Certain beverages and different types of foods can irritate your bladder. This can be especially troublesome if you're already suffering from a bladder infection or some other form of bladder irritation. Ask your doctor if you should avoid certain beverages and foods, such as chocolate, until your bladder problems are completely healed.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a bladder irritant because it contains caffeine. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you limit the amount of chocolate and other caffeine products that you consume until your bladder infection is completely cleared up. Other foods and beverages that contain caffeine include carbonated soft drinks, coffee, tea, corn syrup and products that contain artificial sweeteners, such as gum and candy.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a bladder irritant for a couple of reasons. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which makes you urinate more frequently than you normally would. This causes your bladder to work harder than it is accustomed to working. It also increases the urgency of urination in addition to the increased frequency. Caffeine also causes bladder spasms, according to the Mayo Clinic, which can also irritate your bladder. Consuming alcoholic beverages can also have the same effect as caffeine on your bladder.
Other Bladder Irritants
Aside from chocolate, other types of foods and drinks can cause bladder irritation. Acidic and citrus foods and beverages such as lemons, grapefruits, oranges and limes can cause increased bladder irritation. Fruit juices can also have the same effect. Tomato-based products, such as pizza sauce or pasta sauce, can cause irritation due to the acidic content. Spicy foods can also cause bladder irritation. The Mayo Clinic states that the exact reason that spicy foods irritate your bladder is unknown.
Prevention/Solution
Chocolate and other foods and beverages can cause bladder irritation even if your bladder is completely healthy. Limit or avoid the amount of caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods and drinks that you consume to help avoid bladder irritation. If you have a burning sensation when you urinate, foul-smelling urine or other symptoms of a possible bladder or urinary tract infection, consult your physician right away. You may need antibiotics to treat your bladder problems. If you suffer from bladder irritation due to an overactive bladder, talk to your healthcare provider about exercises that can help train your bladder.
