What Are the 8 Foods and Drinks That Irritate Your Bladder?

Your diet is more than just a source of energy and nutrition. It can significantly impact the health of your bladder. If you have an overactive bladder, you may experience intense, sudden urges to urinate, especially during the night. You can have bladder irritation if you eat or drink certain things—even if you don’t have an overactive bladder. They can be triggered by certain irritants. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help you reduce sudden bathroom trips. In this blog, we will discuss the 8 types of food and drink that can upset your bladder. Additionally, you can buy Myrbetriq tablets to help manage the symptoms.

8 Foods & Drinks to Avoid to Improve Your Bladder Health

If you have interstitial cystitis, a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall, or if you have a urinary tract infection, you may find that certain meals irritate your bladder. Keeping your bladder healthy means avoiding the following foods and drinks which are known to irritate it: 

1. Citrus (Acidic Foods)

Citrus or acidic fruits, although rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, can be problematic for individuals with sensitive bladders. Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit contain acidic compounds that may irritate the bladder lining, potentially triggering discomfort and urgency. However, this doesn’t mean you must say goodbye to all fruits. You can opt for bladder-friendly alternatives like apples, pears, and blueberries, which provide essential nutrients and fiber and assist in preventing constipation, a common concern for those with overactive bladders.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes, often considered a staple in many diets, can be problematic for those prone to bladder sensitivity. They contain a compound called tyramine, which can contribute to bladder irritation. While they offer nutritional benefits, balancing their consumption with other non-irritating vegetables can help support bladder health. Additional tactics include:

• Incorporating sliced carrots.
• Leaving a potato or carrot in the mix to absorb acidity.
• Introducing heavy cream for a milder taste.
• A pinch of baking soda to neutralize acidity.

With these smart strategies, you can still savor the rich flavors of tomato-based dishes while safeguarding your bladder health.

3. Caffeinated Beverages

Your addiction to caffeine may come at a cost to your bladder, especially for the older population. It acts as both a diuretic and a bladder irritant, intensifying urine production and sensitivity. It is advised to moderate or limit coffee or tea intake to one cup. Additionally, caffeine is also present in cocoa and chocolate, so keeping tabs on your overall consumption is crucial for bladder well-being. A 2020 study published in Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports investigated the impact of caffeine on OAB symptoms. The study found that caffeine consumption can be associated with de novo OAB symptoms or their exacerbation, and those effects have been found to be dose-dependent. 

4. Alcohol

While a glass of wine may seem relaxing, alcohol can have a diuretic effect on the bladder, leading to increased urine production. Additionally, alcohol is known to irritate the bladder lining, potentially causing inflammation and discomfort. Understanding the diuretic nature of alcohol is crucial for those seeking to manage bladder health, highlighting the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption for a more comfortable and controlled bathroom routine. 

5. Added Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

Both natural sugar and synthetic sweeteners, like Splenda, may exacerbate symptoms of overactive bladder. Even when sweetening your tomato sauce, moderation is key. If they trigger bladder issues, consider minimizing their use or eliminating them from your diet. Being mindful of sugar and sweetener intake is essential for those aiming to manage OAB symptoms, and adjusting these choices can potentially contribute to a more comfortable and bladder-friendly lifestyle.

6. Carbonated Drinks

To sidestep an irritated bladder, consider reducing your intake of sodas and carbonated drinks. Also, sodas frequently encompass a mix of caffeine, sugar, or artificial sweeteners, all known triggers for overactive bladder issues. Being aware of these components in carbonated drinks can aid in making informed choices to support bladder health. Opting for alternative beverages without these irritants may provide a more comfortable and bladder-friendly experience.

7. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

It is well-known for enhancing flavors and is not just a restaurant staple; it’s also identified as a bladder irritant by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If monosodium glutamate sensitivity concerns you, careful label-reading becomes crucial. Check the ingredients of soups, salad dressings, stocks, canned vegetables, frozen entrées, and products incorporating soy protein to ensure they’re MSG-free. By staying vigilant about your food choices, you can sidestep this potential bladder irritant, allowing you to savor your meals without the risk of discomfort or irritation.

8. Too Much or Too Little Fluid

Maintaining a balanced approach to liquid intake is vital for bladder health. Overloading on drinks can exacerbate bladder discomfort, while insufficient intake may result in overly concentrated urine, increasing the urge to urinate, notes The American Urogynecology Association. Individual hydration needs also hinge on activity levels, and listening to your body’s signals, such as thirst, is crucial. Striking this liquid balance ensures optimal bladder function and promotes overall well-being, allowing you to respond effectively to your body’s hydration cues.

What Foods Calm an Overactive Bladder?

