An overactive bladder can cause stress and embarrassment. If you find you need to urinate more than seven times a day or feel a sudden urgency to urinate, it could indicate an overactive bladder. People suffering from OAB will feel sudden urgency to urinate. In some instances, leakage may occur.
There are overactive bladder treatments available. Many people choose Botox for overactive bladder. Others watch what foods they eat. Foods to avoid if you have OAB are:
1. Artificial sweeteners
When you are on a diet, anything sweet tastes good – even those artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin. However, they are not good for a person suffering from OAB. These sugar-substitutes increase urgency in the bladder. They also increase the frequency of urination. These are two things people who have an overactive bladder already suffer from. To avoid adding more problems to your already irritated bladder, skip these sweeteners (and even real sugar and honey) to soothe your bladder.
2. Alcohol
Booze and beer don’t mix with OAB. Alcohol irritates the bladder. Since an overactive bladder is prone to leaking, you don’t want to add something irritating in the mix. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are also diuretics. This simply means that they make you produce more urine, which in turn makes you want to run to the restroom even more.
3. Carbonated drinks
How many people start their day with a sugary soft drink? Most people in America get an energy surge by consuming carbonated beverages such as soda. This is a very bad idea for people with an overactive bladder. The carbonation (fizz) of a soda is linked with bladder irritation and aggravation. Since the sugar in the soda is also a bladder irritant, it’s best to skip the colas and sparkling waters altogether.
4. Coffee or caffeine
For most people, starting the day without a cup of Joe is unheard of. How are you supposed to function without coffee? However, if you find that you are searching out restrooms and wondering if you will make it to them, skip the Java. Caffeine is a diuretic. It is also a stimulant to the bladder. Combine those two attributes and your morning coffee will literally cause more urine and urgency. Even decaf coffee and tea should be avoided if you have an overactive bladder. There are trace amounts of caffeine in these products, too.
5. Cheese
For dairy lovers, sour cream, cream cheese, sharp cheddars and other aged dairy products can wreak havoc on an overactive bladder. Giving up the cheesy goodness is hard. Instead of eating something that can possibly cause you more problems, opt for imitation sour creams and cheeses.
Of course these are just a few of the culprits to watch out for when you suffer from OAB. Citrus fruits and acids, chocolate, tomatoes, and spicy foods may all contribute to the urgency and frequency. Even good-for-you honey can be an irritant. However, not all of these foods are problems for all people. With careful monitoring of your diet, you will discover what foods are triggering your symptoms and what to avoid. With medication, pelvic exercises, and food awareness, OAB can be effectively managed.
