Caffeine is naturally produced by coffee beans, tea leaves and other sources, but it is actually a drug that physically affects your body. Caffeinated beverages and supplements are commonly used for energy and alertness because caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. Caffeine also affects blood pressure and gastric acid productions, according to the International Coffee Association, and it even stimulates the bladder.
Definition
Your bladder is part of your urinary system, and this muscular, hollow organ acts as a storage spot for urine until you can expel it. The organ expands as needed and holds as much as 600 ml of urine for as long as five hours. Your brain gets notified that you need to urinate as your bladder fills. Urinary incontinence is a common problem that involves sudden urges to urinate, mild leaking and even uncontrollable wetting. Caffeine and other substances can contribute to this issue.
Caffeine Problems
Caffeine raises your risk of urinary incontinence in several ways. The drug is a stimulant and diuretic, so it causes you to need to urinate more often and can stimulate sudden urges, according to the Mayo Clinic. Beverages such as coffee, tea, carbonated colas and other soft drinks containing caffeine irritate the bladder, contributing to incontinence. Caffeine is naturally found in many drinks, and excessive liquid consumption increases your urine production if you drink too much of those beverages. You can also cause problems if you try not to drink too much because dehydration causes concentrated urine, which is a bladder irritant.
Other Dietary Causes
Caffeine is not the only substance that contributes to urinary incontinence. Alcohol is also a diuretic and stimulant, and certain medications, such as muscle relaxants, heart medications, sedatives and drugs to lower your blood pressure, can irritate the bladder, the Mayo Clinic advises. Foods sweetened with artificial products and foods and drinks with high acid, sugar or spice content also cause bladder problems. Beware of mixing caffeine with other foods and drugs that affect the bladder or you increase your risk of incontinence.
Physical Causes
Incontinence can have physical causes not directly linked to caffeine and other foods, drinks and drugs. Common issues include an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, hysterectomy, bladder stones, bladder cancer, neurological problems, obstructions and interstitial cystitis. Consult your doctor if abstaining from caffeine and other substances that affect the bladder does not improve your problems. A physician will check for other causes and give you appropriate medical treatment to alleviate the bladder issues.
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