4 foods to avoid if you have overactive bladder

Portia Arthur

November 28, 2018 1:53 PM

Here are certain foods that can irritate the bladder or urinary tract.

Tea and coffee

Overactive bladder, sometimes known as urge incontinence, is a problem that results in a sudden urge to urinate and potential loss of bladder control.

A number of factors affect this condition. One factor is fluid intake volume; the more fluid you drink, the more you’ll have to urinate. Smoking is also a factor. Smoking irritates the bladder muscle, and spasms caused by smoker’s cough can result in urine leakage.

Coffee and tea

Coffee and tea contain caffeine which increases bladder activity and result in exacerbated symptoms, including higher urgency and frequency of urination, as well as increased incontinence. Reducing or eliminating caffeine intake or switching to decaffeinated varieties can decrease symptoms.

Chocolate

Like coffee and tea, a serving of chocolate also contains some caffeine — about 1/4 the amount in a cup of coffee. Try white chocolate, which usually doesn’t have caffeine, or dark chocolate, which contains more cocoa and might satisfy your craving with a smaller amount.

Oranges, limes, and lemons

Citrus fruits like oranges, limes, lemons and grapefruits contain high amounts of citric acid, which can worsen bladder control. You can include less acidic kinds such as apples or bananas to your diet for a balanced diet.

Alcoholic beverages

Beer, wine and liquor are beverages you should avoid if you have an overactive bladder. Alcohol can irritate the bladder and disrupt the signals to your brain that make you aware of bladder overflow.

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Portia Arthur