Interstitial Cystitis -
Your Guide To Recovery
Using
Affordable Supplement Therapies
“Follow The Steps Below To Lasting Relief
From A Painful Bladder”
Interstitial cystitis is one of those mysterious chronic illnesses that many doctors have a difficult time treating. The reason being is that when patients get tested for urinary tract infections, more often than not, nothing turns up. Hence the name "non-bacterial cystitis".
There is no known cause and no known medical cure for IC. There are medical treatments and procedures, such as bladder instillations, hydrodistensions, and Elmiron, but they only work for a small percentage of people some of the time, and often have strong side effects. |
Interstitial cystitis is considered to be an "immune system breakdown disorder" because it typically appears when immunity has been compromised. It often occurs in tandem with other immune system breakdown disorders, namely chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and vulvodynia.
In fact, IC patients are 100 times more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome than the general population, and a large percentage suffer from the afore-mentioned disorders as well. This is not surprising, since a compromised immune system can and does affect many areas of the body. |
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Message from Andrea Nichols [Founder of Evenbetternow, LLC]
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If you suffer from interstitial cystitis, my heart goes out to you. I know full well the sheer agony of endless days and nights of pain, not to mention the countless trips to the bathroom and the inability to lead anywhere near a normal life. My symptoms started in 1996, after the birth of my son. I had a relatively severe case of IC for approximately 6 years. |
Then in 2002 I read Catherine Simone's book "Along The Healing Path and followed the protocol outlined below.
Today I am completely symptom-free. I can eat anything I want, and do anything I want, without discomfort or pain. So there is hope! What worked for me may be different than what works for you, but I believe you have the best shot at healing if you approach it from a natural, holistic perspective, with the idea of detoxifying the body and then rebuilding the immune system.
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| Intersitial Cystitis Symptoms |
Interstitial cystitis symptoms typically appear when your immunity has been compromised.
The space between the bladder lining
and the bladder muscle becomes chronically inflamed,
leading to pain, sometimes severe. Cracks
in the bladder wall allow urine to irritate
bladder tissue, leading to a breakdown
in the lining of the bladder.
Do you suffer from : |
- pain in the bladder that intensifies as it fills and then goes away upon voiding, only to immediately return again;
- breakdown of the bladder tissue, even when infection is not present;
- extreme frequency of urination, often every few minutes;
- blood in the urine;
- digestive problems;
- low grade fever;
- recurrent vaginal yeast infections;
- joint pain and swollen glands;
- thyroid problems;
- severe food allergies which trigger bladder pain;
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| If so, then follow the steps below to gain immediate and long-term relief! |
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Watch Brief Video on The Basic Steps To A Healthy Bladder! |
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Steps to Recovery and a Healthy Bladder |
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1. Read "Along the Healing Path - Recovering from Interstitial Cystitis"
This excellent book, written by Catherine M. Simone, is a must read for anyone with Interstitial Cystitis.
I can honestly say, if it weren't for this book I would not be in the place I am today, which is completely symptom-free. Catherine Simone had a very severe case of IC, which she healed using the methods described in her book.
"Along The Healing Path" is a holistic perpective of interstitial cystitis with information on various alternative treatments, herbs, and natural products. |
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| "Along The Healing Path" offers very helpful tips and vital information for IC sufferers “from one IC patient to another…”
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One Customer's Experience using Our Recommended Steps |
"Thank you for all the information you provide on your website. Just one
month ago I received the book I ordered, "Along The Healing Path". I have
read and re-read it, followed what it had to say, and am symptom free
for almost a week now.
I ordered the Organic Marshmallow Root Tea since I
have only been able to find it in tincture and capsule form. Thank you
for making these products available. My MD said there was no way to overcome
Interstitial Cystitis and I almost believed him until I went on line and
found your website."
- Sincerely, Sharyn B., Long Beach, CA
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Read Our Customer Feedback!
To read how others have gained relief from IC bladder symptoms using the suggestions and products on this page, please click here. |
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2. Identify Your Allergies and Eat the Right Foods
The first thing I did and what I encourage you to do is identify the foods that are causing you problems and eliminate them from your diet. For many of you it will seem like this will be most foods, but it is imperative that you do this so that your body has a chance to rest and heal. I did it the "laymans" way, just by noting how I felt after eating each food.
