An overactive bladder is when the muscles of the bladder are out of your control, and they start contracting involuntarily. The bladder isn’t necessarily full when this happens, but the urge to urinate can be intense enough to cause leaks before you can make it to the bathroom.
Generally, bladder leakages and urinary incontinence aren’t conditions that can be treated with minimal changes in diet. However, some foods and drinks can significantly impact your poor bladder habits. When these diet changes are incorporated into a treatment plan and other approaches, you may be able to improve your bladder’s health.
Here’s what we suggest.
Be Mindful Of the Beverages You Consume
Many people make the mistake of drinking less water when dealing with an overactive bladder—but that can actually make the problem worse.
Ideally, you should balance your fluid intake and stay well-hydrated. This means drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily while avoiding caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee. Also, drinking citrusy drinks can irritate the bladder and result in bladder issues for some people. But cranberry juice is highly recommended to prevent bacterial growth in the bladder, so it could be a good idea to try it first.
Whole Grains Are Great
Whole grains are packed with lots of nutrients and fiber. And since fiber can regulate your bowels, you need it in your diet.
The bowels are close to the bladder, and when full, they may add pressure on the bladder, resulting in more bathroom runs. So it would be best to include lots of brown rice, bread, and pasta in your diet!
Spices May Not Be a Great Option For You
Some people with an overactive bladder may not react very well to spices. If you find yourself rushing to the bathroom more often than ever after a hot and spicy meal—you could be one of them.
The best solution is to simply stay away from spicy foods. Spices may be irritating your bladder lining and creating the urge to urinate. Cut back on spices for a few days to see if it improves your condition slightly.
These are some simple suggestions for your diet. If you’re looking for more detailed guidance for your OAB-friendly diet or need other solutions for a leaky bladder, reach out to Dr. Shelia Whiteman at The Pelvic Coach.
She’s one of the best pelvic health therapists and can guide you toward holistic bladder leakage solutions.
Get in touch with us to learn more. If you are concerned about bladder leaks there is a free online presentation that will help you on the journey to reducing and eliminating your bladder leaks. Please visit www.thepelviccoach.com/free for more information.
