Beyond the 'IC Diet' - Where Should We Go? Episode 132 with Michelle Lyons

hello & welcome!Today’s episode of the Celebrate Muliebrity podcast focuses on moving beyond the IC diet when working with women who have bladder pain syndrome. When I started working in pelvic health, I used to find IC/ Bladder Pain Syndrome a really challenging diagnosis to work with so over the years, I’ve really been focused on integrating the latest evidence into clinical practice, from asking better questions to clinical reasoning and step by step treatment strategies.What the research says AND how to come up with a treatment plan for the woman in front of youIn today’s episode, I talk about the importance of adopting an individualised, evidence-based approach rather than prescriptive food restrictions, explaining that there is no single universally applicable IC diet. I outline a four-step framework: observation to understand individual patterns, simplification through targeted and temporary elimination when appropriate, stabilisation of bladder, bowel, gut, and nervous system health, and gradual reintroduction to increase dietary variety. I want to stress that the ultimate goal should be food freedom rather than creating anxiety around restricted food lists, and I encourage clinicians to help patients become experts in their own bodies through pattern recognition and data tracking.I also cover:Moving beyond a one size fits all to a bespoke approach to bladder pain syndromeBladder Pain Syndrome mechanisms - why we have to look OUTSIDE the bladderIntegrating a gut/bowel/nervous system approach as a current best practice approach to nurture self efficacy and empowerment And more…The IC/BPS updates are now available in the online Female Pelvic Pain Rehab course and come with clinical skills, shareable breath/bladder practices and a downloadable workbook for you to work through with the women you’re working with who are struggling with IC/BPS  - all of the course info is at CelebrateMuliebrity.comUntil next time!Live, Flourish, Thrive! #celebratemuliebrity