While there are many factors that contribute to incontinence, diet can play a role. What you eat and don't eat can impact your diet. The following is a look at some of the foods to avoid:
1. Drink the right amount.
Too many people try to avoid drinking too much as a means of "controlling" incontinence. The problem is that dehydration can have the opposite of the desired effect. It can make the urine very concentrated, which can lead to bladder irritation. This can increase urge incontinence. On the other hand, if you need to get through several hours of work without a bathroom break, drinking constantly can pose a risk. Instead, control WHEN you drink, and shoot for hydrating with only water, and getting at least 32 ounces a day. Cut yourself off a few hours before you go to bed to help you make it through the night.
Managing fluids can help the symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence, but managing fluids does not mean dehydrating yourself.
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
If you have urge incontinence or mixed urinary incontinence you should avoid alcohol. Alcohol reduces bladder control, and can act as a diuretic. It can also cause dehydration, which can increase urge incontinence by irritating the bladder.
Because those with incontinence already have reduced control over their bladder, adding a substance that interferes with neurological signals telling the bladder when to hold and when to release, is a bad idea. Reduce alcohol consumption, or avoid it entirely.
3. Avoid caffeine.
Caffeine stimulates the bladder, but it also acts as a diuretic. This is not good for those with bladder control. Eliminate coffee, as well as other sources of caffeine if you have urinary incontinence. Switch to decaf, and avoid other caffeinated beverages such as teas, soft drinks, and even chocolate. If you have to drink coffee, do so in the morning so that you don't have to try and make it through the night without an accident.
4. Avoid spicy foods.
Those who have urge incontinence should likely avoid spicy foods. The spicy foods can be an irritant to the bladder lining, causing more frequent urges. Urge incontinence is not always impacted by spicy foods, but it can be, so if you suffer, you may want to test out different levels of spiciness to see how much you can tolerate.
5. Avoid acidic foods.
Those with incontinence should avoid citrus, cranberry, and any other highly acidic foods. They can help to improve bladder infections, but when it comes to incontinence, they only act as an irritant.
6. Avoid carbonation.
The carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages can irritate sensitive bladders. This can again increase the urge to go, and often, carbonated beverages are also caffeinated, which is a double whammy.
You can help to manage your incontinence by being conscious of the risk factors and dietary triggers that can make symptoms of urge and stress incontinence worse.
Dianna Malkowski is a Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist who helps customers of The CareGiver Partnership with questions to their caregiving questions. She invites you to visit blog.caregiverpartnership.com for more helpful family caregiver information. Also find over 1000 family caregiver resources at http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/resources/categories/.
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