You may choose to seek professional help in identifying your allergies, but the true test is still how you feel a few minutes to several hours after eating each particular food or supplement.
For information on what foods to eat and what foods to avoid, visit our page Interstitial Cystitis Diet >>>
3. Relieve Acute Pain
The Emergency Way to Relieving Pain Fast!
If you are having a painful flare-up right now try this fast and effective tip:
Use Baking Soda
 Take one half of a teaspoon of baking soda and put it in a full glass of water. Stir, let sit a minute, and then drink it down. You can repeat this up to 4 times a day, not to exceed 2 teaspoons per day.
Baking soda is an extremely fast and effective way to alkalize your body. It works very quickly to relieve painful flare-ups. You can use this tip when you are having painful flare-ups, however I would recommend the alkalizing supplements listed below for long term use, since doctors have not studied the long-term effects of consuming baking soda on a daily basis.
NEW! We now carry Bob's Red Mill® Aluminum-free baking soda which is ideal for people with chronic health conditions because it does not contribute to the toxic heavy metal load on the body.
For more information and to order the aluminum-free baking soda, click here.
Take a tablet of NutriBiotic® Grapefruit Seed Extract
NutriBiotic® Grapefruit Seed Extract is an effective anti-bacterial and anti-fungal substance. I do not know why it has worked for me to reduce flare-ups, but it did.
Used with the baking soda, it took away the pain from my flare-ups within 45 minutes, every time.
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NutriBiotic® Tablets contain Citricidal, which is a natural compound synthesized from the seed and pulp of certified organically grown grapefruit.
This process converts the grapefruit bioflavanoids (polyphenolics) into an extremely potent compound that has been proven highly effective for numerous applications.
Along with the baking soda, NutriBiotic® Grapefruit Seed Extract is an extremely effective and inexpensive way to halt painful flare-ups! |
Try Serrapeptase Proteolytic Enzymes
Serrapeptase is one supplement that is having tremendous results for inflammation and pain in all forms, but particularly for bacterial and non-bacterial cystitis.
This product's clinical studies and anecdotal evidence is so promising that we have included it in our support pack, and it is available to purchase separately as well.
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Serrapeptase digests non-living tissue, blood clots, arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms.
Besides reducing inflammation, one of serrapeptase's most profound benefits is reduction of pain - physicians in Europe and Asia are using it as an alternative to saliclates (aspirin), ibuprofen and other NSAIDS. |
4. Relieve Your Chronic Pain
For the long-term relief of painful flare-ups, you will likely need to take some additional measures. You may find that even when you eat completely "safe" foods, you may still get symptoms of burning and pain. This was also the case with me.
Research has shown that inflammatory conditions in the body are often a direct result of a deficiency of essential fatty acids. As a result, I started taking flax seed oil and fish oil capsules everyday.
Essential fatty acids are very important because they suppress the cytokines in the body that produce inflammation, especially interleuken-6 (IL-6).
You can try either flax or fish oil, but fish oil is recommended since a minority of people are unable to metabolize or break down the flax oil. You can try a fish oil which comes from the entire fish, or cod liver oil which is strictly from the liver. The advantage to cod liver oil is that it also contains vitamin A, which assists in building immunity. |
Arctic® Cod Liver Oil |
We sell a cod liver oil called Arctic® Cod Liver Oil that is molecularly distilled and guaranteed free of heavy metals, dioxins, and PCB'S. This is extremely important.
Arctic™ Cod Liver Oil surpasses all national and international standards for freshness and purity, and it comes in a great-tasting peach flavor, with no fishy taste or after-taste. It is best to take your fish oil one hour before bedtime, as the omega-3 fatty acids suppress cytokines that disturb sleep.
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As another direct antidote to the pain of IC, I found that I was able to take a supplement called Activated Quercetin™ by Source Naturals, which is quercetin plus bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapples.
This seemed to help within a few hours, giving me several hours of relief at a time. But I had to keep taking it, because if I didn't the pain would come right back.
Activated Quercetin™ is a unique bioflavonoid derived from plant sources.
