IC can be a manifestation of a heightened immune response

Inflammation is the precursor to most diseases, with chronic inflammation playing a central role in many of them, including interstitial cystitis, arthritis, certain cancers, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s, and many more. Inflammation is part of our body’s immune response, and its purpose is to protect us. Unresolved issues can lead to chronic inflammation that can persist for months or even years. Being that the body is internally integrated, symptoms of inflammation are often widespread, and the only way to deal with it head-on is to get to the root of it all. 

What caused your interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis “IC” is an umbrella term, and its causes are multifactorial but may include injury (to the pelvic floor, nerves, or one of the pelvic organs such as the bladder, bowel, or reproductive), allergies, defects in the lining of the bladder, mast cell abnormalities, infection, pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder wall trauma, APF, genetics, neurogenic inflammation, and intestinal permeability. Contributing factors include histamine intolerance, Lyme Disease, exposure to mycotoxins, and gut/bladder dysbiosis.

Like many chronic illnesses, there is usually not one single cause. Several factors are involved in each root cause, even in pelvic floor dysfunction. It is crucial to determine how and why dysfunction occurred and then seek to restore health by addressing the root causes, including musculoskeletal conditions, detoxification, gut/bladder microbiome health, nutrient deficiencies, embedded infections, hormone imbalances, and the mind-body connection. 

Your body wants to heal itself; it just needs the right tools. You can harness the healing power of your own body through diet and lifestyle changes. I understand the frustration and anxiety of IC, and the truth is that there is hope in returning to a normal and healthy life.

In my book “How I Got My Life Back,” 

I share my journey and provide a blueprint for dealing with IC head-on.

Learn how adjustments to diet and lifestyle, incorporating pelvic physical therapy, stress management, and the use of high-quality supplements led the way to reversing my symptoms. This step-by-step guide reveals how you can benefit from a metabolic detox, change your diet, heal your gut, reduce your toxic burden, heal your infections, reduce stress, and support genetic variants.

About the author:

My name is Elisabeth Yaotani, and I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis in 2006 at 29. I spent more than a decade in debilitating pain trying to manage my symptoms, but my health grew worse. It wasn’t until a decade later, when I made the proper diet and lifestyle changes, that my symptoms began to lessen. Intrigued by the idea that perhaps I have more control over my health than I realized, I began to research the role of genetics, inflammation and immunity, proper supplementation, diet, pelvic floor dysfunction, infection, stress, and even overall lifestyle play in an individual’s wellbeing. Shortly after implementing changes, my flares became rare, and I was able to improve other chronic health conditions, returning to a pain-free life.

There was a time when I could not walk a block, when urgency and frequency dictated my life, and when stress wreaked havoc on my body. Today, I am no longer held prisoner by interstitial cystitis, and I want to help you regain control of your health! 

In How I Got My Life Back, I collaborated with integrative doctor Patricia Deckert, D.O., naturopathic doctor Cassie Jones, N.M.D, and integrative and functional nutritionist Brianne Thornton, MS, RD. This book provides a comprehensive guide that will give you the information and insight and a blueprint to begin working toward addressing interstitial cystitis head-on

The heart and passion behind IC Wellness

I carry a genuine burden for those in the IC community. No one should have to endure the agonizing pain and isolation that often comes with such a diagnosis. My heart is to see you overcome this debilitating condition and get back to enjoying the life you were meant to live. I founded IC Wellness with you in mind. It serves as an online community and resource to empower you to take control of your health. We’ve got you covered whether you are looking for resources, recipes, nutritional counseling, courses, community, or support. I even started the IC Wellness Podcast so that you can stay up to date and well informed on all things IC-related.

The goal 

Ultimately I want to bring about real and lasting change in your life. My books and online course provide tried-and-tested strategies to help anyone seeking to win their own battle with chronic illness along with the hope of a better tomorrow.