
Urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting many individuals, especially women. Data shows that around 34% of adult women face this problem in the UK. In fact, one in five people in the country experience bladder problems. It can be a challenging condition to manage, but dietary choices can play a significant role in controlling the symptoms.
Making small, intentional changes to your diet may reduce the frequency and urgency of leaks. Here are some natural strategies to consider for better bladder health.
Why Opt for Dietary Changes for Managing Urinary Incontinence
There are many medications and medical products available to manage urinary incontinence. Anticholinergics, mirabegron, alpha-blockers, topical estrogen, etc., are some common medications prescribed for this condition. There are also medical tools like transvaginal mesh that can be implanted surgically to manage it.
However, these medications can come with the risks of side effects. This is primarily true when the medicines are not prescribed correctly or the devices are implanted inappropriately. Consider the example of an NCBI study that shows the potential of risky prescriptions is significantly high.
The same is true with medical products like transvaginal mesh. TruLaw notes that people who have undergone surgery for implanting transvaginal mesh can face severe consequences. These consequences can include:
- Mesh erosion
- Chronic pain
- Vaginal scarring
- Infection
- Internal injuries, etc.
Several affected women have even filed lawsuits against device manufacturers for not warning them about the potential harm. According to a recent transvaginal mesh lawsuit update, over 100,000 lawsuits have been filed in the US alone. Attorneys are still accepting new cases for those who were impacted by this device.
- Stay Hydrated Without Overdoing It
Logically, consuming too much liquid can put a strain on bladder control. This can increase the urge to urinate, which can be trouble for people with urinary incontinence. With this thought in mind, many patients would try to avoid drinking too much water to keep their bladder empty. However, it is not recommended to avoid liquids, especially water, because you need to stay hydrated.
Hydration is also important to fill your bladder quickly and urine more regularly. As stated in a National Public Radio article, the best way to defend your body against bacteria is to flush them out. You can pass the bacteria out through urine by staying adequately hydrated.
On the other hand, if you don’t urinate frequently due to dehydration, it will allow the bacteria to stay in your bladder longer. Moreover, the urine will become concentrated, and the overall condition of the body will impact your immune system. The concentrated urine can then irritate the bladder lining and worsen symptoms.
Drinking water steadily throughout the day rather than in large quantities at once can help reduce pressure on the bladder while keeping you hydrated.
- Focus on Bladder-Friendly Foods
Diet plays a significant role in bladder health and can trigger incontinence. Incorporating fresh fruits like blueberries, pears, and bananas can provide essential nutrients without irritating the bladder. Vegetables such as green beans, carrots, and zucchini are also safe options. These choices ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals needed to support overall health without risking discomfort or urgency.
On the other hand, consuming a high-fat diet can negatively impact urinary incontinence. A ScienceDirect study shows that consuming high fats is positively associated with the development and severity of urinary incontinence. It was found that females consuming the following fats were at a higher risk of developing stress urinary incontinence:
- Saturated fatty acids
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Monounsaturated fatty acids
- Manage Caffeine and Alcohol Intake
Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, meaning they increase urine production.
According to a study, caffeine can inhibit water reabsorption and sodium in the kidney’s renal tubes. This makes it diuretic and results in frequent urination. Theobromine, one of the primary caffeine metabolites, can increase urination due to the diuretic effect. Similarly, alcohol can inhibit vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, without which the bladder can fill quickly and create an urge to urinate.
Thus, consuming both caffeine and alcohol may irritate the bladder lining. Reducing or eliminating these beverages can be a simple yet effective step in managing symptoms. Opt for non-caffeinated herbal teas or water infused with natural flavors like cucumber or mint to stay hydrated without overstimulating the bladder.
- Monitor Your Salt Intake
Excessive sodium can lead to fluid retention and increase the workload on your bladder. A Spandidos Publications study found that a high-salt diet can impair the bladder epithelial bladder. This can trigger some signaling pathways that can result in an overactive bladder. The study concluded this after experimenting with the high salt diet for around eight weeks in mice.
Reducing your salt intake by choosing fresh, whole foods over processed options can benefit both bladder health and overall well-being. Reading food labels and seasoning dishes with herbs instead of salt are simple steps to help manage sodium levels effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does urinary incontinence improve with cranberry juice consumption?
Cranberry juice is frequently linked to urinary health, particularly in avoiding UTIs. It might not be helpful, though, in treating urine incontinence. Cranberry juice’s acidity may cause bladder irritation in certain people, which might exacerbate symptoms. Choose an unsweetened or low-sugar kind of cranberry juice to include in your diet, and watch how it affects your symptoms.
Can urinary incontinence be treated with probiotics?
Probiotics promote gut health and may also indirectly improve bladder health, especially if incontinence is associated with digestive problems like constipation or recurrent UTIs. Natural probiotics may be found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and yogurt. For information on the finest probiotic strains, think about speaking with a healthcare professional.
What effect does weight have on incontinence?
Being overweight can put more strain on the muscles that support the bladder and pelvic floor, which can lead to incontinence. A balanced diet of lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole foods can help reduce weight and ease bladder pressure, which may alleviate symptoms.
Naturally, controlling urine incontinence requires careful dietary and lifestyle modifications. Symptoms can be significantly reduced by making little, regular adjustments, including eating meals good for the bladder and drinking enough water. You may make significant progress toward improved management and a more pleasant life by knowing how your food affects bladder health.