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| In human cell culture studies, quercetin has been shown to inhibit histamine release.
The bromelain enhances the effects of the quercetin, making it more bioavailable. Quercetin by itself without the bromelain is not as effective.
Some people find that the only way to relieve their pain is to take pain medication prescribed to them by their doctor. I say if it works for you in the short term, that's great. But these medications do nothing to heal the underlying cause of your condition, so it is best not to rely on them exclusively. |
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"I love the Activated Quercetin™. I took it for my bladder symptoms and found that it quickly helped my bladder and unexpectedly helped with other allergy and asthma symptoms as well."
- M. Scheer |
5. Support the Lining of Your Bladder
In order to experience permanent relief from painful flare-ups and food sensitivities, you will need to do something to help repair the lining of your bladder.
I did not begin to experience long-term relief from my symptoms until I tried a supplement called bovine colostrum. This is one of the recommendations also found in Catherine Simone's book, "Along the Healing Path - Recovering from Interstitial Cystitis".
Colostrum is the first food mothers produce for their young. It is packed with antibodies and immune factors, and also reduces inflammation. One of the most important things it did for me was that it slowly but surely relieved my severe food allergies.
It took about a year, but in that time my food allergies and chronically inflammed bladder were 90 percent improved. I started out by taking only one or two capsules a day, and by the end of that year was taking eight to ten capsules per day.
I feel strongly that colostrum was the supplement that was the most important in helping relieve my IC symptoms. In my opinion, I believe the colostrum is what healed the lining of my bladder as well, since colostrum has the documented ability to heal the lining of the digestive tract.
Today, I no longer need to take any quercetin or colostrum capsules, and I only take them if I feel like I am coming down with a cold or flu, or am fighting an infection.
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Bioactive Colostrum is the finest biologically active colostrum available. 100% non-denatured, this native protein is never subjected to any heating or processing that would damage the full range of the original proteins or active peptides.
As nature intended, colostrum is designed to have contact with the oral mucosal surface before swallowing.
As a consequence, this is the smoothest, best-tasting colostrum you will ever encounter. |
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According to the well-known naturopathic physician, Dr. Bernard Jensen, colostrum has a therapeutic role to play in heart health, blood sugar control, and immune health.
Bioactive Colostrum also has powerful antioxidant properties, helps reduce inflammation, and is a source of many vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids if it is unprocessed and in its original natural state.
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For those of you who have difficulty using powdered colostrum and would prefer capsules, we also carry another excellent colostrum product called New Zealand Colostrum.
New Zealand Colostrum is 100% pure colostrum that is free of any additives such as whey powder or magnesium stearate.
It is also free of antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, and other pathogens.
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New Zealand Colostrum is a nutraceutical grade colostrum that is standardized from pasture-fed New Zealand cows for maximum purity and effectiveness.It is processed fresh, and never exposed to high heat.
100% New Zealand Colostrum contains the full range of immune and growth factors necessary to provide the essential nutrients needed for a healthy immune system and good health.
The New Zealand Colostrum is also available in powder form (6.3 oz jar), which is very cost effective compared to purchasing the capsules. |
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Organic Marshmallow Root Tea
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Marshmallow Root Tea is an herb that is highly recommended by Catherine Simone, author of “Along the Healing Path”. It is believed that marshmallow root tea provides a soothing coating to the bladder because of the mucilage found in the plant.
Recent studies have demonstrated that there is a component in marshmallow root that does effect the lining of the bladder in a positive way. |
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Many thousands of people with bladder problems attest to the near miraculous effects of this healing herb. The one we carry is organic and contains 24 tea bags.
Scientific Name: Althaea officinali
Description: The herbal supplement is made from the dried root and the dried leaves combined as a tea
Actions & Pharmacology: Marshmallow root relieves bladder and bowel irritation, functions as an anti-inflammatory, and soothes the lining of the bowel and bladder.
General Precautions: Marshmallow root tea is safe to use; some people may have an allergic reaction if they are sensitive to other herbs.
How Supplied: Marshmallow root is best prepared as a tea; it can be stored at room temperature and taken throughout the day.
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Read Our Customer Feedback!
To read how others have gained relief from IC bladder symptoms using the products on this page, click here.
