2 questions

[EmilyAnne]

Hi,

I was just diagnosed with this about 3 weeks ago, so I'm still new and trying to figure things out. I have two questions about the IC diet.

1. Why is salt so bad? Does salt affect you?

2. Should I just give up eating at restaurants? I'm 22 and my friends and I like to eat out sometimes, plus my boyfriend and I like to go out for dates sometimes. Are there any restaurants that you know of that have IC friendly foods? Do most?

Thanks!

[MiLynn]

I don't know the answer to #1. Salt doesn't bother me though.

#2. I can go to restaurants, but I mostly go to places where I can get a plain (no seasonings) steak or hamburger with a baked potato and steamed veggies. I can also tolerate pancakes at Cracker Barrel.

[Linda May]

salt does not bother me, steakhouse or broiled chicken just make sure there is very little seasoning on the meat or none at all. baked potatoes or mashed is good, just about any vegetable. stick with the Ic diet until you slowly find foods that are O.K with you. Stay away from alcohol, spices, juices, colas of any kind, coffee big no no. download the IC diet list this will help you alot plus many icers have been putting there recipes on this forum. hope and pray you have a good uro and treatment plan.

[Julie B]

I don't think salt is a problem for most people with IC. I wonder if that goes back to the old phrase "putting salt in a wound?" I eat at restaurants all the time too. I just keep things plain and if I ever have a question, my husband will taste it before me. He has become a great taster! lol

[GayleK]

Salt is not a problem for me either. I can eat at most restaurants just not mexican. Chicken fingers and fries are on a lot of menus and I can eat them. I just make sure in the description that it doesnt say spicy.

[fmcbride]

2 Questions

Julie B
I had to laugh when I saw your comment about your husband being your 'taster'. The same is true for me. Sometimes if we are at event where the menu is all the same he will taste and say DON'T EAT THIS OR YOU WILL BE UP ALL NIGHT! Sometimes he will even exchange what he ordered for mine if it is a problem. Bless them.

[fmcbride]

2 Questions

I intended to add that cafeteria food is usually just basic food if you can find one. They seem to be closing in our area.

[penneyjo]

I have learned which restaurants I can go to and what I can order there. The others, I just try to avoid. Like the others said, any place you can get chicken, fish, steak, etc., just tell them to leave off all seasonings and you should be fine. You have to tell them though, because sometimes they add then even if it doesn't say it on the menu.

I can eat at Panera pretty well and can have the chicken and fuji apple salad WITH dressing. Cracker Barrel is a good choice, etc. You just have to take some time and figure out WHERE you can eat and try to head for those places. I don't even go to Mexican places or any other ethnic places, it's just too difficult for me. I don't want to go to a Chinese restaurant and eat a bowl of plain rice while everybody else is eating heaps of delicious food. Italian is tricky, but if you can get a pizza with garlic oil sauce instead of tomato and build your own, that's delicious. I always go online and see what my options are for whatever place is suggested before I go and try to figure out how I can make it work. Good luck! It's frustrating, but it gets easier.

[penneyjo]

I should have clarified that the dressing I was referring to doesn't have vinegar that I can tell, it's more of a sweet dressing.

[EmilyAnne]

It sounds like restaurants are still good to go to, just a little harder. Thanks so much! Also I've started adding to salt again, and it's good, so thanks a lot!