Having an overactive bladder can make almost any task a difficult one. Trying to sleep at night with the constant urge to urinate can be more than just irritating – it can prevent you from getting any real rest. And a long car ride to visit family? Completely out of the question, unless you’ve planned out your rest stops ahead of time.
So what can you do to reduce the annoying symptoms of an overactive bladder? Some research suggests that changing your diet and avoiding certain foods may help you manage your condition and reduce the urgency and frequency of urination. Below are four of the most common foods to avoid in order to better manage your overactive bladder.
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Spices: Bad news for those of you that enjoy hot wings or wasabi with your sushi – spicy foods have been found to irritate the lining of your bladder and worsen the symptoms associated with an overactive bladder. While spices may be out of the question, that doesn’t mean you’re sentenced to a life of bland meals. Try using herbs that won’t bother your bladder to add flavor to your dishes. (Increase circulation, energy, and more with this “fountain of health” berry.)
Acidic foods: Cranberry juice, orange juice, and even tomatoes can worsen the symptoms of an overactive bladder as the acidity in these foods and drinks irritates the bladder’s lining. Try to avoid citrus fruits and juices, and instead opt for fruits or juices made from produce like apples or pears.
Diuretics: It should go without saying, but avoiding drinks that are diuretics like coffee and alcohol can reduce the frequency and urgency of the need to urinate. The caffeine in coffee is a double whammy, not only acting as a diuretic, but irritating the bladder too, meaning it can exacerbate your symptoms that much more.
Added sugars and artificial sweeteners: For some, real sugar and/or artificial sweeteners may worsen the effects of an overactive bladder, so it is recommended that sufferers steer clear of foods and drinks that contain either of these. Most notably, diet sodas can be especially irritating to the bladder as they contain caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and carbonation – all of which can aggravate symptoms and irritate the lining of the bladder. (Astonishing bladder-strengthening discovery improves symptoms.)
Living with an overactive bladder can be difficult, especially when planning outings where a bathroom may not always be available. Prevent worsening of your symptoms and ease the frequency and urgency with which they occur by avoiding foods like sweeteners, diuretics, acidic foods, and spices.
Related: Overactive bladder diet: Foods and drinks to manage bladder health
