Irritable bladder is a common term for a variety of symptoms that include urinary urgency and pelvic discomfort. An irritable bladder can disrupt your daily activities and may cause embarrassment. While medication and surgery are necessary in some cases, changing your diet may help reduce the symptoms of an irritable bladder.
Irritable Bladder
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, or IC/BPS, causes a range of symptoms. Urge incontinence, a sensation that makes you feel as though you need to empty your bladder immediately, is one of the most common symptoms of this disorder. Other symptoms may include pain as your bladder fills, tenderness in your pelvic region, pain during intercourse and urinating frequently throughout the day and night. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, although an immune system disorder or nerve condition may lead to these symptoms. Bladder irritation may lead to urinary incontinence, a condition that causes urine leakage during sudden movements, such as sneezing or laughing.
Foods
While there is no evidence that food allergies cause bladder problems, spicy foods and highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, may further irritate your bladder. Tomatoes, chocolate and artificial sweeteners may also cause an increase in symptoms. Eliminating these from your diet and gradually reintroducing one suspect food or ingredient at a time can help you determine which substances you should not ingest.
Fluids
Fluid consumption plays a major role in managing irritable bladder symptoms. Restricting the volume of fluids you consume at any one time by distributing your fluid intake throughout the day may help reduce urinary urgency and bladder discomfort. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking no more than 8 oz. at a time. Instead of drinking large amounts of water or other fluids with meals, try sipping fluids between meals and stop drinking about 2 hours before you go to bed. Avoid carbonated beverages and those that contain caffeine.
Precautions
Although making changes to your diet can help minimize the symptoms of an irritable bladder, this is a medical condition that may require medical intervention. Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms every day or if your symptoms interfere with your daily activities. Urinary discomfort that includes burning when urinating may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a bladder infection. Avoid making major dietary changes without your doctor's approval, especially if you have a chronic or serious illness.
Member Comments