IC Friendly Ingredient Substitution List

One of the hardest things to do when you first get diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis is to start following the IC Diet and learning to cook with new ingredients. Let's face it, adapting some recipes to the IC Diet is down right frustrating. While it's easy just to leave out potentially bladder irritating ingredients, the result may leave a lot to be desired in the flavor department. Through much trial and error, we have put together this ingredient substitution list.

As is always the case with IC, this ingredient substitution list is just a guide. Everyone with Interstitial Cystitis is different. An ingredient that is bladder friendly to one person may set off a 4 alarm bladder flare in another.

Check out what to substitute for the following from: healthyicrecipes.com.

• Lemon Juice Substitutes- Kefir Lime Leaves, Lemon Zest, Lemon Oil, Lemon Essence, Lemon Extract, Amchur / Amchoor Powder (mango powder)

• Salad Dressing and Condiment Substitutes- Homemade Ranch or Caesar using a mix like Simply Organic Ranch Mix or Garlic Oil (our favorite is Boyjilans)

• Chocolate & Chocolate Chip Substitutes- Carob Chips, Chocolate Flavored Stevia Drops

• Red Wine Substitutes- Blueberry Juice

• White Wine Substitutes- Pear Juice

• Hot Pepper Substitutes- Cayenne Oil

• Chili Powder Substitutes- Hungarian Paprika

• Cinnamon Substitutes- Ceylon Cinnamon (try Frontier Herb Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder)
A rough distinction can be made between two types of cinnamon: Cassia and Ceylon Cinnamon. When you buy Cinnamon in the United States, you are probably buying Cassia because it is less expensive than "True Cinnamon". Cassia Cinnamon, however, contains a moderately toxic component called coumarin which is known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations and could be one reason why Interstitial Cystitis patients have problems with Cinnamon. That's why we recommend trying Ceylon cinnamon. Ceylon is often called "True Cinnamon" or "Real Cinnamon". True Ceylon Cinnamon has negligible amounts of coumarin and has a much more refined flavor. Ceylon Cinnamon is sometimes referred to as Real Cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon sticks (or quills) have many thin layers and can easily be made into powder using a coffee or spice grinder, whereas cassia sticks are much harder.

• Garlic Substitutes- Asafoetida

• Ginger Substitutes- Galangal

• Onion Substitutes- Green Onions or Chives, Shallots, Asafoetida
Tip: Try Cooking these items first, if you can tolerate the onion substitute cooked, then try it raw.

• Peanut Butter Substitutes- Cashew Butter, Sunflower Butter, Pumpkin Butter

• Raisins Substitutes- Dates