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6. Alkalize Your Body
I achieved a 90 percent reduction in my interstitial bladder symptoms over an 18 month period using colostrum, and I eliminated most, if not all of my food allergies.
However, I wa still experiencing mild periodic flare-ups. This frustrated me since it didn't seem to matter how much colostrum I took, I still would have periodic flare-ups approximately every 3 months for about 3 - 4 days. It seemed I had reached a plateau in my healing, and I wasn't sure what steps to take next.
I did some more research and learned that people with chronically inflamed bladders are considered to be very acidic. Acidic bodies are toxic bodies, and excess acidity also causes symptoms of pain. When you start to alkalize your body, either by eating an alkaline diet (which most people with interstitial bladder symptoms patients cannot do) or by taking alkalizing supplements, your body starts to come back into balance and your symptoms slowly but surely begin to recede.
Alkalizing your body definitely begins to eliminate some of the burning sensations associated with painful flare-ups. In a German study on people with chronically inflamed bladder, the researchers found a substantial reduction in inflammation and pain after 3 months of taking alkalizing supplements.
Alkalizing Supplements
We offer two excellent products for alkalizing the body which are described below.
AlkaLife® Alkaline Booster Drops
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AlkaLife® drops were invented by Sang Whang, a Korean scientist and the author of "Reverse Aging". He invented AlkaLife® to make alkaline water available to the general public at a low and reasonable cost.
It is designed to boost the pH value of any drinking water, changing it into healthy alkaline water. AlkaLife contains a patented ratio of potassium and sodium hydroxides to maintain the proper mineral ratio in the body.
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The recommended dosage is 2 drops in an 8-10 oz glass of water and drinking 5 glasses a day. AlkaLife® can be taken with tea, coffee and juice, but not with carbonated or dairy beverages. A 1.2oz bottle contains approximately 600 drops.
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Here are two success stories from customers with chronically inflamed bladders who used AlkaLife® drops. |
"I was diagnosed with IC approximately 15 years ago. Up until recently, I have been managing my pain with DMSO treatments from a urologist. They were OK; however, flare-ups were frequent, resulting in loss of work and loss of life in general. The pain from this disease is amazing. In the past few months, the treatments have not worked, and different ones were tried with no success....
One of the main things to do is make my body more alkaline. I purchased your product, AlkaLife® drops. With pH paper, I was able to chart the acidity in my body. The drops really work; the acidity has dropped significantly, resulting in less bladder pain. I truly feel that this product, along with other alternative measures I am taking, will lead me to better pain management, if not a cure, than the painful DMSO installations I have been receiving. Thank you for a wonderful product."
- Nancy B., Sparta, New Jersey
"I would like to thank you for such great products! I suffer from "painful bladder symptoms", and the AlkaLife drops seemed to have helped me immediately. I don't feel like I have to urinate every second of the day. I saw results pretty much immediately after adding the drops to my water...for sure within a day!
Also, the AlkaLife® drops helped me with my bloating....and I LOVE the book - Never Be Sick Again!!! I'm recommending it to EVERYONE!!!"
- Wendy B., Ely, NV |
VAXA® Buffer pH™
Another very effective alkalizing supplement is VAXA® Buffer pH™.
Besides balancing an overly acidic pH, VAXA® Buffer pH™ also replaces minerals that have been drawn out of the body tissues to counteract over-acidity.
VAXA® Buffer pH™ buffers overly acidic residues and removes them safely from the body, while replacing important minerals that may have been leached out of the bones and tissues by an overly acidic diet and lifestyle. |
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The recommended starting dose is 3-5 capsules daily, depending on your level of acidity; this can then be reduced to a maintenance dose of 2 capsules daily after the first few days of monitoring your pH.
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Our Opinion and Recommendations About Alkalizing Supplements
People with a chronically inflammed bladder need to be very careful with what supplements they take into their bodies, since they are so very sensitive to many different agents including beneficial vitamins, minerals and other supplements.
With this in mind, the alkalizing supplement I recommend you try first is the AlkaLife® Drops. These drops are composed of simple mineral salts with no added ingredients, so they are very gentle and mild and not likely to adversely affect the sensitive bladder tissues..
