Urinary incontinence is a condition that affects millions of people, ranging from mild to severe. It can be caused by lifestyle factors and certain medical conditions.
Making dietary changes to reduce incontinence symptoms is an important part of managing the condition, and can include avoiding certain foods, adding others to your diet, and taking supplements or over-the-counter medications. In this article, we will discuss what types of foods to avoid and which ones are beneficial for urinary incontinence relief.
We will also look at tips for eating out when faced with urinary incontinence symptoms.
Definition of urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a loss of bladder control that leads to uncontrolled leakage of urine.
It can have a range of causes, from lifestyle-related risk factors such as obesity and certain medical conditions like prostate problems for men or childbirth for women.
Depending on the cause, symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.
Causes of urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence can be caused by many different factors, including lifestyle choices such as obesity and smoking, weakening of the pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth or aging, nerve damage resulting from surgery or an illness like diabetes, certain medications, and neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
In some cases, the cause is unknown. Understanding the underlying cause of urinary incontinence can help determine the best treatment plan.
Dietary changes to reduce symptoms
Making dietary changes can be an effective way to reduce urinary incontinence symptoms. The types of food to avoid include caffeinated beverages, alcoholic drinks, and citrus fruits and juices, as they can irritate the bladder and make incontinence worse.
It is also important to include fiber-rich foods, high-protein foods, and lots of fluids in your diet. Supplements and over-the-counter medications can also help reduce urinary incontinence symptoms.
Eating out while facing urinary incontinence symptoms can be difficult, but with proper planning, it can still be done.
Types of Foods to Avoid
Caffeinated beverages
Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, can have a diuretic effect on the body which could worsen urinary incontinence symptoms.
It is generally recommended to cut down or avoid caffeinated beverages if you are experiencing bladder issues.
If this is difficult for you, consider reducing your intake of caffeine gradually or switching to decaffeinated alternatives.
Alcoholic drinks
Consuming alcoholic drinks can worsen the symptoms of urinary incontinence as they act as diuretics and irritate the bladder. It is generally recommended to avoid or reduce the alcohol intake if you are experiencing bladder issues. If this is difficult for you, consider cutting back on consumption gradually or switching to non-alcoholic alternatives.
Citrus fruits and juices
Citrus fruits and their juices can act as a diuretic, causing the body to produce more urine which could worsen urinary incontinence symptoms. It is recommended to reduce or avoid citrus fruits if you are experiencing bladder issues. If this is difficult for you, try reducing your intake of citrus gradually or switching to non-citrus alternatives.
Foods to Include in Your Diet
Fiber-rich foods
Fiber-rich foods are an important part of a healthy diet as they can help reduce constipation and improve bowel movements.
However, for those with urinary incontinence, high-fiber foods could worsen symptoms by causing the bladder to fill more quickly which could cause involuntary leakage. If you are experiencing bladder issues, it is recommended to limit your intake of high-fiber foods or switch to low-fiber alternatives.
High-protein foods
High-protein foods can help build muscular strength and provide energy, but they can also worsen the symptoms of urinary incontinence as they are more likely to be broken down into ammonia which could irritate the bladder.
If you are experiencing bladder issues, it is recommended to limit your intake of high-protein foods or substitute them for low-protein alternatives.
Water and other fluids
Drinking plenty of water and other fluids is essential for overall health and well-being, but for those with urinary incontinence, too much could cause the bladder to fill more quickly which could lead to involuntary leakage.
It is recommended that those with bladder issues limit their fluid intake or switch to low-sugar alternatives such as herbal teas or sparkling water.
Supplements and OTC Medications for Incontinence Relief
Supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief from the symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Common ingredients in OTC medications include antispasmodic drugs, which work by relaxing the muscles of the bladder, and alpha-adrenergic agonists to reduce involuntary leakage.
Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and cranberry extract can also help reduce bladder inflammation and relax the pelvic floor muscles, improving general bladder health and reducing incontinence.
Tips for Eating Out When Coping with Urinary Incontinence Symptoms
Eating out can often be a challenge for those who are dealing with the symptoms of urinary incontinence. Here are some tips to make the experience easier:
- Prepare ahead of time by looking at restaurant menus online and deciding what food you’ll order ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about making a decision under pressure.
- Opt for items that are not too spicy or acidic as these can irritate the bladder and cause leaking or discomfort.
- Choose smaller portions as they will be easier to finish in less time, reducing the stress of sitting in a restaurant longer than necessary.
- Bring extra clothing just in case and make sure your chosen outfit is comfortable and secure enough for ease of movement.
- Have friendly conversations with fellow diners or staff to help distract from any uncomfortable sensations or thoughts.
Making dietary changes can help manage symptoms of urinary incontinence. Some foods and beverages, such as those that are spicy or acidic, may irritate the bladder, while foods that contain caffeine or alcohol can make symptoms worse.
Eating more fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important for reducing constipation which may also affect bladder control. Increasing water intake may also help to reduce symptoms.