acidic, we break down and basically age and die at a
faster rate. Our bodies can't function properly, and it's
just a matter of time before inflammation, sickness and
disease set in.
So, yes, Ann, you're right on. It's absolutely VITAL for
people with the challenges of IC to become and stay
alkaline.
It's the only way the body will have a fighting chance
against this chronic, painful condition.
I know full well what inflammation can do--I suffered with
IBS for 20 years and it was hell on earth.
That's why I've devoted my life to educating people about
the connection between what you eat and how you feel.
Acidity creates disease. Alkalinity creates great health.
It's explained in everyday language that makes it easy to
understand and remember the few simple principles that you
need to abide by.
And since the recipes and meal suggestions are so
delicious, you'll realize that this is not a "diet" at all,
but a smart lifelong eating plan that will help make sure
every remaining moment you have on this earth will be full
of energy and vibrant good health.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
PS: Acidity wreaked havoc with Patricia...but not any more:
*******************
Hi Sherry,
Approximately 10-years ago, I served as a "hair model" for
my daughter who was being tested in her cosmetology class.
Right in the middle of the test, warm water began coming up
in my mouth; I had no other choice but to find a place to
spit, and the shampoo sink was the closet place.
This acid reflux began happening more often, even choking
me at night.
I put up with it several years until I could not take it
any more. I finally went to the doctor and was prescribed
Nexium, and have taken it daily for three years.
A few months ago, I began experiencing stomach bloating,
heavy burping, horrible gas, anal bleeding and roaring in
my stomach.
My husband even commented to me about how big my stomach
was getting. I could not help it, and didn't know what to
do. The bloating in my stomach was so bad until I thought
that I may have a tumor.
Out of desperation, I started searching on the internet
trying to find some relief. Thank God I found your
website!
Using your program, I began to feel a difference in only
one day. The bloating, gas, burping, and swelling has
stopped! I ordered your program (best money that I've ever
spent) and I am putting it into action.
Before I started on this wonderful program, the middle
section of my "back" was so sore that I could not hold my
shoulders up. The soreness has left!
Apparently, the Nexium and the acidity was affecting my
stomach and my back. A miracle has taken place in my body.
You should see me--carrying my food-combination sheets
around with me!! These go where I go!!
I can hardly wait to receive your e-mails each day to
learn more healthy ways of eating and living.
