How To Select A Supplement

Selecting a product isn’t always easy. You may be confused about what they do and if they are reliable. Let me answer a few questions for you!  In 2011, the US national Guidelines for IC/BPS encouraged the use of some OTC supplements because they didn’t carry the same risk of adverse events that typical treatments.  OTC Supplements were listed in Step One of their six step treatment protocol for more than decade. The 2022 revised AUA Guidelines today still encourage patients to try supplements in Guideline Statement 10.  

When the only FDA approved oral medication for IC/BPS (pentosan polysulfate aka Elmiron®) has been linked to devastating retinal disease, blindness and inflammatory bowel disease, many patients have switched to OTC supplements that provide a similar effect. Throw in the cost of other bladder instillations, Botox and/or neuromodulation, many patients simply cannot afford care. OTC products have helped many patients, are affordable and carry fewer risks. The supplements that we carry have had no serious complaints or recalls.

How to pick a supplement?? It’s all about your phenotype for IC/BPS. Not every patient is the same. In fact, we have several distinct types of patients, including: Hunner’s lesions, bladder wall driven (chemocystitis, estrogen atrophy, chronic  UTI), pelvic floor dysfunction, pudendal neuralgia and widespread pain (central sensitization), each with their own treatment approach. So, depending upon which you have, there may be some logical supplements that you could try.
 

• Hunner’s Lesions – Lactoferrin is the only supplement that has shown significant success in reducing inflammation and lesions in a 2024 study. It acts by boosting the immune system. Review that research here. 
  
• Bladder Wall Driven (Chemical Injury, GSM) – Consider Bladder Builder, Bladder Rest, CystoProtek, Cystomend
  
• Myofascial, Nerve Centric & Widespread Pain – Consider PEAORA®
  
• Prevent Recurring UTI – Consider PRVNT
• Bladder Wall Flares – Consider the soothing effects of AloePath
• Improving Sleep – Consider Rest ZZZ, Relieve R Nighttime Relief
• Topicals – Vulva Balm

A note of caution: Some patients have fallen victim to predators on social media who tell them to take large and expensive combinations of supplements to “cure” themselves. No OTC products can say that they “cure” any disease. Rather, it’s about improving the health of your bladder, muscles and nerves. Some companies encourage patients to double or triple supplements especially during flares. We believe this increases your risk of adverse events. More is not always better. If a supplement has not provided help within a few months, it might not right for you. 

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What’s New In Our Shop? 

   LACTOFERRIN – In a 2024 study, lactoferrin was found to help calm the bladder wall, resolve inflammation and reduce Hunner’s lesions on the bladder wall with no side effects reported. It was also found in a previous study to inhibit recurring E-coli infections. Learn more!

  
For Bladder Wall Health

   AloePath® combines organic aloe, calcium, magnesium and PEA for a soothing and calming effect, especially during bladder wall flares. The best aloe product on the market today! Organic and Anthroquinone free. Learn more here! 

   Bladder Rest® for a protective (chondroitin) and antihistaminic (quercetin) effect. This is a starter formula for those who are more sensitive. Learn more here! 

   Bladder Builder® is our top selling product  that offers a protective effect (chondroitin), antihistaminic (quercetin), nerve calming (PEA), collagen, probiotics and various amino acids. Learn more here! 

   CystoMend® is similar to CystoProtek but with the addition of pumpkin seed extract for its anti-inflammatory effect. 

   CystoProtek® is an older, but well loved formula that combines protective (chondroitin) and antihistaminic (quercetin) effects. It does, unfortunately, use shellfish and pork for those who are intolerant, etc. Learn more here! 

 
(*Some are intolerant to aloe products, causing stomach and gut distress.)

For Chronic UTI Prevention

   PRVNT® (compare with Ellura®) utilizes PAC’s and D-Mannose to reduce the risk of infection. Learn more here! 


For Pelvic Pain & Nerve Calming Effects

   Peaora® combines palmitoylethanolamide with resveratrol to reduce pain and discomfort. A research study released in 2019 demonstrated that this combination was remarkably successful at reducing pain in IC patients. Learn more here! 

For Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation:

   Bladder Smart® Low Acid MultiVitamin is ideal for anyone who in need of a vitamin and mineral complex without the acid irritation found in traditional supplements.  Learn more here! 

   We also carry several other individual vitamins from Nature’s Path including Vitamin B12, D3, Ester C, etc. Learn more here!

For Acid Sensitivity

   Prelief® reduces the acid in foods that you may be eating, such as coffee, citrus, soda, etc. Learn more here! 

  
Bladder Wall Flares

   AloePath® combines organic aloe, calcium, magnesium and PEA for a soothing and calming effect.* I believe that this is the best aloe product on the market today! Anthroquinone free. Learn more here! 

(*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)