It is important to keep in mind that while certain foods are commonly irritants, everybody is different, and what one person finds irritating may not affect another. When you don’t keep a close eye on what you eat, it’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint which foods trigger you. Here are some foods that you can incorporate into your diet:

1. Opt for lean proteins like fish, turkey, chicken, and low-fat beef to fuel your body without overloading your bladder. If you’re steering clear of meat, eggs are an excellent protein alternative.
2. Fiber-rich foods play a crucial role in preventing constipation, which can strain your bladder. Almonds, pears, oats, lentils, raspberries, and beans are satisfying choices to boost fiber intake.
3. While some fruits may irritate the bladder, incorporating bladder-friendly options is still essential. Bananas, grapes, apples, watermelon, and coconut are tasty and safe choices for those with an overactive bladder.
4. Load up on vegetables like kale, broccoli, cucumber, lettuce, squash, potatoes, celery, carrots, and bell peppers to infuse your meals with nutrients.
5. Nuts and whole grains such as oats, farro, barley, and quinoa not only provide essential nutrients but also contribute to a well-balanced, bladder-friendly diet.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Bladder Healthy?

People’s bladders change as they age. There is a possibility that the elastic bladder tissue will toughen and become less flexible. Here are some tips you can consider to keep it healthy, even if you can’t control everything that affects it:

1. Make sure you use the bathroom often and when necessary. You need to pass urine a minimum of three to four times an hour. If you hold urine in your bladder for too long, it can deplete your bladder muscles and increase the chances of getting an infection.
2. If you are urinating, be in a relaxed position. You can empty your bladder more easily if you relax the muscles around it. Sitting on the toilet seat is best for women because balancing over the toilet seat can make it hard to relax.
3. If you are urinating, take sufficient time to completely empty your bladder. You may not be able to empty it if you rush when you urinate fully. An infection can occur if urine stays in the bladder too long.
4. If you use the toilet, wipe the front and back of the toilet with a damp cloth. To prevent gut bacteria from entering the urethra, women should wipe from front to back. After a bowel movement, this step is most important.
5. Make sure you urinate after intercourse. Bacteria can be moved from the bowel or vaginal cavity to the urethra during sexual activity. It is recommended that both men and women urinate shortly after intercourse to reduce the risk of infection.
6. Exercise your pelvic floor muscles. By performing pelvic floor exercises or Kegel exercises, you will be able to hold your urine in your bladder. You can strengthen these muscles through daily exercise, which will prevent urine leakage when you cough, sneeze, lift, laugh, or have the urge to urinate suddenly. Strengthening the muscles that help empty the bladder may also help prevent infections.
7. Wear cotton undergarments and clothes that are loose-fitting. This will keep the area around the urethra dry. Nylon underclothing and tight-fitting pants can trap moisture and promote bacterial growth.
8. Engage in regular exercise to prevent constipation and bladder problems. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight. Overweight people may have a higher risk of leaking urine.
9. Keep yourself hydrated, especially with water. Human bodies are made up of more than half water, so drinking enough water is important. You need different amounts of water based on your weight, activity level, and location. Drink enough fluids that you need to urinate every few hours.
10. Constipation, or the accumulation of stool in the colon, can put pressure on the bladder and prevent it from expanding properly. A high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, and being physically active can help prevent this.
11. People who smoke are more likely to have bladder problems. The risk of bladder cancer can also be increased by smoking. 
12. Your bladder may leak urine more often if you take certain medications. Some medications that calm the nerves so that you can sleep may dull the bladder’s nerves, making it harder to feel the urge to urinate.

What Medicine Helps Manage OAB Symptoms?

Myrbetriq (mirabegron) works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the bladder, helping to increase the bladder’s storage capacity and reduce the urgency to urinate. It stimulates beta-3 adrenergic receptors in the detrusor muscle of the bladder. By activating these receptors, the medicine promotes the relaxation of the bladder muscle during the storage phase of the bladder function. This results in increased bladder capacity and decreased episodes of urgency, frequency, and incontinence associated with OAB. It is important to use the medicine under the supervision and prescription of a healthcare professional. Additionally, you can buy Myrbetriq online affordably at Polar Bear Meds, the best Canadian online pharmacy.

Final Words

Keeping your bladder healthy involves mindful dietary choices. Foods like citrus, tomatoes, and caffeinated beverages can irritate the bladder. Alcohol, added sugar, and carbonated drinks may also contribute to bladder issues. MSG and improper fluid intake are additional concerns. Opt for lean proteins, fiber-rich foods, and bladder-friendly fruits and vegetables. Myrbetriq, a prescribed medication, helps relax the bladder muscle, alleviating OAB symptoms. To maintain a healthy bladder, practice regular bathroom breaks, pelvic floor exercises, and stay hydrated. Adequate hygiene, loose-fitting clothes, and avoiding smoking are essential. Consult with your doctor for personalized advice.