What is safe to drink?

[LaurenEngland]

I'm going out to watch a show this Friday evening and wondering what other IC sufferers can suggest to drink from a normal bar?

any suggestions would be appreciated, either soft drinks or alcoholic - as long as it's something that won't cause me pain as i have a busy day the day after the show

thanks x

[leelee88]

I wish I could help you. But there is really nothing I can think of at a bar that and Icer can possibly drink that would not irritate their bladder. Unless you are not to diet sensitive. I for one am. Hopefully someone else will chime in and let you know something that they can drink..:)

[lisabar36]

I am with Ronda on that one. Theres nothing I can drink that doesn't irritate my bladder. I think some may have suggestions for you, I am very diet sensitive. :)

[LaurenEngland]

thank you to you both for your advice anyway.
i think it'll have to be bottled water : (
thanks again

[Texas Baby]

about the only kind of alcholic drinks that didn't bother my bladder before I had it removed were things like white wine & baileys or something like a mudslide, you know something milk based. But if alcohol bothers your bladder, even these will be out. You can always order a house specialty drink and ask them to leave out the alcohol. Just beware of the contents of the drink :ie what kind of juices it has in it etc. I went to a show and actually had them make me a decaf mocha milkshake conncotion that normally would have alcohol in it , I just had them leave it out. As for pop. It still is a no no for me.
Tbaby

[ICNDonna]

Your best bed would be bottled spring water.

Donna

[Claredale]

I am not very diet sensitive. I tried a glass of wine for my in-law's 50th anniversary a few years ago and I was a mess the entire next day. I am sure it went along with the stress of it all, since my SIL and I were giving the party (that's why I tried a glass of wine to begin with) but I promised myself to never do that again! I can handle a rootbeer from time to time when I really am craving a soft drink.

[sunshine_77us]

I can drink a Bailey's Irish cream without any problems but I'll only drink one.

[boukie]

I'm going out to watch a show this Friday evening and wondering what other IC sufferers can suggest to drink from a normal bar?

any suggestions would be appreciated, either soft drinks or alcoholic - as long as it's something that won't cause me pain as i have a busy day the day after the show

thanks x

Can anyone out there drink hot chocolate? I can have one from Peet's coffee and Tea every now and then. It doesn't bother me. Thats about it, water and hot chocolate occasionally. Even prelief doesnt work for me

[elamar]

When I get tired of plain water or marshmallow root tea, I drink club soda. It actually helps calm down the burning due to the bicarbonate (baking soda) in it. You could get that with a garnish in it so maybe it appears that you are having a "real drink". That way you don't stand out. I didn't like it at all at first, but have gotten used to the taste. Some people can't handle the carbonation, but doesn't bother me. Hope this helps.

[saracitykitty]

I have absolutely no problems with a Vodka martini and the occasionall margarita. Guess I am luck after reading some of the other replies. Other than that all I ever drink is water, water and more water. Hated it at first but drinking water is like second nature to me now. Good luck. I guess with everyone it is just a trial abnd error thing. Not everyone with IC can handle the same foods and beverages.:angel:

[Jessica9379]

White Russians for me!!!! :woohoo:
I've never had a problem.

They are made with Vodka, Kahlua, Baileys and Milk.
I always thought that maybe the milk coats the bladder, like it coats your stomach .. ?

Deliciousness.

[lnseagraves]

When I'm not flaring, I can handle white wine, sprite, ginger ale and root beer. Occassionally I will SIP on a coke. (I love coke, and have not been able to give it up entirely). I can't drink an entire glass, but I ask for a lot of ice, and sip on it. I can tolerate a few sips, and always carrying that drink around makes me blend in more in the bar club or party.

[harleybluz]

I can handle beer but only if it's in a frosted mug and 'after' I take a couple of prelief.

[JennyBird]

When I'm craving a soda, I seem ok with root beer. It's naturally caffine free.
For my recent bachelorette party I tried drinking Malibu Rum with ice. It has a nice coconut flavor and the ice really waters is down. I also took a urelle and I seemed to be ok. It's not as strong as other straight liquors since it also has the coconut flavor. All wines/beer really seem to bother me, so I stick to the watered down Malibu (occassionally though). I've pretty much cut out alcohol unless the situation calls for it!

[lauraads]

If you can tolerate mint this is great but expensive - Metromint Peppermint water - nothing but peppermint and purified water. But what I really love is Metromint Chocolate Mint, which I buy by the case online and from Whole Foods -- it has cocoa essence, purified water, and mint. Calorie free, caffeine free, fat free, delicious. It makes me think of cool hot chocolate (but lighter).

I have no idea if you will tolerate cocoa essence. I've got IC really bad, am very diet sensitive, but have no problem with chocolate, coke, or caffeine. It's all the rest of the foods on earth I can't eat! Also, while my bladder will tolerate them, still had to cut them out due to other health problems. Waah.

