Sodium Bicarbonate

Using sodium bicarbonate for Interstitial Cystitis symptoms.

Sodium bicarbonate for Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a well-known trick to help with symptoms. Also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome, IC/BPS is a chronic condition that affects the bladder and pelvic area.

It can cause pain and discomfort, and disrupts urinary functions, resulting in urinary urgency and frequency. For most people, it takes a multipoint approach to manage IC/BPS symptoms. Learn more about IC flares and how to find comfort.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has many therapeutic benefits for people with IC/BPS. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind sodium bicarbonate and its potential for IC/BPS.

All about glucosamine.

Listen to Femetry’s own Dr. Victoria Scott discuss the many benefits of glucosamine.

Difficulties living with IC.

Before exploring the potential benefits of glucosamine, it’s crucial to understand the basics of IC.

Common symptoms of IC include:

Bladder and pelvic pain
Urinary urgency, or a sudden, strong urge to urinate
Urinary frequency, or needing to urinate many times
Nocturia, or frequent urination at night

The exact cause remains unknown, making treatment and diagnosis challenging. Often, patients explore treatment approaches such as lifestyle changes, pelvic floor physical therapy, and medications.

What is glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in the cartilage of the body that helps build glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs. GAGs are instrumental for cellular communication. They help with the growth, adhesion, and repair of cells. The GAG layer also happens to make up the lining of the bladder wall and protects against bacterial adhesion.

As mentioned above, people traditionally associate glucosamine with joint health. Glucosamine is a popular dietary supplement used by people seeking comfort from joint swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. Glucosamine has the ability to support cartilage integrity, promote a healthy inflammatory response, and help with wound healing. This has prompted researchers to explore its potential benefits beyond joint health.

The effect of glucosamine.
Glucosamine works by providing the building blocks necessary for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid. These are essential components of healthy cartilage and connective tissues.

In the context of IC, this mechanism could support the repair and maintenance of the bladder lining. Subsequently, glucosamine could soothe the irritation and discomfort associated with the condition.

Did you know…

Glucosamine could help hydrate the skin and help with the appearance of wrinkles.

How useful is glucosamine for IC?

While the cause of IC is unknown, one theory suggests a weakened bladder lining. If the bladder lining is weak or damaged, bacteria can stick to the walls and cause irritation or infection.

Researchers are hopeful that repairing the bladder lining could be helpful for IC management. That’s why glucosamine might hold promise for IC. Glucosamine has protective properties that nourish the cells in the bladder lining.

In a small study, researchers administered glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients to IC patients, specifically targeting the irritated bladder. When the protective layer of the bladder is damaged, it cannot effectively protect itself from irritating substances.

These substances can enter the bladder tissue through urine. Studies show that these ingredients helped soothe discomfort by supporting that protective layer inside the bladder and easing discomfort.

Glucosamine for IC can be useful for its maintenance and repairing properties in the bladder. The body naturally converts glucosamine into the molecule that makes up the bladder lining, or GAG layer. Ideally, by adding this supplement into your diet, you can fortify and support your bladder.

IC treatment has an evolving landscape. Glucosamine, when added to a comprehensive treatment plan, could be helpful for your IC management.

For more information about our potent ingredients, visit our Ingredient Glossary.

FAQs

Is sodium bicarbonate good for Interstitial Cystitis?
1. Sodium bicarbonate may help with Interstitial Cystitis by neutralizing urine acid that may irritate the bladder wall. Many people use sodium bicarbonate to soothe pain and discomfort during an IC flare.
What does sodium bicarbonate do to urine?
1. Sodium bicarbonate is most commonly known as baking soda. It increases the pH and citrate in urine, lessening the acidic nature and making the urine more alkaline.
Why does baking soda calm the bladder?
1. Baking soda helps to reduce the acid in the urine in your bladder. This can help soothe the irritation and discomfort people with sensitive bladders may experience.
What is the difference between sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate?
1. The difference lies in the chemical composition of each substance. Sodium carbonate consists of sodium, carbon, and oxygen. It is commonly used for soaps, washing detergents, and paper. However, sodium bicarbonate consists of sodium, acid, and hydrogen. People commonly refer to it as baking soda and it is safe to ingest.
How often do you take sodium bicarbonate for Interstitial Cystitis?
1. Some people take sodium bicarbonate 2-3 times a day when they experience an IC flare. Take 1-2 tablets of Femetry’s Bladder Acid Control before consuming acidic food and drinks. If discomfort persists, we suggest taking a third tablet.

Bladder Daily Comfort

Clinical doses of powerful ingredients, like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, quercetin, and ashwagandha. This multipoint formula supports the underlying causes of IC, supports a healthy inflammatory response and bladder lining, and helps to keep stress at bay.

Learn more