The Buffer pH™ capsules can be taken if you have milder bladder symptoms or are not as sensitive to various ingredients, such as aloe vera. It works faster at regulating your body's pH, but it is a stronger formula. It may be beneficial to start with the AlkaLife® Drops and then add the VAXA® Buffer pH™ after a few weeks to accelerate improvement. |
7. Detoxify your Body
Eliminating your allergies, healing your "leaky gut syndrome" and alkalizing your body will go a long way in ensuring a return to health. Not only will colostrum and alkalizing products assist you in these areas, but they are also gentle cleansers and detoxifiers as well.
As I said before, sick, tired and hurting bodies are toxic bodies. In fact, if there is one thing that people with interstitial cystitis have in common, it is that they have a toxic body.
In fact, according to Catherine Simone, the author of "Along the Healing Path", people with interstitial bladder pain/inflammation have pretty much the epitome of a toxic body. The more severe the symptoms, the more toxic and sick the rest of the body.
The symptoms of a severely toxic body are exactly the same symptoms experienced by people with chronically inflamed bladders, including chemical sensitivities and allergies, inflamed and irritated mucous membranes, digestive disturbances, lowered immune system, and mysterious muscle and joint pain.
Catherine Simone states in no uncertain terms that until the toxins that are causing these symptoms in the first place are removed from the body, nothing else you do is really going to have a beneficial healing effect, since the same environment that caused the immune system breakdown is still present.
To put it bluntly, adding supplements and other healing agents to a toxic body is like putting good oil in a crappy engine - the supplements simply can't work as well and won't be nearly as effective. As some people with chronic diseases have found, healing supplements may seem to work for a short time and then stop working altogether.
In my opinion, this may be why some people who have had a chronically inflamed bladder for years and years seem to have very little improvement - all the good things they may be taking simply cannot work as well if the body environment is compromised.
So while I believe that taking colostrum and other supplements and using alkalizing products may definitely help over time for you like they did for me, I now firmly believe that detoxifying the body may further accelerate the healing process and reduce the time needed for healing.
Remember, it took me approximately one year to go from being extremely sick to having mild, intermittent symptoms with periodic flareups, and then another six months to having no symptoms at all. I had not been using any detoxifying products since I had a difficult time taking anything internally, even good things like vitamins and herbs.
An external detoxifying product we now offer is called EBN™ Detoxifying Clay Baths. I believe that using a detoxifying product such as this clay can accelerate your healing, so that you do not have to wait as long as I did to feel 100% better.
EBN™ (Evenbetternow) Detoxifying Bentonite Clay
EBN™ Detoxifying Clay is a simple, inexpensive, and extremely effective method of clearing the body of harmful metals, chemicals and other pollutants, all of which have been implicated in the breakdown of the immune system.
And the great thing about it is that it is not taken internally, so it will not irritate your already sensitive and inflamed bladder.
You can dump years worth of accumulated toxic metals and chemicals in a very short time, simply by taking a bath with this specially formulated clay!
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| Because I feel this product is such an important cornerstone for healing just about any toxin-related illness (which in my opinion is all of them), I have written about it extensively in our Chemical Toxicity report. |
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Questions?
Call Toll Free 877-562-6039 or 520-877-2637.
Or email your questions by clicking here.
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Take Advantage of Our Interstitial Support Paks |
Save
10% Off The List Price of Individual Products! |
| We
have put together our best interstitial
products into two convenient packs. Use
the Interstitial Support Paks to
help: |
- Relieve and Control Pain
- Reduce Inflammation
- Repair Bladder Lining
- Combat Autoimmune Reactions
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- Reduce Allergic Reactions
- Fight Infections
- Alkalize Your Body
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Basic
Interstitial Support Pak |
Comprehensive
Interstitial Support Pak |
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To
Purchase Products in the Above Support
Packs Separately,
Click on the Individual Product Link Above. |
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Customer Testimonies on using the Interstitial Support Paks |
"I would like to thank you very much for offering this Interstitial Support Pak. I finally can sleep at night and can't believe it is happening. I suffered for years from IC. My life was miserable and I wouldn't go anywhere without knowing where the rest room was. I am very grateful to you and words cannot express how I feel. God bless you."
