With Halloween coming up, you might be tempted to grab some candy bars and sweets. However, chocolates can flare up urinary incontinence symptoms. The caffeine and acidic traits of chocolate can cause an irritated or overactive bladder. Urology specialists at Medical Center Urology have helped the High Point, NC, community manage their urology needs for more than 25 years. Here, they explain how you can skip the sweets this year and minimize negative symptoms.

Tips to Avoiding Urinary Incontinence Symptoms This Halloween

1. Opt for White Chocolate 

White chocolate is made with cocoa butter as opposed to cocoa solids, which gives it a low amount of caffeine. Most of the sweet flavor comes from vanilla, so white chocolate in moderation is less symptom-inducing for those with urinary incontinence. 

2. Treat Yourself to Caffeine-Free Candies

While you don't want to eat candy in excess during Halloween, indulging in a piece or two of caffeine-free sweets is less likely to flare up incontinence symptoms. Jolly Ranchers® and traditional jelly beans, for example, don't include caffeine. Always double check the ingredients beforehand.

3. Try Carob

A substitute for chocolate, carob is popular because it's caffeine-free and packed with vitamins and minerals, such as B-2 and calcium. People can purchase it in various forms, from chips to syrup, so on the nights leading up to Halloween, add it to your food to curb cravings beforehand. 

4. Snack on Fruits

While you might be tempted to grab a chocolate bar in light of the season, stock up on your favorite fruits to appease your sugary cravings instead. Fruits have natural sugars that help you get that sweet taste without digesting the caffeine that irritates your bladder. Opt for nonacidic fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, apples, and grapes, since acidic foods can also increase incontinence flare-ups.

5. Munch on Salty Foods

Treat yourself to some popcorn or flavored chips the night of Halloween. Moderation is key, but enjoying a caffeine-free favorite food can help you avoid the temptation to dip into that bucket of chocolate. Even better, you can find a variety of salty snacks that are nonacidic as well.

This Halloween, avoid increasing urinary incontinence symptoms by swapping out chocolate with other snacks. Medical Center Urology will help you manage any inconvenient conditions. With an experienced and friendly team of urology specialists, they will assist with everything from an overactive bladder to vasectomy and prostate cancer. Call (336) 882-0220 to make an appointment today or visit their website for more information.