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.
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