Share:

When dealing with OAB, or an overactive bladder, it can feel like your frequent trips to the bathroom interfere with your life. While some people diagnosed with an overactive bladder can have underlying disorders, others can undergo the condition without a trigger. A whopping 30% of men and 40% of women in the United States are affected by OAB, but it is possible to manage the disorder. Simply adjusting your lifestyle choices and eating habits can help, allowing you to enjoy time with friends and family without the embarrassment of repeated trips to the restroom.

Do:

Fill up on fiber.

Fiber is an excellent treatment for constipation. Try to eat more grains, legumes, and vegetables to ease digestive issues. Your bowel movements will become less difficult, causing less stress on your bladder.

Drink water.

overactive bladderWhen dealing with an overactive bladder, drinking a lot of water will help flush out adverse matter that can lead to overly concentrated urine. This can irritate the bladder lining, so drink the recommended six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

Drink healthy juices.

Some fruit juices are less troublesome for your bladder than others. Healthy juices including apple, cranberry, and grape will supply your urine with more acid, which will block the spread of bacteria while improving the smell of your urine. Be wary of juices containing artificial sweeteners, as they can worsen OAB symptoms.

Don’t:

Drink large portions of sugary, caffeinated drinks.

The hefty amounts of sugar and artificial sweeteners in some beverages can irritate your bladder, causing bladder muscle spasms and the sudden urge to urinate. Coffee, soda, and other sugary drinks may not affect each person in the same manner, so keep track of what foods and drinks cause negative symptoms (possibly with a food journal) to control your OAB.

Smoke cigarettes.

The chemicals contained in cigarettes will cause irritation to your bladder. Coughing spasms from excess smoking can also cause stress incontinence, which happens when unexpected leakage of urine is caused by sudden muscle contractions from coughing, sneezing, or even laughing.

Drink a lot close to bedtime.

Losing control of your bladder while you sleep, or frequently waking from your sleep to go to the bathroom can be frustrating. Avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and limiting your overall fluid intake before bed will help your body deal with nighttime incontinence.

 

The professionals at Medical Center Urology have been the High Point, NC, area’s leading urology specialists for over 25 years. Led by Dr. Richard Puschinsky, the dedicated specialists are committed to providing respectable yet discrete service for patients seeking help with kidney stones, overactive bladder, and a host of urology-related ailments. Check out their website for more information, or call for an appointment at (336) 882-0220.

tracking