Overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, are separate health problems. In some cases, these two conditions may occur simultaneously in the same individual. Overactive bladder and IBS are common health complaints. According to the National Association for Continence, about 17 percent of American women and 18 percent of American men have overactive bladder. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about 20 percent of American adults has symptoms of IBS. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of diet in treating these health problems.
Overactive Bladder and IBS
Overactive bladder, also known as urge incontinence, causes a sudden urge to void your bladder. In some cases, overactive bladder causes unwanted urine leakage or incontinence. Possible causes of this health problem include excessive urine production, neurological disorders and urinary tract infections.
IBS is a disorder that causes you to experience abdominal pain, cramping or discomfort as well as diarrhea or constipation. Although this condition may significantly reduce your quality of life, it usually does not cause long-term damage to your intestines. Increased sensitivity to certain foods and stress may cause this condition.
Overactive Bladder Diet
Several dietary strategies may be beneficial in treating your overactive bladder. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," recommends avoiding refined foods, foods containing simple sugars, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks. Helpful dietary inclusions in treating this health problem, especially if it is caused by a urinary tract infection, may include turkey, chicken, fish, eggs, olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, potatoes, beans and raw cheeses.
IBS Diet
Two of the most important dietary changes to make in treating your IBS involve increasing your consumption of fiber-rich foods -- vegetables, whole grains, legumes -- and eliminating refined sugar, highly processed foods and allergenic foods from your diet, according to naturopathic physicians Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, co-authors of "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine." Specific fiber-rich foods that may be beneficial in treating your IBS include potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, carrots and brown rice.
Disclaimer
Overactive bladder and IBS are two separate health conditions that should always be managed by a qualified health care practitioner. A proper diet, though an important adjunct therapy in treating these health complaints, is just one of several treatment measures used to address your overactive bladder or IBS. Avoid using natural treatment methods such as diet and nutrition in place of other therapies recommended by your primary care provider. Further scientific research evidence may be needed to determine the true health benefits of foods historically used for these health purposes.
References
- National Association for Continence: Facts and Statistics
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Mayo Clinic: Overactive Bladder
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.; 1998
