oolong tea

[Maxeeeeene]

I have been indulging myself in drinking tons of oolong tea--since it seemed to be okay on my bladder, except some urgency--but that didn't bother me that much--since there didn't seem to be any of the irritation and itching and pathetic dribbling peeing. But now I don't know. I'm hoping it isn't the oolong--because I am in such dire need of something comforting to drink and I was so happy to have found something at last. Could it be that I'm drinking it with Splenda? Do you think I should try drinking it with regular sugar and see what happens? At this point, I can't bear the thought of not drinking it!

So--anyone else have experience with oolong? And please write in with you hot drink suggestions.

Thanks.

All the best,

Maxine

[ICNDonna]

I'm okay with Splenda, but some ICers don't tolerate it at all. You might try the tea without that to see if still is a problem.

Donna

[nihon]

I discovered recently that I can have mugi tea. I drink it hot or cold. It doesn't need sugar. Mugi is Japanese. It means barley. I am sure you could find it in a japanese or asian supermarket.

[systitis]

Tea actually makes me feel better. I'm not sure if it's the tea itself, the thermal aspect or a combo of the two.

I'd definitely quit the Splenda. Maybe try sugar or honey or maple syrup if you want a sweetener.

Also, don't forget to take some Prelief along with your oolong.

[ICNDonna]

Another thought --- many ICers can drink Rooiboos tea with no problem. (I'm not sure I spelled that right, but close enough to get the idea). The good thing is that it's available in most grocery markets.

Donna

[noirjezza]

It isn't worth the pain- all artifical sugars do that for me. And if you are only using a teaspoon of sugar- it's about 35-50 calories. Go for a walk and do your bladder a favor!
One other thing- and hopefully this is ok to post- Teavana is a company that make a plethoria of teas- many that appear to be OK for IC. They are available online and they are MIGHTY tastey. For those of you in larger cities- San Francisco, Boston- there are stores too...

[Maxeeeeene]

I wrote about thinking oolong was okay a while ago. I thought it might have been irritating me because of the splenda--but it irritated me without the spenda. Roobois irritates me too. Thanks to Noirezza for telling me about mugi tea. I'll go and try it. I recenlty bought a ton of roasted corn tea--you can get it at oriental food stores--I'm not sure about it yet, though. Please, everyone, send in your suggestions about hot drinks.

Thanks.

[noirjezza]

I too have been looking for "new" and "exiciting things to drink.
I've tried a "simple syrup" recipe infused with lime zest- and so far like the results. It is a little to sweet, but I think next time I will try more lime zest,
I don't see why you couldn't use this concept in making a "lemon hot tea"
1- cup water
1- cup sugar
zest of 1 or 2 limes/lemons (like I said I think I will try 2 next time)

Dissolve sugar in water in a small saucepan. Add zest of choice citrus fruit. Boil 2-3 minutes. Let cool. I used a french press to remove the zest from the water, but you could probabaly boil the zest in a cheesecloth sack and get ok results.
Add a teaspoon (or to taste) to a 1 cup water.
I have been having this iced, but like I said, it should work with hot water too.
If you can tolerate other things- I'm sure it would be great for teas, sodas, alcohol, etc.
Hope this helps. :)

[Maxeeeeene]

Thanks for the tip. But I don't get it--the zest of citrus is okay--but not the fruit of it?

[noirjezza]

YES- the zest has no acid in it. If it does it must be minimal. It gives you an oil based flavoring which is actually more flavorful than the fruit itself.
It does bother a few ICers I imagine, but I am fairly senstitive and have had no problems. :woohoo: But I must admit I am very cautious and I seem to have more problems with preservatives than "real food," then again I can't even look at an apple.
It is great to add to all sorts of stuff- muffins, cheesecake to get the flavor of a lemon, lime etc- with practically no acid!
Hope it works for you.

[ICNDonna]

I don't try anything with citrus in it. It's a certain flare for me.

Donna

[Maxeeeeene]

First of all--thanks for the info about the lime zest--I'll try it--but I doubt I'll be able to tolerate it. I can't tolerate anything--all the coffee substitutes, all the herbal teas, etc.--irritate the hell out of my bladders.

I have another question--what is the best way to get vitamin C? I seem to be suffering a Vitamin C deficiency.

Thanks.

[Lyn40]

Try 'Ester-C'. Its a Vitamin C supplement. It is buffered, so it is gentler on the stomache and it has calcium carbonate in it instead of ascorbic acid.

I have been on it for years and it has worked well. I take a GNC brand. BUT, they have discontinued that particular kind. Now they are making one with some citrus in it. I am in search of another brand. Any ideas, anyone??

Lyn

[glitteringglory]

It seems like I am always "flaring", I have severe IC and trying to figure out a diet is very hard when you always hurt. I am really trying to find out what foods and drinks are not good for me now that I have been diagnosed with IC. But I see that some say herbal teas aren't good? I was wondering why? I thought herbal teas where ok if they do not have any caffenine.
I love peppermint tea (leaves from the health food store) without any added sugar or honey (it's so good, cold, I don't need any sweetners). I also drink chamomile hot sometimes. Could these 2 teas be bothering my bladder? Any advice is appreciated as I am a newbie!

[nihon]

I live in Japan where Oolong tea is very popular. I can't drink it though as it bothers me. But I can drink Mugi tea (barley tea) and Soba tea (buckwheat tea). Both are good hot or iced and are drunk plain (no sugar).

[Golden Girl]

Ester-C still bothered my bladder. Not nearly to the extent that regular vitamin C does but enough that I won't risk it. I can take the natural vitamin c supplements made for small children that Trader Joes carries without any problems whatso ever. Its called Immune Support for Children.