Veterans & Food Sensitivities

A study in the Journal of Urology assessed the level of food sensitivities in veterans nationwide. The cohorts—interstitial cystitis, other pelvic pain, or healthy controls—were mailed a questionnaire for sensitivities to foods and drinks and self-perceived effects on bladder pain and/or urinary symptoms. Notable findings:

• ≥1 food sensitivity was seen in
  • 70% of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain cohort
  • 37% of other pelvic pain cohort
  • 32% of controls
• Average number of sensitivities
  • Similar in other pelvic pain conditions and healthy control cohorts
  • Significantly higher in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain patients
• In the interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome cohort
  • Black patients had significantly higher sensitivity to alcoholic/noncaffeinated beverages than Whites
  • Black patients reported significantly worsened urinary urgency than Whites

The study concluded, “…food sensitivities could be suggestive of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, which could make the Shorter-Moldwin Food Sensitivity Questionnaire a helpful diagnostic tool and aid in distinguishing interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome from conditions often confused with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.”

 

Access the journal article.

Read the press release.

Other Categories:

• inflammatory bowel disease

• pain management

• research/study

• veterans