Aloe Vera Tablets for Interstitial Cystitis
Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.
Aloe vera is almost always associated with skincare benefits. But apart from managing acne, psoriasis, minor burns, herpes sores, and other skin conditions; it can also come in handy in different medical ailments such as constipation and anal fissures.
Interstitial cystitis is also one of those medical conditions that can be managed by aloe vera consumption. Because aloe vera contains different vitamins and minerals; it will not only provide pain relief to patients but also promote the growth of newer healthy cells in the bladder.
Follow the article below to learn more about interstitial cystitis and how aloe vera can help manage its symptoms.
INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition characterized by pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder or the pelvic region that may often lead to increased urinary frequency.
The bladder is the hollow muscular organ where urine is stored until expelled from your body. When the bladder becomes full, it sends signals to your brain via pelvic nerves that it is time to urinate. This communication between the bladder and the brain is responsible for creating the urge to urinate in most people.
However, in interstitial cystitis bladder becomes very sensitive due to the inflammation of its walls leading to the mixing of signals sent to the brain. As a result, you feel the need to urinate more frequently, even when your bladder is not full.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is not well understood, but any type of defect in the bladder epithelium can lead to cystitis by irritating the walls of the bladder.
Some of the conditions that are thought to be associated with interstitial cystitis include:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Allergies and mast cells abnormalities
- Unidentified infections
- Vascular diseases
Apart from the above-mentioned causes, there are some factors that increase your risk of developing interstitial cystitis. The three most common risk factors for interstitial cystitis are:
- Age – Most people who get interstitial cystitis are aged 30 or above, indicating that the chances of developing this condition increase with age.
- Sex – Female gender is more likely to develop interstitial cystitis than males.
- Chronic pain disorder – People of any age or gender are at an increased risk of being affected by interstitial cystitis if they suffer from any chronic pain disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia.
SYMPTOMS OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
Symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary from person to person and can be of mild to severe intensity. They can be episodic or constant and flare up at times. Common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain between external genitalia and anus in both gender
- Urinary urgency throughout the entire day
- Urinating small amounts
- Discomfort upon filling of the bladder, which relieves after urinating
- Painful sexual intercourse
These symptoms may often aggravate by different triggers, including stress, exercise, sitting for longer duration, and menstruation.
Although the signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis may sometimes mimic urinary tract infections, there is no infection most of the time. However, it is possible to develop an infection which can then worsen the symptoms of interstitial cystitis.
COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
If left untreated interstitial cystitis can lead to different complications, some of which are listed below:
- Decreased bladder capacity – Interstitial cystitis may lead to stiffening of bladder walls resulting in overall reduced bladder capacity.
- Low-quality life – Pain and frequent urination interfere day to day activities and may negatively affect your work and social life.
- Sexual problems – Painful sexual intercourse and increased urinary frequency can lead to unsatisfactory sex life and may often strain your romantic relationships.
- Emotional distress – Pain, disturbed work and social life, strained relationships, and other problems associated with interstitial cystitis can disturb you emotionally and may even lead to depression.
ALOE VERA AND INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
Your bladder is lined with glycosaminoglycan (GAG), popularly known as the GAG layer. It protects the epithelium of the bladder from the toxins present in urine. This layer can be damaged in interstitial cystitis resulting in pain and other associated symptoms.
Aloe vera consumption stimulates the growth of newer healthy cells at a fast pace compared to the natural growth rate. It also allows you to get rid of old dead cells by breaking them down and enhances normal cell proliferation.
As a result of both these effects, aloe vera helps to restore the protective GAG layer and thereby reduces pain and other symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis. Furthermore, aloe vera contains acemannan which helps to prevent superimposed urinary tract infections.
Aloe vera may also soothe itchy and irritated bladder lining, and different minerals and vitamins present in aloe vera further promote the nourishment of new healthy cells.
SIDE EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS
Aloe vera supplementation is not commonly associated with any adverse effects, but some people may experience the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
Although aloe vera can be used by anyone, it should be avoided if you're either pregnant or breastfeeding, as the amount of information regarding its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is very limited.
WRAPPING IT UP
Aloe vera is one of the oldest herbal remedies used to manage different skin disorders. However, it can also help you to tackle medical conditions, including constipation, anal fissures, and interstitial cystitis.
Interstitial cystitis is a condition in which the inner lining of the bladder is inflamed and irritated, leading to frequent urination. It causes pain in the pelvic region and may lead to different complications if not managed timely.
Aloe vera supplements reduce inflammation and heal the protective layer of the bladder to ease pain and other symptoms related to interstitial cystitis. Its antimicrobial properties also prevent urinary tract infections that may further worsen the disease.
It is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider before starting aloe vera supplementation, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for any underlying health conditions.
Here you can check out Vorst’s Aloe Chewable Tablets.
RESOURCES
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04734106