Beer, alcohol, coffee, processed foods, and fruits contain a lot of acid, which increases the feeling of needing to urinate and urgent urination, which is not beneficial for people with overactive bladder.
Overactive bladder is a condition in which the bladder contracts excessively even when there is little urine. Symptoms of the disease include frequent urge to urinate, low urine output, uncontrolled urination, urinary incontinence, urinary incontinence… The exact cause of the disease is still unclear but is related to changes in the body. bladder and the nerves that control bladder function. Below are some foods and drinks that stimulate the bladder, making symptoms worse.
Carbonated drinks
Carbonated, sugary drinks like soda negatively impact bladder function. Carbonate causes irritation, sugar irritates the bladder. Sodas containing caffeine also cause the body to increase the amount of urine excreted.
Coffee
Coffee, tea, and energy drinks all contain caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and can make people urinate more. They also contain acid, which can cause bladder discomfort. People with overactive bladder should choose caffeine-free drinks, low-acid coffee, and non-acid herbal teas.
Dark chocolate
The caffeine and sugar content in dark chocolate are not beneficial for people with overactive bladder. Limit chocolate and don’t eat it late at night. You can replace it with white chocolate because it has no or less caffeine.
Citrus fruits
Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and lemons are all acidic, making it difficult to control the urge to urinate, whether eating or drinking juice. Pineapple and cranberries are not part of the citrus family but are similarly acidic and are not beneficial for overactive bladder.
People with overactive bladder should avoid acidic fruits such as oranges and tangerines. Image: Bao Bao
Tomato
Tomato foods such as spaghetti sauce and tomato paste are highly acidic, making urine also more acidic. This is the agent that irritates the bladder and increases the symptoms of overactive bladder.
Beer and wine
Beer and alcohol in any form increase the need to urinate. Alcoholic drinks also disrupt the signals between the brain and the bladder that send signals when to urinate.
Hot spicy food
Spicy foods can affect the bladder lining and cause chronic bladder pain. If you eat too much spicy food, you are also at risk of developing bowel problems.
Dairy products
Milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream are common bladder irritants.
Spice
Many condiments such as soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, mayonnaise… contain acids or ingredients that are not good for sensitive bladders. Spice up your meals with bladder-friendly spices like rosemary, dill, thyme and garlic.
Prepared foods
Artificial flavors, preservatives, and additives can irritate the bladder. Check product labels carefully when buying processed foods and increase your intake of fresh vegetables and whole grains for your meals.
Overactive bladder seriously affects the patient’s quality of life and psychology. In the long term, the disease can lead to a number of complications such as ulcers, itching, and skin rashes around the private area; UTIs, increased risk of falls in the elderly and increased risk of recurrence after treatment.
People with symptoms of the disease need to see a doctor to determine the severity, diagnose the cause, and get appropriate treatment. Overactive bladder can be effectively treated with many methods, from non-invasive methods such as lifestyle changes, nutrition, medication, to invasive methods such as Botox injections and nerve stimulation.