Tackling Urinary Incontinence With Diet
Inability to control the bladder movement is known as urinary incontinence. This embarrassing condition affects elderly men and women. Overloaded bladder or bladder irritation increases the risk of bladder leakage. By adjusting their diet plans, people suffering from urinary incontinence could minimize the risk of bladder leakage.
Water and fluid intake
Water keeps us hydrated. However, by drinking excess water and fluid your bladder will become overfilled. Overfilled bladder increases the risk of bladder leakage in people with urinary incontinence. People with urinary incontinence should not drink more than two liters of water and fluid per day. Nonetheless, your water and fluid intake should not be less than one liter per day. Less water intake would cause dehydration and bladder irritation. Bladder irritation would only worsen your urinary incontinence symptoms. You should take fluids largely during the day and restrict water or fluid intake in the evening. This reduces the urgency to urinate after going to bed.
Acidic foods
Increased intake of acidic foods and beverages could irritate your bladder, increasing your problems of urinary incontinence. You should either avoid or restrict intake of acidic fruits. Citrus fruits and tomatoes, though beneficial for the health, might irritate the bladder. It is advisable to limit intake of acidic fruits if you are suffering from urinary incontinence. You should avoid colas, tea and coffee. The caffeine present in coffee and tea not only irritates the bladder, but its diuretic property increases urine formation.
Alcohol
People suffering from urinary incontinence should avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic substance. It overloads the bladder by increasing urine formation. Moreover, by interfering with the brain signals, it increases bladder stimulation, increasing the urgency to urinate.
Sugar and sweeteners
Sugar and sweeteners are known to cause bladder irritation. People with urinary incontinence should limit intake of sugar, honey, corn syrup and artificial sweeteners.
Spice
Hot spicy foods and chili flakes could irritate your bladder. To prevent bladder leakage, stay away from hot peppery dishes.
Medications
Certain medications could also worsen the symptoms of urinary incontinence. People with urinary incontinence should consult their physicians before taking diuretics, hypertension medicines, sedatives, antidepressants and muscle relaxants.
