If you have urinary incontinence, diet is a key factor in managing symptoms and can be part of a treatment plan. This is especially true if you are overweight, have chronic constipation, or an irritated bladder.
What foods should I avoid if I have urinary incontinence?
- Foods containing substances that stimulate kidney and bladder function, as they increase the urgency and frequency of urination.
- Drinking beverages like alcohol that can distort the signals the bladder sends to the brain to indicate it is full.
- Consumption of diuretics, as they increase the amount of urine produced.
In summary, here is a list of foods to avoid:
- Coffee and tea: The caffeine in tea and coffee is a xanthine derivative that stimulates the urinary bladder.
- Carbonated drinks with sweeteners: These drinks irritate and negatively affect bladder function.
- Cocoa: The caffeine present in cocoa beans can promote detrusor muscle hypercontractility and act as a diuretic.
- Alcohol: Beer, wine, spirits, or champagne.
- Spicy or excessively seasoned foods: Some spices like pepper and spicy foods can irritate the bladder.
- Natural sweeteners (sugar, honey) and artificial sweeteners (saccharin, aspartame, etc.): All sweeteners irritate the bladder, both natural (honey, sugar) and artificial (saccharin, aspartame).
- Diuretic vegetables: Carrots, celery, lettuce, pineapple, asparagus, cucumber, artichoke, onion, eggplant, tomato, cauliflower, garlic, parsley, and radish.
- Diuretic fruits: Melon, pear, loquat, strawberry, apple, or watermelon.
- Acidic fruits: Oranges, lemons.
- Cereals: Rice, barley, and flaxseed.
What foods can I eat if I have urinary incontinence?
It has been shown that vitamins C, E, B6, and magnesium help control urinary incontinence when consumed in adequate amounts.
Below is a list of foods that will help improve your urinary incontinence:
- Cranberries: They strengthen the bladder lining.
- Peas: Provide vitamin A, which strengthens kidney and bladder tissues.
- Avocados: Their high percentage of antioxidants makes them perfect for a urinary incontinence diet as they help combat cell deterioration and strengthen muscles.
- Radishes: They are antiseptic and relieve urinary infections. Their vitamin C also helps restore tissues.
- Horsetail: It has astringent properties and tones bladder muscles. It is usually prepared as an infusion.
How much liquid should I drink if I have urinary incontinence?
Water consumption is still recommended if you have urinary incontinence, as it helps keep the bladder clean and reduces the risk of infection and irritation.
If you drink too much liquid too quickly during the day, your feeling of urgency may increase.
Conversely, drinking too little liquid is counterproductive as it leads to more concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder and increase the urgency and frequency of urination.
Therefore, it is advisable to drink 1.5-2 liters daily, divided into several intakes throughout the day, in small sips. Remember that to know if you have consumed enough liquid, your urine should be pale yellow.
Sources:
https://lanuevaserenidad.com/blog/dieta-incontinencia-urinaria/
https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/urinaryincontinence.html
