An overactive bladder can be inconvenient as you must go to the bathroom often. In addition, if you have trouble controlling it, you could get into an accident. Fortunately, there are medications that your doctor can prescribe to help manage your incontinence. But there are also diet and lifestyle changes that you can make to improve this condition.
Limit your fluid intake
Limiting your fluid intake does not mean you should drink very little water since it could cause dehydration. On the other hand, drinking too much water is not good for your overactive bladder either because it will make you frequently want to go. Consult your doctor to determine how much water you need to take to stay hydrated without worsening your incontinence. Talk to them to determine the recommended amount that you can take to keep you hydrated without aggravating your condition.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, chocolates, tea, and sodas, will make you want to go to the bathroom more. If you love these drinks and cannot stop having them at once, cut back on your intake little by little until you can remove them from your system altogether. Determine how much you could take that would not trigger your bladder problem. Alcohol has the same effect as these caffeinated drinks. Plus, it affects the brain, which tells you to control your urge to pee. So, drinking too much could lead to accidental leaks. Since it’s inconvenient to keep going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, avoid these drinks an hour or two before bedtime. You can also use products to prevent accidental leaks. Use this MoliCare product finder for incontinence pads, pull-up pants, and more.
Avoid spicy foods
These foods could irritate the bladder’s lining, thus causing the urge to go. If you have an overactive bladder, include spicy foods in the list that you should avoid.
Exercise and lose weight
According to studies, regular exercise helps control the bladder better. Exercise regularly for at least half an hour a day. Moderate exercise would do, such as swimming, biking, or walking. It can also help you lose weight, which is beneficial in managing an overactive bladder. Excessive weight can add pressure to the bladder and abdomen, leading to or worsening incontinence.
Check your medications
Some medications could cause you to pee more. If you are taking medications and you develop an overactive bladder and have difficulties controlling it, talk to your doctor and request alternative options that would not give you this side effect.
Avoid smoking
Smoking irritates the bladder, which can worsen incontinence symptoms. You will feel the need to go to the bathroom more often. Also, you will be more at risk of having a cough. Coughing could cause accidental leaks since it puts pressure on the bladder. Stop smoking to help manage your condition.
An overactive bladder can be inconvenient and embarrassing if you have an accidental leak. Prevent these with the simple diet and lifestyle changes mentioned above.
