Are you struggling with recurrent UTIs, bladder pain, or interstitial cystitis and wondering why the symptoms keep coming back? Could aloe vera, hormone support, and new approaches to women’s pelvic health offer better options for UTI prevention and chronic bladder symptoms?
In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest and a leading advocate for women’s pelvic health. We’re talking about a topic that affects so many women but often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: chronic bladder symptoms and interstitial cystitis. Heather explains why IC can feel so much like a UTI that never goes away, why women can spend years searching for the right diagnosis, and what newer research is teaching us about the different causes of bladder and pelvic pain.
We also get nerdy about aloe vera and the research behind using it to support the bladder lining, including what makes certain forms of aloe different from what you might find at the grocery or health food store. Heather walks us through the connection between bladder health and hormones, why symptoms may become more common during menopause and post-menopause, and how declining estrogen may affect the tissues of the bladder and pelvic region.
And we don’t stop at interstitial cystitis. We talk about recurrent UTIs, why D-mannose may not address every type of UTI-causing bacteria, and some of the newer research Heather and her team are exploring around lactoferrin, endometriosis, iron balance, Hashimoto’s, and thyroid health. If you’ve been dealing with chronic bladder symptoms, pelvic pain, hormonal changes, or recurring UTIs and feel like you’re still searching for answers, this conversation will give you some fascinating new things to explore.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. If you are under the care of a healthcare professional or currently use prescription medications, you should discuss any dietary changes or potential dietary supplement use with your doctor, and should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your doctor. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.
In This Episode:
- [02:45] How Desert Harvest got its start in 1993
- [08:20] Why interstitial cystitis is often misdiagnosed or completely missed in women
- [10:45] New research reveals 3 distinct categories of interstitial cystitis
- [12:40] Desert Harvest products that are currently undergoing drug trials
- [15:10] How does aloe vera work inside the bladder?
- [19:45] Why does IC happen in the first place?
- [25:15] Continued fears around HRT keep women feeling sick
- [29:04] Can SSAV be combined with HRT to be even more useful for women with IC?
- [26:05] The risks and benefits of using telehealth for HRT
- [32:50] Supporting healthy iron levels throughout life and menstruation
- [34:35] How can Desert Harvest products support chronic UTIs?
- [38:50] New developments working on products for people with thyroid problems
Find more from Heather online:
Website: https://desertharvest.com/
Instagram: @desertharvestaloevera
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesertHarvest/
Connect with Sophie:
Instagram: @shetalkshealth
Website: shetalkshealth.com
Thyroid Breakthrough Call: https://thyroidhealthaudit.shetalkshealth.com/thyroid-health-audit
Apply to work with us: www.shetalkshealth.com/call
The Mineral Reset (HTMA): https://shethrives.shetalkshealth.com/htma-package
Mineral Mocktail (get your energy back now!: https://shetalkshealth.com/mineral-mocktail-guide/
Stop guessing with your thyroid & Get Answers Now: https://ace.shetalkshealth.com/home-front
