Foods that often irritate the bladder include caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, acidic foods (like tomatoes, citrus), spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners, as these can increase urgency and frequency; however, triggers are individual, so keeping a food diary helps identify personal irritants.
You should start by eliminating, or at least cutting down, on the top seven irritants: coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and cigarettes. You should allow at least two weeks without the food or drink before noticing any change in your bladder control.
The best foods for overactive bladder include:
Foods that have been known to amplify overactive bladder symptoms include:
The following might reduce overactive bladder symptoms:
Water is the best option for the bladder and for general health. Diluted cordial / squash drinks. Diluted fruit juice. Many fruit and herbal teas.
The medical team at Atlantic Urogynecology Associates recommends certain acidic foods to avoid, which are considered irritants to the urinary tract:
Anticholinergic drugs treat OAB by helping the bladder muscle to relax. Common medications include oxybutynin, tolterodine and solifenacin.
“While yogurt is naturally acidic,” explains Barth, “the high level of probiotics (beneficial bacteria) that it contains actually benefit the urinary tract.” “We recommend probiotics all the time, for bladder pain and to prevent urinary tract infections,” adds Dr. Slopnick.
Fruits – while some fruits, especially citrus, can irritate the bladder, it's still important to incorporate them into your diet. Bananas, apples, grapes, coconut, and watermelon are good options for those with overactive bladder.
Drink water.
Staying hydrated is vital. Aim to drink at least two liters, about 64 ounces, of water daily. This rule holds true for most, unless they have a condition like a heart problem or are following their doctor's advice. Drinking water throughout the day helps to dilute urine and prevent kidney stones.
Medications, alcohol and caffeine.
All of these can dull your nerves, which affect signals to your brain and cause your bladder to overflow. Diuretics and caffeine may cause your bladder to fill rapidly and potentially leak.
Symptoms of cystitis in adults include:
In general, you will want to avoid coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, tomato-based products, artificial sweeteners and spicy foods. Read on to learn about 10 bladder-friendly foods. Pears.
Best Foods for Bladder Health
caffeine (i.e., coffee, tea, energy drinks and soda) carbonation (beer, soda, seltzer or tonic water) citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruits, lemons) chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
ngredients like pumpkin seeds, quinoa, and leafy greens that contain magnesium can help reduce bladder spasms and support muscle relaxation, making them ideal for managing overactive bladder symptoms.
Drinking fluids helps people recover from a UTI. The best things to drink when you have a UTI are water, low-sugar electrolyte drinks, and unsweetened cranberry juice. You should avoid drinks that can irritate your bladder when you have a UTI like caffeinated beverages, acidic drinks, and alcohol.
Blueberries, bananas, watermelon, pears, papaya, and apricots are generally “safe” fruits that should not irritate the bladder.
Studies have also found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of pelvic floor disorders. And, in one study of older women, the risk of developing urinary incontinence was 45% lower among those with normal vitamin D levels.
Certain foods can cause urinary frequency and urgency:
Spicy foods. Citrus fruits and juices. Carbonated beverages. Milk and milk products.
Surgery to decrease the overactivity of the bladder muscle
InterStim therapy helps control urinary problems through an implanted device that sends mild electrical impulses via a thin wire to the sacral nerves that control the bladder, sphincter, and pelvic floor muscles.
Let's explore our list of acidic foods to help you understand better and align your diet accordingly.
Other vitamins: the evidence is limited, but some studies suggest that high-dose intake of fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D) and folic acid may cause adverse events, including increased urination frequency 5.
It is because of the high acidic levels that can irritate your bladder. If you are trying to eliminate foods that cause bladder leakage, then try avoiding these types of fruits. Apart from citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes, other acidic fruits may include pineapples, strawberries, grapes, and apples.