Phour Salts & Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition that is particularly prevalent among women. Causes and remedies of the condition differ from patient to patient. Many sufferers of interstitial cystitis find that acidic foods and liquids make their symptoms worse; therefore, individuals might be tempted to take a supplement which neutralizes acidity, such as phour salts.

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a condition affecting the bladder and/or urinary tract, and it is estimated that between 4 and 12 million Americans suffer from the condition. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis include urinary frequency and urgency and painful urination. Interstitial cystitis is also known as painful bladder syndrome.

Phour Salts

Phour salts is a product which works in a similar way to baking soda, to decrease acidity and increase alkalinity. Taken orally, phour salts reduce acidity in the human stomach, gastro-intestinal system, lymphatic system and circulatory system. Phour salts contain four different carbonate salts: sodium bicarbonate (the active ingredient in baking soda), magnesium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and calcium bicarbonate.

Effects

Proponents of the health benefits of phour salts state that taking the salts increases the alkalinity of urine and saliva to a pH of 7.2 or higher. For sufferers of interstitial cystitis, increasing the alkalinity of urine may reduce any burning sensation due to highly acidic urine. Additionally, phour salts act to neutralize several of the acidic foods which have been identified as causing flares of interstitial cystitis, such as citric acid, coffee, soda and fruit juices.

Considerations

Taking phour salts may increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. This is because highly acidic urine helps to the kill bacteria that leads to infections of the bladder and urinary tract. Phour salts decrease the acidity of the human body, including the urine, and therefore might increase the risk of infection.

Warnings

It is always wise to consult a doctor or health care provider before adding phour salts, or any other supplement, to your diet to discuss any concerns your or he might have and any possible side-effects. Your doctor is the best person to formulate a treatment plan for your interstitial cystitis and to determine whether phour salts should be part of that plan.