What Foods Help Stop Frequent Urination? Find Out Here

Does it feel like you're constantly going to the bathroom? If you need to urinate more than eight times a day, you could have an overactive bladder. While frequent urination can be frustrating and even embarrassing at times, there are plenty of ways to manage your symptoms.

One way in which you can minimise frequent urination is by eating the right foods and managing your fluid intake. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the types of foods that help support your bladder, as well as overactive bladder syndrome in general. We'll also discuss the foods to avoid and other management techniques.

What Foods Stop Frequent Urination?

Our diet plays an integral role in our overall well-being as well as our bladder health. Therefore, eating the right foods can reduce bladder problems, particularly overactive bladder syndrome which includes symptoms of urgency, nocturia and frequent trips to the loo.. Remember that each person is different and it may take some time to get the balance right and see an improvement in your symptoms.

There is no single food which is known to stop frequent urination but you can try to have a bladder-friendly diet which is free from bladder irritants.

If you are interested in a diet which is bladder-friendly and a diet suitable for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) then you want to focus on natural and fresh foods. It also helps to eat balanced meals filled with vitamins and nutrients.

If you want to support your overactive bladder, you should try to increase your intake of the following foods:

Fruits

Fruits are rich in vitamins and disease-fighting antioxidants, which play a crucial role in your overall health.

If you want to improve your bladder health, try including more non-acidic fruits in your diet. Some popular options include:

• Bananas

• Grapes

• Coconuts

• Strawberries

• Apples

• Watermelons

• Blackberries

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, try to eat more leafy greens like kale, lettuce, and broccoli to improve your bladder health. Other vegetables you may want to include in your diet include peppers, celery, carrots, and asparagus.

Water

You should aim to drink between four and eight glasses of water per day for proper hydration.

Drinking too little fluid can result in highly concentrated urine, which can irritate your bladder. The amount of water you should drink each day depends on your weight, where you live, and how active you are.

Some of the other drinks that are suitable for those with OAB include fruit teas and cordials if you want something with more flavour.

Fibre-rich foods

Some of the most beneficial fibre-rich foods include:

• Pumpkin seeds

• Lentils

• Beans

• Almonds

• Oats

• Bran

• Barley

• Raspberries

• Various whole grains

The main benefit of eating this type of food is that it prevents constipation, which can worsen overactive bladder symptoms. Fibre is also fantastic for your overall gut health.

Lean protein

Lean proteins, like fish, eggs, chicken, and tofu, are essential for maintaining a balanced diet and good overall health. These proteins help you maintain the strength of your lower abdominal muscles, which will give you better control over your bladder.

Phytoestrogens

Many women experience a significant drop in estrogen as they reach their menopausal years. This decrease in estrogen and other hormone fluctuations can result in a loss of bladder control. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds which can mimic the effect of oestrogen. Foods rich in phytoestrogens, including tofu, legumes, grains, and sprouts.

What Foods Irritate the Bladder?

Just like some foods can minimise your OAB symptoms, there are also bladder-irritating foods that can make your symptoms worse. These foods negatively affect your bladder muscles and urinary tract, leading to an urge to pee and sometimes a lack of bladder control. The following bladder irritants should be avoided:

Carbonated drinks

Carbonated beverages, like sparkling water, energy drinks, and sodas, contain dissolved carbon dioxide, which can irritate the bladder and make it difficult to control bladder spasms. While carbonated drinks can act as a nice treat, you should avoid drinking them on a daily basis if you want to see an improvement in your OAB symptoms.

Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the worst bladder irritants as it stimulates the bladder and acts as a diuretic. Too much caffeine can result in increased muscle contractions and irritated bladder tissues.

Aim for less than 100 mg of caffeine per day if you want to reduce bladder urgency and overactive bladder symptoms. If you are a big coffee and tea drinker, you may experience caffeine withdrawal headaches when you try to reduce your intake.

Spicy foods

Not only can spicy foods irritate the bladder lining, but they can also affect your bowels. Some of the spicy foods to avoid include chillies, spicy peppers, curries, and anything made with raw onions.

Acidic foods

Any type of food that has a pH of more than 4.6 is considered to be high in acid. Acidic foods are considered to be a bladder irritant meaning that consuming high quantities can lead to frequent urination and urgency, particularly in those who are pre-disposed to an overactive bladder. Acidic foods include citrus fruits, vinegar and yoghurt (contains lactic acid).

