Diet sodas and teas and calorie-free flavored waters are popular because people who are watching their weight often want to drink something other than water to satisfy their thirst--without adding calories. Though diet drinks may be better than regular drinks from a weight loss and maintenance perspective, diet drinks may irritate the bladder.
Contents of Diet Drinks
Diet drinks contain a variety of ingredients besides water. Many diet drinks, especially dark-colored sodas, contain caffeine. Diet drinks usually contain one or more artificial sweeteners. Examples of artificial sweeteners include sucralose, aspartame and saccharin. Diet sodas are also carbonated, just like the regular versions.
Bladder Irritation
Bladder irritation, in one form or another, is a fairly common concern. According to the Mayo Clinic, possible causes for bladder irritation include diet, the volume of liquids you consume and the type of beverages you drink. Bladder irritation can be a bladder infection, or it can be present as pain and discomfort in the bladder.
Caffeine
The caffeine in diet drinks can irritate the bladder. The Mayo Clinic explains that caffeine is a diuretic, which increases your production of urine. When urine production increases, you have to urinate more often and sometimes suddenly. According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition to urgency and frequency of urination, caffeine can lead to painful bladder spasms.
Artificial Sweeteners and Carbonation
The artificial sweeteners found in most diet drinks are other possible bladder irritants, according to Urology Consultants, Ltd. Diet sodas are also carbonated. Urology Consultants Ltd. says carbonation can also irritate the bladder.
Decreasing Diet Drinks
Weaning yourself off diet drinks may not be easy, especially if you are used to drinking them. Bladder Consultants Ltd. states that it may take at least a week, after limiting your use of diet drinks, before you see any improvement in your symptoms. Wean yourself off diet drinks slowly.
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