Will going into Ketosis from the Atkins Diet aggravate IC?

[branmun]

I have read the IC diet and apart from bread and milk the diet seems to be things you can eat on the atkins diet. The atkins worked well for me years ago before I developed IC. Since IC, I gained some weight and would like to try atkins but I'm afraid since I go into ketosis very rapidly. Could ketosis make my IC worse? Thanks!

[Zygala87]

Great question Brandy. Atkins is the only diet that worked for me. I lost 30 pounds and never had cravings. (All pre IC.) Like you I wonder what it might do to my bladder. I do know the fat comes off through our kidney and bladder. Anyone on this diet has to void often. A bit scarry. Hugs, Ziggy

[ICNDonna]

I recall one ICN member who did go into a pretty awful flare when she went into ketosis.

Donna

[FreestyleRN]

I test my urine for acid/base balance and the Atkins diet for me made my urine very acid. Meat and vegetables and very little carbs. My doctor added an alkalizing powder to my diet. I try to keep my urine more on the alkaline side. As I remember you are suppose to keep track of your urine and find the balance for your individual weight management. I was just diagnosed with IC and I was on the Atkins diet for about 6 years. It was best for my yeast issues from a carb point of view but then the acid environment supported the yeast. The key is balance.

[Want2BPainFree]

I do think it is possible. I, like you, have gained significant weight despite diet regulation and lots of exercise. I gained another 7 lbs over the last 6 months, and I am fed up, not to mention going broke from having to keep buying new clothes that fit.

I just went on low carb on Friday, and I can say that my frequency has increased quite a bit. I would not say I'm flaring because I'm not really having pain like I get with a flare, just an awful lot of urges to go. Some I have a lot of urine, some just a little bit. It is irritating, and I can tell my urine is more acid than before when I was eating many more carbs. I can tell that because I am left with a burning sensation for several minutes after I void, and when my bladder is full.

I am, however, not doing full blown Atkins, as I truly don't think I could get enough fiber cutting down to what is it? 20 carbs per day to go into ketoacidosis???? I think.

Anywho, I am only cutting down to around 60 net carbs per day.

Either way, I have already lost 5 lbs. I know most of it is water, but I had to do something. It is like my body stores all carbs as fat.

[Julie B]

I have a feeling that most people would have problems with the ketones being spilled into the urine. I know when I cut my calories too much, my bladder is not so happy.

I am sure if it is going to bother you, you would know within a couple of days.

Let us know what happens if you do try it.

[purpleviolet]

I could not beleive it but when I did atkins for a week my IC behaved. I even went into that ketosis state for a day or two. I just couldn't stay on that diet. PV