Citrus fruits

The citric acid found in citrus fruits can irritate the bladder and worsen urge incontinence symptoms. While most fruits are good for your bladder, you want to avoid things like lemons, oranges, and pineapples.

Did you know that tomatoes are also acidic? This is why you should also try to avoid tomato-based products, including tomato sauce if you want to limit bladder irritation.

Artificial sweeteners

Most of us know that too much sugar isn't good for our health. It can cause cavities, skin issues, and increased bladder activity. Avoid chocolate, artificial sweeteners, ice cream, fruit juices, and energy drinks if you want to limit your sugar intake.

You could nibble on dark chocolate, dates, berries, or peanut butter if you still want to enjoy a sweet treat.

A Closer Look at Frequent Urination and Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Around a third of adults suffer from overactive bladder syndrome, but it is significantly more common in women than it is in men. Let's take a look at some of the symptoms and causes so we can better understand this prevalent condition.

Overactive bladder symptoms

Did you know OAB isn't a disease? It's actually a group of urinary symptoms, which typically include:

• Urinating more than eight times a day

• The sudden urge to urinate

• Sleep disruptions caused by frequent urination

• Urinary incontinence, including urge incontinence, stress incontinence, or mixed incontinence

Overactive bladder causes

The causes behind overactive bladder symptoms can be complicated, and there may be several factors contributing to your condition. However, some of the most common causes include:

Ageing

The hormone fluctuations brought on by menopause (especially a drop in estrogen levels) can result in the urge to urinate more frequently. As you age, the lining of your bladder wall also naturally thins, which can lead to a loss of bladder control.

Neurological diseases

Certain neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, can affect the signals from your brain to your bladder, which can result in more frequent urination and even urinary incontinence.

Constipation

Periods of prolonged constipation put excess pressure on your bladder, which can weaken your bladder muscles and lead to OAB. You can prevent constipation by ensuring you get enough fibre in your diet and drinking plenty of fluids.

Lifestyle factors

Living an unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to your overactive bladder symptoms. Some of the most common contributing lifestyle factors include:

• Smoking

• Drinking too much alcohol

• Being overweight

• Not exercising enough

• Eating the wrong foods

• Bladder or urinary tract infections

Bladder infections and UTIs can sensitise your bladder nerves and irritate the surrounding tissue, causing a frequent need for urination. However, you can avoid these infections by drinking enough water, practising proper wiping techniques, and avoiding products that irritate your genitals.

FAQs

What are some of the other ways in which I can minimise frequent urination?

In addition to avoiding bladder irritants and tweaking your diet, some of the ways in which you can avoid frequent urination include:

• Speak to a doctor to determine the underlying cause and create a management plan

• Consider bladder support supplements

• Do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your bladder muscles

• Undergo a bladder re-training programme

• Quit smoking

• Try natural remedies

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Avoid constipation, as it puts extra pressure on the bladder

When should I see a doctor regarding my frequent urination?

You should schedule an appointment with your general practitioner (GP) if you're going to the bathroom more than eight times a day. Your GP can help diagnose your condition, determine any underlying causes, and come up with an effective treatment plan.

How do I know which foods are irritating my bladder?

Each person is different, and you may be more sensitive to certain foods than others. A good idea is to keep a food diary that lists what you eat each day as well as the frequency and times of your need-to-go urges. Studying your food diary may reveal if there are any trigger foods you need to try and avoid.

Can an overactive bladder diet be vegan and/or gluten-free?

No matter your dietary preferences, you can create a healthy diet that supports your bladder. If you are struggling with meal plans and knowing what to eat, you should schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with frequent urination on a day-to-day basis can be very frustrating, but there are many different ways in which you can manage your symptoms. Changing your eating habits and monitoring your water intake is the first step to a healthy bladder.

Here at Jude, we are passionate about breaking the stigmas surrounding women's health issues, including overactive bladder syndrome, urinary incontinence, and more. We do this by providing useful resources and creating specialised products, including leak-proof underwear that can hold up to 8 teaspoons of urine.

If you are suffering from overactive bladder syndrome, just know that you are not alone. With the right diet and management techniques in place, you can live a happy, 'normal', and fulfilled life.