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If you haven't ever heard of Interstitial Cystitis (IC) aka Bladder Pain Syndrome, you're not alone -- but it's actually a lot more common than you may think. 

IC might look like all the symptoms of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI's) though it lacks the bacteria that cause those infections. But because it's exceedingly common to not test for bacteria before prescribing antibiotics for a UTI, it can often go under the radar for years (yes years) without a correct diagnosis. 

For some, interstitial cystitis can be debilitating, and there aren't a ton of clear answers on what the causes are or how to effectively treat it. 

So I'm excited to bring you today's guest herbalist and nutritionist Jillian Bar-av who has both experienced this condition herself and specializes in working clinically with folks who have bladder conditions like IC.

She shares about the physiology of interstitial cystitis, and also some of the research around what differentiates IC from things like UTI's and pelvic floor dysfunction (and how commonly these show up together).

She also gives insight into some key nutritional strategies and essential herbal allies to consider depending on the specific presentation in your body (or your client's body).

Like so many chronic conditions, a one-size-fits-all approach is likely not going to be as effective as an individualized integrative therapeutic approach like Jillian shares about.

Quite often, IC requires tending to various systems of the body, including not only the genito-urinary tract but also digestive system, nervous system and overall pelvic health.

Listen to learn:

• what interstitial cystitis is, and how to differentiate it from recurrent UTI's
• some simple dietary strategies to reduce IC symptoms
• how the nerve bundles are different in the bladders of IC patients
• some key herbs to consider for bladder pain, spasms, inflammation, etc
• why including nervines and adaptogens may be essential for this condition as well

Resources:

• Today's shownotes: Get links to Jillian's articles and offerings!
• Jillian's article: 5 Top Herbs for Interstitial Cystitis
• Episode 19: The importance of softening (pelvic health) with Chaya Leia Aronson
• Episode 86: Herbal spotlight on ashwagandha
• Episode 106: How to restore your core + pelvic floor with Mary Vidal
• Episode 110: Healing chronic pelvic pain with Julia Dyer

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

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