- Asmaa B., Wellington, New Zealand
"I ordered the Intersitial Support Pak from Evenbetternow less than a month ago, and I can honestly say I have my life back. I am a nurse and have been amazed at how fast these products work. There is not one product that I coudn't rave about, but in the effort of saving time, I'm just going to say...Get the whole Pak. You won't be sorry."
-April J., Bloomfield, IN
"I have been taking the Basic Interstitial Support Pak since November of this year. I was in pain day and night with my bladder; it flet like I had to urinate all the time and it would burn and sting when I did urinate. I can not say it is all gone yet, but it is so very much improved. I still have to watch what I eat. I am also taking the Vaxa Buffer-pH+ capsules and bathing with the Evenbetternow Detox clay baths.
Thank you for the wonderful products you are selling to help millions of suffering people! And I must say your ordering department, namely CC, have helped me everytime I call. They answer all my questions and are very helpful. Thank you again."
- Betty R. Y., Prairie Grove, AR
"I have
only been using the Interstitial Support Pak
for a couple months now, but I am already seeing
a difference!! I have been on prescription
medication for a few years now, with minimal
results that seemed to be lessening over time.
Now I have switched to the Interstitial Support Pak
in hopes that I will be able to improve my
condition...not just mask the symptoms.
Thanks for
putting together this pack!"
- Michelle H.,
Phoenix, AZ
"I have had IC for 14 yrs. After 13 yrs. the Elimiron no longer worked. I started with the Basic Interstitial Support Pak and after 3 days began feeling better. Now after 8 months on this protocol, I feel much better than when I was taking Elimiron. I still get occasional bladder infections. I went to my urologist and told him what I was taking. Much to my surprise he began asking me questions about the natural treatment plan. He also asked to copy the information I had showed him so he could tell other patients about the plan. I was SHOCKED because he is a Kaiser doctor."
- Sallie R., Corona, CA
"I just wanted to thank you so much for your wonderful product!! Ive only been taking it for the past month but have seen great improvements. I've suffered with IC for the past couple of years and have seeked out multiple treatment options, but after using your Interstitial Support Pak products I have not had a flare up in the last month!! Thank you..Thank you..."
- Roberta P., Brooklyn, NY
"Since being diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis symptoms I chose to use natural supplements as an alternative to invasive procedures. I did a web search and found Evenbetternow and placed my order for the Interstitial Support Pak along with the book "Along the Healing Path" by Catherine Simone. After starting the supplements and following a strict diet I found relief from some of the pain. On a scale from 1 to 10 the pain level dropped to a 5 with in a couple of days.
Thank you EBN for your website and all the natural supplements.
Living Blessed and Blessing,"
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M. McMurry, Texas
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Click Here to Read More
Customer Testimonies >>> |
Additional
Supportive Products for Bladder Health |
Moducare® |
Silver Biotics™ |
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Moducare® is a patented blend of plant sterols and sterolins which help to restore, strengthen and balance your immune system.
Moducare® controls inflammation caused by excess interleukin-6 activity and regulates autoantibody reactions. |
Silver Biotics™ is the most scientifically studied colloidal silver on the market.
Silver Biotics™ is your first line of defense against harmful bacteria, yeast or viruses. It was proven to be 200-300% more effective than any other silver product. |
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ImmunoPro®
Whey Protein |
ThreeLac™ |
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ImmunoPro® Rx is the finest, biologically active, non-denatured whey protein powder on the market.
The most potent and the purest whey protein available anywhere, ImmunoPro® has the highest level of naturally occurring glutathione precursors. |
Nature's
Turn THREELAC™ is considered
to be one of the best choices among all
products sold for candida.
ThreeLac™ Candida Fighter clears
up candida and yeast infections completely
over the course of a number of months. |
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All the products on this page can be ordered from our secure shopping cart by clicking here.
To place your order by phone, call toll free 1-877-562-6039. International customers: call 520-877-2637. |
Author's
Story of Recovery From Interstitial Cystitis
As owner and founder of
Evenbetternow, LLC, I [Andrea Nichols] wish to share my
story with you so that you may know that
I did indeed have the same or similar
symptoms that you may be experiencing.
Click Here to Read
My Full Recovery Story >>>
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