Though it’s not a frequent topic of conversation, many people experience various bladder health concerns.
“Incontinence, or what some refer to as a ‘leaky bladder,’ is the most prevalent bladder issue among individuals,” noted Dr. Fenwa Milhouse, a board-certified urologist specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. “Frequent urination is another common issue, and it can be particularly troublesome, especially when it happens at night or during sleep.”
Then there’s interstitial cystitis, which is often called painful bladder syndrome. It’s a chronic condition that leads to discomfort in the bladder or pelvic area, along with a frequent and urgent need to urinate. “When patients exhibit symptoms of an overactive bladder or interstitial cystitis, our initial suggestion is to cut back on bladder irritants,” explained Ackerman.
The upside is that dietary changes might help. “In many cases, just altering one’s diet and eliminating irritants can effectively manage a patient’s symptoms,” Ackerman added.
Even if you aren’t currently experiencing issues, knowing what foods and drinks may irritate your bladder might be useful. “Being aware of irritants can help prevent bladder symptoms from arising for individuals without existing concerns,” mentioned Aleece Fosnight, a board-certified physician assistant with a focus on women’s health and urology.
Here, urologists and medical experts detail the foods and beverages to limit or avoid for maintaining healthy bladder function.
Coffee
Do you enjoy your morning coffee, maybe even a few cups? While it can be a great way to start the day, your bladder might not appreciate it. Coffee is known to have irritants, particularly caffeine and acid.
“Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which means it can increase urine production and subsequently bladder frequency,” Milhouse pointed out. “It can also heighten the urgency to urinate, which makes bladder control more challenging and increases the likelihood of leaks.” Ackerman emphasized that “acidic foods and beverages can also be irritating and can worsen these symptoms.”
If you’re not ready to give up your coffee, Milhouse suggests that it can be consumed in moderation. “For those without bladder issues, limiting to two 8-ounce cups or less is recommended,” she said.
However, for those already dealing with pain or increased urgency, it might be wise to cut back or even eliminate coffee until symptoms improve. Milhouse advised, “For some individuals struggling with an overactive bladder or bladder pain, avoiding coffee altogether may be essential.”
