I was recently diagnosed with IC (although I still have to get my cystoscopy). The IC Network recommended I eliminate acid foods. This led me to research effects of a low pH, which told me of the body’s innability to flush out all acids if one is highly acidic. The resulting reaction by the body is to turn these leftover acids into neutral salts, thus depositing them into deep layers of tissue. A common place for this to occur is in the organs responsible for waste disposal, ie: urinary system. According to some studies, turning to a strictly alkaline diet cannot provide the body the situation it needs to get rid of all these acids so taking an alkaline supplement may be necessary for months or up to two years, then maintaining that lifestyle of an alkaline diet to maintain healthy pH levels, consequently limiting the acids and irritation. There are supplements with different ammonts of additives,if you should not have high levels of potassium or sodium so doing your research is important. Know your heart and your organs with some blood work and a check up from the doctor.
I recently started taking an alkaline supplement along with the beginnings of my diet change (which is difficult to say the least), and I am having positive results as they said I would. Less pain, less frequent urination. I got some pH paper at my local health food store and check my urine daily. It’s difficult to get it to 7-7.5 pH because I’m having a hard time quitting coffee, but I’ve been able to get it to 6.5 on a regular basis now for a month and I’m feeling much better.
I think for me there is a real connection between pH and Intersticial cystitis and I recommend the book The Acid-Alkaline diet by Christopher Vasey, N.D.