Interstitial Cystitis: How Prelief Could Help Relieve Symptoms

Here at HSI we recently came across some exciting information about an all-natural formula called Prelief that has been proven to help safely relieve bladder control problems. Because bladder control problems are so common and because there arent many safe, natural solutions, we decided to bring you this report as quickly as possible.

Urinary incontinence causes a sudden, frequent urge to urinate, and sometimes urination can be difficult or even painful. In some cases the urge to urinate can be a little too sudden, leaving sufferers feeling distressed and embarrassed. Unfortunately, too many people suffer with these symptoms for years without relief. Many are reluctant to talk to their doctors about them. Even if they did, conventional medicine doesnt offer much in the way of help.

Of course, there are many different kinds of bladder control problems with many different root causes. Urinary tract infections, prostate enlargement, bladder stones, urinary cancer, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and Parkinsons disease can all be underlying causes. Even some prescription drugs list incontinence as a side-effect.

That's all the more reason to bring this up with your doctor and have a full check-up to rule out any undetected health problems. Sometimes doctors cant find a reason and that means you can't find relief. Another possibility is a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis chronic inflammation of the bladder, resulting in difficult and/or painful urination, increased urgency, and increased frequency of urination.

The diagnosis is fairly new, but already authorities estimate that as many as one million people about 90 per cent of them women suffer from this problem. If youve been living with symptoms like these, you may take heart in having a name for your suffering, but unfortunately a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis doesnt do much good. Because according to conventional medicine, the cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown and so is the cure.

Yet for years, theres been a growing body of anecdotal evidence to suggest that something very basic may be behind many of these unexplainable and incurable bladder problems like interstitial cystitis. Something we all take into our bodies every day: our food and drink.

Why your diet may be causing you to rush to the loo so often

Believe it or not, it may be that simple. Many people report that certain foods and beverages exacerbate their bladder control problems particularly people diagnosed with interstitial cystitis.

And the foods that seem to cause the most problems are those that are highly acidic: tomato-based foods, cabbage, coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, fruit juices, beer and wine.

At first glance, removing these foods seems like such a simple solution to such a troublesome problem. But when you think about the reality of eliminating many of your favourite foods from your life forever, you cant help but wish there was an easier way.

Well now there is one. Prelief is able to reduce the acid content in food. And its been clinically proven to reduce painful and embarrassing symptoms in people diagnosed with interstitial cystitis.

Significant reductions in the need to urinate experienced in just 4 weeks

The active ingredient in Prelief is calcium glycerophosphate, a dietary mineral that combines calcium and phosphorus in a 1:1 ratio. When it is added to acidic foods, the mineral acts as a base agent, actually bringing the pH of the food toward a neutral level. According to the manufacturer, it works on the food, not on the person. Thats an important distinction, because we know that interfering with the bodys natural acids can be disastrous and that antacids which neutralise acid in the stomach often cause more problems than they solve. There have been no reported side-effects following the use of Prelief just powerful results.

According to studies conducted by the manufacturer, calcium glycerophosphate was able to significantly reduce the acid level of common foods and beverages some by as much as 99 per cent. With just one tablet, the acid in an eight-ounce glass of iced tea was reduced by 99 per cent; a six-ounce cup of coffee was reduced by 95 per cent; and an eight-ounce fizzy drink was reduced by 98 per cent. Three tablets reduced the acid in a four-ounce glass of chardonnay by 80 per cent and the acid in 125ml of bottled pasta sauce by 60 per cent.

US urologists at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, studied the effects of Prelief on more than 200 interstitial cystitis patients. When using it, 61 per cent of the participants reported a reduction in urinary urgency, and 70 per cent experienced less pain and discomfort when eating acidic foods.1

Another study presented to the Quebec Urological Association in 1998 tracked the results of the supplement on 200 interstitial cystitis patients. Using visual analog scales to assess pain severity and urge intensity, participants reported significant relief in both areas after using the formula for four weeks.2 These results led the Interstitial Cystitis Association to recommend the supplement to its membership in its quarterly publication, ICA Update.3

What to take for best results

Prelief is available in both tablet and granule form. You can either swallow the tablets whole, dissolve them in your acidic beverage, or sprinkle the granules in your acidic food or beverage. Please be aware that the granules do not dissolve in alcoholic beverages; for these acidic drinks, Prelief tablets are recommended instead.

Users say that it doesnt change the taste of most foods; if anything, you may detect a slight mellowing of the foods bite due to the acid reduction. The amount used depends on the food or drink youre using it with; a handy Prelief pocket guide included in the package tells you how much youll need to reduce the acid in your favourite foods.

Contraindications: This compound may reduce the level of hydrochloric acid in your stomach and your ability to digest protein and dietary forms of calcium. Although the manufacturers acknowledge the importance of stomach acid and suggest theyve put this concern to rest, it is still best to only use this product on an as needed basis namely when you eat or drink one of the offending foods or beverages.

1. Whitmore K, Bologna R et al Survey of the effect of Prelief on food-related exacerbation of interstitial cystitis symptoms unpublished; 1998-1999
2. Tu LM, Polansky M, Cordon DA et al A retrospective analysis of calcium glycerophosphate
(Prelief) in the treatment of food-sensitive interstitial cystitis patients Quebec Urological Association, 1998
3. Prelief Study Completed by Dr. Kristene Whitmore-Results are Encouraging ICA Update, Autumn 1998 Vol. 14 No. 3