What are the foods you should avoid if you suffer from urinary incontinence?
Although some people suffering from urinary incontinence may be able to improve or even eliminate bladder problems through appropriate medical treatment, there are other people to whom this option is not valid. And it is precisely for these people that our incontinence products are indicated. We also recommend some lifestyle changes, and one of them is nutrition.
There are many foods and eating habits that can significantly influence the bladder movement. In this article, we tell you what you need to know.
The following are some precautions you can follow to win your fight against urinary incontinence.
Food you should Avoid
- Alcohol. Alcohol is often related to health problems, and bladder problems are no exception. This is because alcohol reduces control over the signals that come from the brain and that let you know when the bladder is full and needs to be emptied.
- Caffeine. Foods and drinks that contain caffeine cause a strong urge to urinate and push the body to get rid of fluids. If you can, try to eliminate caffeine from your diet, or at least try to limit its consumption to 100 mg per day. But whatever you do, be sure to avoid all foods and drinks that contain caffeine after 19:00. Foods and drink containing caffeine to avoid are:
- Coffee
- Tee
- Carbonated drinks
- Energy drinks
- Chocolate
- Spicy foods. Avoid spicy seasonings like horseradish or chili pepper, because, like caffeine, these foods can irritate the bladder lining and cause urinary incontinence problems.
- Sour fruit. Citrus fruits and some drinks, as well as tropical fruits (such as pineapple) and tomatoes, are acidic foods and irritate the bladder, causing a strong urge to urinate.
- Carbonated drinks. Carbonated drinks, even if caffeine-free, are not good for a sensitive bladder, due to the carbon dioxide present in their composition.
- Sweeteners. Sugar, honey, corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners can cause some disturbs to the bladder, so be sure to consume them in moderation.
- Dairy product. Milk and other dairy products often cause bladder irritation. Cream cheeses, especially sour cream and aged cheese, can be too difficult to handle.
- Preservatives. Additives, preservatives and artificial flavors happen frequently to irritate the bladder, so be careful to read the nutritional labels before buying them.
- Apples, bananas, and grapes. For some people, these fruits can trigger the urge to go to the bathroom, so it's best to avoid them if you're unable to tolerate them.
- Blueberry juice. Although blueberries can help to avoid bladder infections and urinary tract infections, many people mistakenly believe that they can help fight urinary incontinence. The truth is, however, that due to the acidic PH present in them, blueberries are not good for an overactive bladder and should be avoided.
There are some general rules for following a correct diet if you suffer from incontinence, but we always advise you to contact your doctor for a personalized food plan based on your specific case.