While the term “incontinence” is used to describe any loss of bladder function or control, that doesn’t mean all cases of incontinence are the same. In fact, there are actually different types of incontinence such as stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and more, each of which can have varying causes and sometimes require unique treatments.
Simpler forms of incontinence may be corrected with specific exercises and therapy, while more complex cases may require medication or surgery.
Before any advanced methods are employed, however, your urologist will typically examine your diet. What you consume can have a profound impact on your bladder activity. By strategically adjusting your diet, you may be able to significantly reduce (if not eliminate) incontinence symptoms.
Foods Can Worsen Incontinence
How often you urinate isn’t just tied to how much you drink, but what you’re drinking (and eating). One of the most commonly cited sources of an overactive bladder is caffeine. Caffeine is present in many things people consume including coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, energy drinks, pills, and more.
Numerous studies have shown that increased caffeine intake is directly associated with overactive bladders and urinary incontinence.
The exact reasons for this are debated. What’s important is that dramatically reducing (if not eliminating) caffeine can significantly help with incontinence in many cases. The same goes for alcoholic, carbonated, and artificially sweetened beverages. Instead, those with bladder issues should focus on drinking plain water.
If you wish, you can try sweetening it naturally with fresh fruit. However, you’ll want to be careful with the fruits you’re using. Citrus juice and fruits can also worsen incontinence.
Other foods that can impact incontinence include tomato-based products, corn syrup, dairy products, spicy foods, and more. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to eliminate all of these things from your life. Your urologist will work with you to systemically see what could be causing issues.
What if Dietary Changes Don’t Work?
Sometimes, dietary changes are enough to get a person back in control of their bladder. Other times, further action may be needed. Treating incontinence can require a degree of trial and error to understand what’s affecting you and how it can be improved.
This is why it’s very important that you’re working with an experienced urologist.
At Urology Specialists of Ohio, we utilize the latest practices in incontinence treatment. Our team of urologists in Ohio are highly experienced, resulting in faster, more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments. With multiple locations, we provide convenient, professional care across the Miami Valley.
You don’t have to live with incontinence and ongoing urinary problems. Treatment is available. Contact us today!