Another drink I've heard ICer's tolerate is Rooibos or Red Bush tea. I myself drink chamomile and I like to mix it with some bruised dill seed and fennel seed to perk up the taste (OK, I really take it since it's supposed to help IBS symptoms but it tastes better than plain chamomile).

[lexi2teach]

HINT Peppermint water is incredible! Chamberlin's health food stores sell them and you can buy on-line if there is not one in your area, or look for a HINT water supplier on-line. They also sell pear and cucumber flavor. The cucmber is good for non-ICers and martinis, although my friend Zac loves it. Now, this isn't juice, its a nice looking bottle of water that looks good taking to a party, and it takes so great that you'll be a hit for bringing some for everyone. Good luck and have fun!

[lexi2teach]

What sodas and alcoholic beverages can we drink? Really?

Carbonated drinks, like soda are made with Carbonic Acid. Acid and Alcohol both eat away at our bladder. SOME of us can WEAKEN sodas or drinks, so that they may not cause PAIN that we feel, but they still HURT the lining of our bladders.

This IC website has helped me understand and ACCEPT the answer to that question. When we stop trying to keep things the way they were, we open up to new ideas! I use butternut squash and pea paste (baby foods) on cold cuts and cucumber and navybean juice in tuna instead of mayonayse, which is great because I always hated mayonayse anyway.

We all break the rules sometimes. But I'm there for my friends, my family and myself more when I don't break them.

Please be joyful for every day WITHOUT pain, then decide if variety is worth the fun it takes from your time with others. After you ACCEPT IT, it gets easier. Hang in there.

Lexi ~~( :>

[yvette]

Please Note: ANY type of Alcohol is considered an Irritant, and even though Gin and Vodka are in the *may be Ok column* but it may not be OK for everyone. Especially those with VV may have to be more strict with the IC diet. We are all very unique in our dietary allowances.

[lexi2teach]

Caution from diet moderator: Many of the drinks listed in this post are "usually not ok" for IC patients. It is not just caffeine in sodas that can cause symptom increase for IC patients: the carbonation or other ingredients can be problematic as well. Please refer to this link if you have questions about the IC diet & to find alternatives.
http://www.ic-network.com/diet/dietcheatsheet.html

Hi! This is Lexi. I just wrote to you about HINT peppermint water. YUMMY! I used to bartend. GIN is on the MAYBE list, so ask for a spash (a tablespoon), rather than a shot in your drink. It has many lovely herbs in it like Juniper, Coriander, Orange Peel and Licorice! Unfortunately, tonic is out, due to the carbonic acid or carbonation. You can also have Midori, a melon liquor, again, just a splash. Either of these in a weak (extra ice) 7up or soda water (not Sprite) might be OK. Garnish the Midori with a couple of Mericino cherries (totally OK) and the gin with a lime twist (citus RINDS - SKINS ONLY are usually OK). THE TRICK IS PRINT A FEW COPIES OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS AHEAD OF TIME FOR THE BARTENDERS OF EACH BAR. Then they can play along and you don'y have to feel awkward. Remember that alcohol needs to burn off before it gets to your bladder, so drink very little of it. SIPPING on a caffine free cola with cherry MAY BE OK but NO GRENADINE. People think this is cherry juice, but it is POMAGAMITE juice which will destroy your bladder! Ask for juice from the cherry jar ONLY.

Dear Bartender, I have a limited diet. Sprite, Grenadin (made with pomagranite) and cafine are not allowed. Sorry for any inconvenience and thanks so much for your help.

Please mix one of the following drinks for me:

In a tall glass, just a spash (2 Tbs.) of:

GIN
7up/soda water (no sprite)
RIND or unsqueezed lime
Thanks!

MIDORI
7up/soda water (no sprite)
cherry - Thanks!

Cherry juice from jar (no Grenadine)
decafinated cola (no cafine)
cherry - Thanks!

Have fun.
Lexi ~~( :>

[lauraads]

Lexi,

I went to HINT's website as I am excited about the Pear and Watermelon waters (already love Metromint's peppermint). However, they do not list ingredients on their site! I have emailed them but am not sure if they will answer and the closest retailer is 1.5 hours away. Do you happen to know what the ingredients are in the pear? Sometimes they put grape or standard apple in pear flavors, so I'm trying to find out before I spend $44 on something I might not be able to drink!

Thanks and I can't wait to find these!

[char23]

What do any of you drink for breakfast in the morning?I usually have decaf tea but from what i see here that also is a no no if you bladder spasams like i do get.Thank you

[kadi]

Mint tea or chamomile tea (with no other ingredients) made weak with a little honey.
If I'm doing really well, I'll have a little decaf puroast (low acid) coffee made in the toddy maker to reduce the acid further & diluted with milk & sugar, as part of a meal.
(Puroast & the toddy maker are available in the ICN shop linked at the top of the page.)

If I'm flaring, none of the above, just hot water with honey or steamed milk.

