Imagine a plate of pasta with marinara sauce and a glass of wine, followed by a slice of chocolate cake and a cup of coffee. For many, it will be a big night at their favorite Italian restaurant. But if you have an overactive bladder (OAB), it can be a prelude to more rushes to the bathroom.
Some common foods — such as tomatoes, wine, chocolate, and coffee — contain substances that can worsen OAB. Additionally, consuming too many high-calorie foods can lead to weight gain, which can also worsen OAB symptoms.
Luckily, with a little planning, you can still treat the gourmet in your own. You just need to keep the OAB in mind when deciding what to eat — and what to leave out. The instructions below may help.
Whether you’re eating out or eating indoors, smart food choices will help you manage your weight. The key is to choose foods that are packed with nutrients into a relatively small number of calories. These foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, lean meat and poultry, fat-free or low-fat milk, and dairy products.
If you are overweight, losing weight can reduce OAB symptoms. One study included 338 overweight women with bladder control problems, including OAB. The women were randomly assigned to an intensive weight loss program or a control group. After six months, those in the weight loss group lost an average of 8% of their body weight, compared with about 2% in the control group. The weight-loss group also had a greater reduction in the frequency of urinary accidents.
Certain foods and beverages have a more direct effect on OAB. Seeing what’s on your menu will help control your symptoms.
Avoid troublemakers. Certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder, contributing to urine leakage. Sensitivity varies from person to person, but here are common culprits:
Drinking too much liquid makes you urinate more often. On the other hand, drinking too little leads to very concentrated urine, dark yellow in color, with a strong fishy odor. Such concentrated urine irritates the bladder, and it also promotes bacterial growth. Aim for a healthy balance — about six drinks a day. Water is the ideal choice. Cranberry, grape, cherry, and apple juices are also gentle on your bladder.
Constipation can worsen OAB symptoms. Fiber found in many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps prevent this problem. To minimize gas and bloating, add fiber to your diet a little at a time. Talk to your doctor if constipation continues.
