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Veterans & Food Sensitivities

Nationwide Study

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.”

 

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