[lauraads]

OK, a couple of things:

1. One of the owners of Hint emailed me back. The pear water is - (1) water; (2) pear. That is it. I ordered a case to try and will report back. I have no problem with pears or most waters, so assume it will be a win. I also ordered the watermelon. I took a gamble on it because of the low quantity of fruit, I think I will tolerate it. The only other flavor that looked hopeful was Canteloupe/Hibiscus (since canteloupe also doesn't hurt my bladder). however, I do not really like canteloupe! :-)

2. In the morning I drink:

(1) Rice milk. Used to use vanilla rice milk but now allergic to vanilla. I hear you can warm these us. You can also blend them with ice and IC-safe fruit for a smoothy. (2) Metromint Peppermint or ChocolateMint water. Love it, love it, love it. Only purified water and mint (or water, chocolate essence, and mint for the second one). (3) Every morning I make a tea of chamomile, marshmallow root, and bruised dill and fennel seeds. The chamomile is good for stress and IBS; the marshmallow root for inflammation such as from IC, and the seeds are good for gas and bloating. It is good to start out diluted -- only a little tea for a few dips to see what you can tolerate. I started really slow but now can just leave the tea bag in the glass (in my case) the entire time if I want. Of course, chamomile might not be safe for everyone with IC, so you have to test it out. (4) Peppermint tea sometimes. (5) Rooibos tea sometimes but only in little quantities. (6) Evian water all day every day. I just wish it was not so expensive. I first drank it because it was low acid and now because I like the way it tastes more than all other plain waters.

Black tea is typically hard on the bladder, even if decaffeinated. Most of us seem to struggle with white, oolong, green, and other herbals. I bought some honeybush to try but haven't done so yet. I have also read that some tolerate raspberry leaf tea, and that it is good for menstrual symptoms.

Good luck. Just remember, try only one thing at a time (no new exercise or vitamins on the day or week you try a new beverage), and start slow with low quantity or weak steeping (of tea). That way, you can isolate what caused any reaction.

[mrmcmoe]

I wondered if the coffee flavor in Kahlua would be problematic - maybe not then?

[Jessica9379]

I would try any alcoholic drink on a trial run with a few sips only at first.
My absolute WORST flares came from when I drank the wrong kind of alcohol.

[peanutgallery]

I see some of you mentioned bottled water. How do you find filtered tap water? What is it in tap water that puts it on the "maybe ok" list?

[Mrs. Peel]

Our tapwater has a lower PH than just about any bottled water, so I'm sticking with that (and Evian when I travel). Also have to bear in mind what cleaners are added to tap, though.

I think water, tapwater, filtered tap, and your various bottled waters are the first thing I'm going to test when I get PH strips.

[BT2008]

Our tapwater has a lower PH than just about any bottled water, so I'm sticking with that (and Evian when I travel). Also have to bear in mind what cleaners are added to tap, though.I think water, tapwater, filtered tap, and your various bottled waters are the first thing I'm going to test when I get PH strips.(Ms. Peel, did you actually mean to type "higher pH" instead of "lower"? ... because "lower pH" = more acidic, "higher pH" = more alkaline. :))

Anyway, I always play it SAFE. I drink as close to pH Neutral water as I can get (our tap water has a pH of 6.5 to 7.0), so that is my water of choice. Plus, I drink milk, pear juice (with plain yogurt for a smoothie) and occasionally mint tea. That's all. BTW: I drank Brita filtered water for months until I discovered that it was VERY acidic! I thought I was doing something good for my bladder, and it ended up that I was just pouring 1.5+ gallons of acid into my bladder everyday! And, when I switched, my pain decreased significantly!

No amount of pain is worth catering to my taste buds (or peer pressure for that matter)!

~Beth
p.s. I carry my pH testing strips in my purse to check whatever water I might be offered.

[vtcurtis]

The only beer I can handle so far is bud light after some prelief. I mostly drink water, watered down blueberry juice, and milk.

[jenjen05]

Assuming I haven't had any other scary foods for a week. I can drink the following (only one) with 3 Prelief and a bottle of water BEFORE I drink....
1 Bud Select bottle
1 shot of Grey Goose
1 (small) glass Kendall Jackson Chardonnay

[Lacy]

When I'm not experiencing a flare up, I can drink almost anything in moderation...a couple of beers, glass of wine, cup of coffee ect.

Orange juice and lemonade are the only drinks I have found that are always irritating. I avoid them completely.

When I have a flare up, water and milk are the only beverages I can drink. Even caffeine free soda is too irritating.

Ice water and chilled milk are actually soothing when I'm experiencing a lot of pain.

[Dianne13]

Hi,
I am Dianne,I am from Australia, Newly diagnosed with IC, not sure how all this works but I am sure I will find out.
Dianne13:)

[lexi2teach]

My son bought some FRESH fennel. It looks like celery with a big white bulb at the bottom and soft, fine dark green hair-like greens. Its sweet, crunchy and tastes like mild liquorice.

Add it to honey, water or weak camomile, or just sugar water, hot or iced!