Bladder issues are some of the most common medical conditions that people deal with on a regular basis. Whether you have a prior illness that has reduced the strength of your bladder muscles or if you are aging, it can be difficult to prevent yourself from urinating often. Many people are surprised to learn that there are many different foods that you should avoid if you are dealing with a bad bladder. But make sure first that you don’t have a bladder infection.
Detail of a doctor’s uniform
Alcohol
As the number one item to avoid if you frequently have to urinate, alcohol isn’t going to limit the amount of times that you have to run to the bathroom. Alcohol is a bladder stimulant and a diuretic, meaning that it tricks your body into thinking that you have to use the bathroom more often than you do. Wine seems to show the most effect to the bladder, but other alcohol such as beer, has been known to stimulate urination as well.
Acidic Fruits and Vegetables
Acid is a component that you would find in most of the fruits and vegetables that you consume on a regular basis. There isn’t much research that has gone into the effects of acid on the bladder, but patients have noticed more frequent urination when they consume tomatoes, citrus fruits, vinegar, and nuts. It is said that potassium is another component frequently found in foods that irritates your bladder.
Cranberry Juice
If you’re ever dealt with a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a bladder infection, one of the main parts of your prescription will be to drink a substantial amount of cranberry juice. Cranberries are renowned for their ability to stimulate your bladder and to fight against the bad bacteria that is typically found when someone is suffering from a UTI.
Caffeine
Although it can be quite enjoyable to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning, caffeine is quite the bladder stimulant as well as a diuretic. When you body acquires an influx of caffeine, it works on your nerves, particularly the ones that are found around the bladder. The acidity in even decaf beverages can result in irritating your bladder, particularly if you have a medical condition.
Spicy Food
It can be a great pleasure to enjoy a spicy dinner once in a while but be prepared to use the restroom several times throughout the night. Spicy foods have special chemical components that give them their flavor and these components are known to irritate the bladder. Instead of using paprika, onions, and cayenne pepper, opt for milder herbs such as rosemary and sage.