A bladder infection typically begins after you've had a urinary tract infection, or a UTI, and the bacteria travels up your urethra into your bladder. When you have a bladder or urinary tract infection, it's important to take extra precautions through diet and treat the infection with medication. Since a bacteria causes the infection, your physician will most likely want to see you and may possibly prescribe an antibiotic. Never take old medicine or medication that was not prescribed for you.
Drinks to Avoid
Certain beverages can irritate your bladder. Alcohol and drinks that contain caffeine act as a diuretic. Diuretics increase urine production. Increasing urine production while you have an infection will increase the sense of urgency that may already feel overwhelming, and it can also cause bladder spasms, according to MayoClinic.com. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine, such as soda, tea and coffee, until your bladder infection is cured. Acidic drinks, such as grapefruit juice or tomato juice, can also irritate your bladder.
Foods to Avoid
While acidic drinks can cause bladder irritation, the same is true for acidic foods such as oranges, tangerines and lemons. Tomato-based foods, such as pasta sauce and pizza, can also irritate your bladder. Avoid spicy foods such as burritos, chili, spicy barbecue and foods that contain hot peppers. Spicy foods have the same effect as acidic foods when it comes to bladder irritation. Avoid artificial sweeteners and corn syrup, as they can contribute to leakage of urine due to bladder irritation.
What You Can Have
Drink plenty of water. Water is nonirritating, keeps you hydrated and flushes bacteria out of your system each time you urinate. Water will replace the need for antibiotics, though; ask your doctor how to appropriately treat a bladder infection. Stick to a simple, bland diet that is nonirritating until the bladder infection is cured. Cranberries and blueberries are good because they contain antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, such as bacterial infections. Unsweetened cranberry juice and cranberry pills are also recommended for the prevention of future bladder infections.
Other Bladder Irritants
Feminine hygiene spray, bubble baths, long-term use of catheters, heavy use of antibiotics and radiation therapy can cause bladder infection. Spermicidal jellies, drinking too little fluids and a weak bladder can cause bladder irritation, which can lead to infection. The use of a heating pad on your lower abdomen may ease the feelings of bladder pain or pressure. You may also find it helpful to take a sitz bath for 15 to 20 minutes.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Bladder Control Problems in Women: Lifestyle and Strategies for Relief; July 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Cystitis: Definition; March 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Cystitis: Lifestyle and Home Remedies; March 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infection in Women; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2010
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