How does Diet affect Bladder Health? (2024)

Introduction

The bladder is a hollow organ that holds urine. It is situated in the lower abdomen and resembles a balloon. Once our bodies have processed the nutrients from our food and drink, urine contains waste and excess fluid.

People excrete about 1.5 quarts of urine from the body each day through their bladders. The bladder changes with aging. Toughening and diminished elasticity may occur in the elastic bladder tissue. Because the bladder is less flexible, it may need to use the toilet more frequently because it cannot contain as much pee as it once could. Urinating may become more difficult due to weakening pelvic floor and bladder wall muscles.

Can Diet Help an Overactive Bladder?

Certain foods and beverages may aggravate the bladder or urinary tract if they have an overactive bladder.

An increase in the following symptoms may result from this:

  • Frequent need to go to the toilet

  • Bladder contractions.

  • Incontinence in the urine.

Generally speaking, being hydrated is beneficial to general health. However, consuming more fluids usually translates into more toilet visits if one has an overactive bladder. Carbonated drinks have the potential to exacerbate the symptoms even worse.

What Foods Cause One to Pee a Lot?

A person may experience more frequent restroom breaks due to irritations found in some foods and drinks that might worsen overactive bladder symptoms.

What Foods Calm the Bladder?

According to the American Urological Association, certain foods may also help soothe sensitive bladders.

  • Pears.

  • Bananas.

  • Whole grains.

  • Almonds.

  • Squash.

  • Potatoes.

  • Lean proteins.

How To Improve Bladder Health?

Bladder health can be maintained and improved by a variety of lifestyle, dietary, and bladder care aspects, such as:

1. Bladder-Related:

Empty the bladder regularly and whenever necessary (avoid "holding on"). A typical bladder needs to urinate every 3 to 4 hours.

2. Perform Exercises for the Pelvic Floor.

Avoid things that encourage the formation of bacteria, such as wiping after sexual activity, using cotton pants, and wearing tight clothing.

3. In Terms of Lifestyle:

  • Maintain a healthy body weight.

  • Engage in regular exercise.

  • Give up smoking.

  • Prevent being constipated.

4. Regarding Food and Beverages:

  • Consume enough liquids, particularly water.

  • Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

  • Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine.

5. While Urinating, Maintain a Comfortable Posture:

Bladder evacuation will be facilitated by a relaxed bladder surrounding muscle. The best position for ladies to relax is to sit on the toilet seat, as hovering over it may make it difficult.

6. Take Enough Time to Empty the Bladder When Urinating Fully:

One might not be able to empty their bladder if they rush to urinate completely. Long-term bladder retention can increase the risk of developing a bladder infection.

7. Urinate Following a Sexual Encounter:

Bacteria can enter the urethral hole through sexual activity from the colon or vagin*l cavity. To reduce the chance of infection, both men and women should urinate soon after sex.

8. Exercise the Muscles of the Pelvic Floor:

Exercises for the pelvic floor, also known as Kegel exercises, help the bladder hold pee. Regular exercise can strengthen these muscles, helping to prevent pee from leaking when one laughs, coughs, sneezes, raises anything, or feels the urgent urge to urinate. Because these exercises strengthen the muscles involved in bladder emptying, they may also help prevent infections.

9. Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Overweight individuals may be more likely to leak urine. Eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can facilitate maintaining a healthy weight.

10. Boost Fiber Consumption:

Increasing the intake of foods high in fiber is one of the best ways to support bladder health. A good overactive bladder diet must include fiber, which is included in various foods from the bean and lentil family, and some whole-grain items that one may already have on one's grocery list.

11. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing and Cotton Pants:

Wearing airy, cotton garments will help maintain the urethra's dry environment. Nylon and tight-fitting pants can retain moisture and promote the growth of bacteria.

How Can OneCalm an Overactive Bladder Naturally?

It may require some trial and error to create an irritant-free diet. Consuming the necessary amount of nutrients is crucial throughout this period. People can find it advantageous to add a daily multivitamin as a dietary supplement. Studies have indicated that vitamin D and calcium may lessen OAB symptoms. It is advisable to see a physician before incorporating any supplements or nutrition drinks into one's diet. Certain components have the potential to negatively affect general health or conflict with the prescription.

Furthermore, there are additional things one may do if they have OAB to help reduce the symptoms, such as:

  • Urine timing is a key component of bladder training, which helps the bladder become accustomed to retaining pee for extended periods of time.

  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegel exercises can help one gain more control over when and how much one urinates.

  • OTC (over-the-counter) Drugs: In between bathroom breaks, several medications can help relax the muscles in your bladder, giving you more control.

Conclusion

Nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy bladder, regardless of whether one suffers from incontinence or is providing care for a parent or kid who does. One of the many benefits of eating a more vegetable-rich diet is better bladder health. Kale and cauliflower are examples of vegetables high in calcium and vitamin C, which assist kidney function. Potatoes and maize both contain a lot of magnesium, aiding bladder emptying. Even though there is no specific treatment for incontinence, incorporating even a few of these suggestions into the regular diet will significantly enhance the bladder's health. The food adjustments mentioned above may also help people lose weight, which is one of the best strategies to improve urinary incontinence.

How does Diet affect Bladder Health? (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 6375

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.