7 Foods to Avoid if You Have an Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that causes sudden and frequent urination. You don’t want to make an already difficult situation worse. Consuming certain foods or beverages can make a condition worse. They act as triggers for overactive bladder. Sometimes you might feel an even greater need to go than usual. You might also experience bladder spasms and pains. You might be able to relax more if you avoid certain foods.
To avoid overactive bladder triggers, you should reevaluate your diet.
One of the most important lifestyle changes you can make is changing your diet and eliminating trigger foods that cause an overactive bladder. It may seem not easy to give up your favourite foods and drinks. Think about the small sacrifices that can make a big difference in your ability to control your overactive bladder. It may not take long to realize how an OAB diet can improve your quality of living. You can track your food and toileting habits with an app on your smartphone or a journal. This will help you identify your triggers. You can then make a list of what triggers you to go to the bathroom or writhe in pain and avoid those items.
Spicy Foods
It’s possible to enjoy spicy foods that are delicious and flavorful. Although spicy foods can be delicious and tempting for your taste buds, they can also cause problems in your bladder. The reason is that spices can inflame your bladder’s lining, which causes it to explode. Sometimes, spicy food can cause bladder pain. You can enjoy your favourite dishes in a milder but still bladder-friendly manner.
Citrus Fruits and Juices
People with an overactive bladder should avoid citrus juices and fruits containing citric acid. Because acidic foods can cause urine to have a higher acidity, they are generally problematic. OAB occurs when more acidic urine is stored in the bladder. You might experience bladder spasms or need to go more frequently. There is also the possibility of experiencing some leaks. Keep this in mind when you are trying to reduce or eliminate your intake of:
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruit
If you can’t stomach the idea of giving up orange juice, another option is to switch to low-acid juices.
Tomatoes and tomato-based products
Acidic tomatoes and other tomato-based products include tomatoes. Acidic ingredients like tomatoes, salsa, and marinara sauce can cause bladder irritation, leading to spasms, pain, increased urgency, and more frequent urination.
Caffeinated Foods and Beverages
This one will be more difficult for some people, but you may need to give up caffeine. Although a morning cup of coffee can help you feel more awake, it can also cause bladder irritation. Caffeine can cause you to need to get up earlier than usual and do so more often. This is true for all caffeine-containing foods and drinks, including tea, chocolate, and medications. Decaffeinated tea and coffee should be avoided. These teas contain very little caffeine and can cause problems for sensitivity to it.
Carbonated beverages
It is possible to look for alternatives to soda, seltzer water, or other carbonated beverages. Carbonation can irritate your bladder and increase OAB symptoms. Instead of drinking sparkling water, switch to still water. Still, water is a better choice than sparkling water because you don’t want to drink too much fluid. This can cause highly concentrated urine, which can cause irritation to your bladder and increase your urge to go.
Sweeteners
You should be cautious about satisfying your sweet tooth if you have one. Artificial sweeteners, sugar, honey, and other sweeteners can irritate your bladder, making it more difficult to manage.
Alcohol
It might be worth considering whether beer, wine, or martini are your preferred way of celebrating the end of a long day of work. Overactive bladder symptoms can be triggered by alcohol. Dehydrating alcohol can cause more concentrated urine, which can irritate your bladder.