Having an ever-present intense and frequent need to urinate shows you have an overactive bladder. Managing incontinence by avoiding some foods and drinks can make a real difference in how your bladder works.
There are certain foods and drinks to avoid to control incontinence. Although there is no definite diet for a person with incontinence, the amount of food and drink you consume affects your symptoms. Therefore, learning to control their intake will help slow down these adverse effects.
Understanding Incontinence
Incontinence or urinary incontinence is the sudden urge to urinate caused by the loss of bladder control. A normal bladder will hold an average of 250ml of urine when full, which slightly varies in women and men.
When your bladder becomes full, it signals the brain, creating the urge to pee. As a result, the bladder stops expanding to create more room for urine and starts to contract, ready to expel the urine. Simultaneously, the sphincter valve (which prevents urine from leaking from the urethra) and the pelvic muscles relax to allow flow.
In people with incontinence, the bladder contracts suddenly, failing to signal the urge to urinate or the feeling of fullness. One then gets a sudden urge to pee, despite the bladder being near empty.
The severity of the symptoms differs from one person to another. For example, some people may sometimes leak urine if they laugh, cough, or sneeze, which can be embarrassing. Others get such a sudden, strong urge to pee that they are unable to hold the urine in and end up wetting themselves.
Although urine incontinence is shared among the elderly, it is not a normal part of the ageing process. For example, an infection may cause urge incontinence, a frequent need to go, which is treatable.
Other times, it may be due to stress or if one suffers from diabetes or a brain disorder. Despite this, most people will experience a reduction in their symptoms once they change the food and drinks they consume.
Drinks to consume with incontinence and when you should have them.
Water is the safest and most important drink to consume if you have incontinence. Stay adequately hydrated throughout the day by taking regular sips of water between your meals. If you are not working out, avoid drinking vast amounts.
Instead, drink small sips to avoid overfilling your bladder. Proper water intake will be evident through light-coloured or colourless urine.
You can also regulate your fluid intake by taking soups from vegetables or meat products.
Drinks that can increase the urge to pee
Drinks, especially those that contain caffeine and artificial sugars, can trigger incontinence. For example, coffee contains caffeine, which increases the urge to urinate. Additionally, it’s worth considering the impact of sweeteners on oral health. If you’re curious and questioned ” is sucralose bad for your teeth ” then check articles that will help you in those cases so that you’ll be aware on those beverages.
Similar effects occur when you take other beverages with caffeine, such as energy drinks, sodas, and some types of teas. Additionally, avoid alcoholic drinks, carbonated sodas, acidic fruit juices from oranges or tomatoes, and drinks with artificial sweeteners.
Foods to consume with incontinence
Foods such as citrus fruits containing high amounts of acid can aggravate incontinence symptoms. Instead, eat less acidic fruits such as berries and pears, which contain antioxidants that help fight diseases in our bodies.
Some people also find that spicy food increases their symptoms. Also, cut back on candy and salted junk food items like nuts and potato crisps as they make you thirsty, increasing your fluid intake.
Instead, consume foods that contain low amounts of salt. In addition, eat plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins, proteins, and fibre-rich foods.
Conclusion
Start a food diary if your symptoms do not improve despite changing foods and drinks to control incontinence. First, note down the foods and fluids you consume and their effects on your urination frequency.
Afterwards, begin eliminating one item from your diet at a time to narrow down what affects you. If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
