9 foods people with overactive bladder must avoid

9 foods people with overactive bladder must avoid

An overactive bladder, or OAB, is a sudden, often uncontrollable urge to pass urine. Sometimes, OAB may also lead to urge incontinence or the inability to exercise urinary control. The condition is typically caused by infection, nerve damage, estrogen deficiency after menopause, or abdominal trauma. Besides seeking treatment and making some lifestyle changes, managing one’s meal plan can also contribute to rectifying the condition. Some foods that individuals with OAB should avoid are listed below.

Caffeinated products
Caffeine can aggravate OAB symptoms by increasing the frequency of urination and, in extreme cases, leading to urinary incontinence. Reduction of caffeine intake is advised for women grappling with urgency urinary incontinence. In addition, it helps to replace caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee with non-caffeinated alternatives like fresh fruit juices and milk (if one is not lactose intolerant).

Tomatoes
Due to their acidic nature, tomatoes may increase the acid levels in urine, causing problems like bladder irritation and increased urge to urinate. Thus, people with OAB should avoid tomatoes and products made of tomatoes, including pizza sauce, ketchup, and salsa.

Oranges
Being citric, oranges may also irritate one’s bladder and increase one’s urge to urinate. One should limit or avoid oranges, orange juice, and other citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit, and lime for urinary control.

Soft drinks
Carbonated beverages, primarily soft drinks, increase one’s frequency of urination and cause bladder problems. Moreover, high glucose levels in the body can increase one’s frequency of urinating. Soft drinks are high in sugar and are a no-no for patients with OAB.

Spicy foods
Spicy foods are major irritants of the bladder and can worsen one’s OAB symptoms, such as urination frequency and reduced bladder control. Although it may be difficult to avoid spices altogether, limiting one’s intake of spicy ingredients, such as wasabi paste, serrano peppers, jalapenos, and spicy sauces, is essential.

Processed foods
Processed foods are loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors, which can hamper one’s immune system and cause bladder control problems. They can also aggravate one’s existing OAB symptoms, increasing one’s urge to urinate and causing bladder control problems. Thus, it helps to avoid all processed foods, including processed meats, cheese, and confectioneries.

Deep-fried foods
Deep-fried foods, including french fries, rolls, falafels, croquettes, and some chicken and meat preparations, can irritate the bladder and cause urination frequency. Moreover, they can cause diarrhea, which can further increase the chances of frequent urination and worsen OAB symptoms. It helps to swap deep-fried foods with sauteed or shallow-fried ones.

Chocolate
A primary ingredient of chocolate is caffeine, which can irritate one’s bladder considerably. It often acts as a diuretic, increasing one’s urge to urinate and causing difficulties with bladder control. Although an occasional piece of chocolate after a meal is permissible, one must avoid having chocolate in excess.

“Sparkling” waters
“Sparkling” waters like club soda and seltzer water can worsen bladder control problems and exacerbate OAB symptoms, causing several health issues among patients with the condition. There is no substitute for regular water; however, one may replace aerated drinks with fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and more.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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8 foods and beverages that help recover from the flu

While flu is a common health condition, its symptoms can cause discomfort and disrupt daily functioning. Fever, body aches, chills, and sore throat are just some of the symptoms individuals with flu typically grapple with. In addition, several home remedies, such as having warm water and cooling fluids, taking adequate rest, and sipping ginger water, can help recover steadily from flu. In addition, certain foods and beverages can help expedite the process: Chicken soup The warm broth in chicken soup is an excellent source of hydration and can help open up the nasal pathways. Moreover, the ingredients in chicken soup contain essential nutrients like carbohydrates; proteins; vitamins A, B12, and C; electrolytes; essential fatty acids; and antioxidants, which can soothe and replenish the body. Spinach Spinach entails several vital nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, E, and K, which boost the immune system and help fight against conditions like the flu. It is also a fibrous vegetable that can provide the body with much-needed strength. Other leafy greens like kale, Brussels sprouts, and lettuce can also help heal from the flu. It is best to have spinach in some cooked form, such as stir-fries, soups, and gravies. Coconut water Besides being a naturally refreshing beverage, coconut water has several antibacterial properties that increase the body’s immunity to diseases like the flu. It also increases the body’s electrolyte levels, hydrating the body and ensuring an instant boost of energy. Oatmeal A bowl of oatmeal with milk or soy milk can be a soothing meal when one is down with the flu. Oatmeal is a rich source of fiber, zinc, iron, selenium, and copper, providing the body with the nutrition it requires to recuperate. One may add a drizzle of honey to oatmeal for a pleasant taste. Ginger tea Ginger is an age-old home remedy for cold, stomach problems, and protection against viruses. Packed with antioxidants and bioactive compounds, it is a must-have ingredient during cold, flu, and other health conditions. A cup of ginger tea is the perfect solution to soothe the throat and control flu symptoms. Garlic Like ginger, garlic is also loaded with antioxidants and is a tried-and-tested remedy for conditions like the flu. Garlic can increase the number of T-cells in the bloodstream, increasing the body’s immunity to fight against the flu. Studies also suggest garlic can help recover faster from cold, which is often a major flu symptom. While some individuals prefer chewing raw garlic cloves, the bulb in its raw form may not be palatable to many. Hence, minced or finely chopped garlic may be added to stir-fries, soups, smoothies, gravies, etc., for a mesmerizing flavor and speedy recovery from the flu. Kiwi Kiwi contains several antioxidants and nutrients, including vitamins C, E, and K; fiber; folate; and potassium, which help prevent and remedy the flu. One may have sliced kiwi as a snack or add it to soups, juices, smoothies, etc. Beans and lentils Lentils and beans, including chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, and lima beans, are rich sources of zinc, essential to boost the immune system and protect it from diseases like the flu. They are also highly fibrous, providing sufficient strength and energy for recuperation.

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