Urinary incontinence, known as bladder incontinence, is a condition wherein an individual has insufficient control over their bladder muscles, leading to involuntary leakage. Such leakage may occur when one is coughing, sneezing, or even laughing. The severity of the condition may vary from person to person, ranging from mild issues with bladder control to complete urinary incontinence. Thus, it is important to take the necessary steps to manage the condition.

Foods that help with bladder incontinence

There are several food products that can be added to your meals in order to ease some of the symptoms of the condition. Some of the foods that help in managing urinary incontinence are as follows:

Whole grains
Consuming whole grains, such as beans and legumes, in larger proportions is said to be highly beneficial for people experiencing urinary incontinence. This category of foods includes quinoa, rice black beans, split peas, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, and oats. These options are extremely fiber-rich, which is effective in keeping the symptoms under control.

Bread
It can be really advantageous to add plenty of healthy carbohydrates to your everyday meals. Bread is an excellent source of fibers as well as good carbohydrates. These provide the body with energy and also help in strengthening the bladder muscles. Adding healthy carbohydrates to your routine will aid in maintaining regular bladder and bowel movements. Plus, it will help you to have better control over your bladder muscles.

Nuts
Nuts, such as almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc., are all known to be incredibly rich in proteins, healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and fibers. These nutrients help in strengthening the muscles of the bladder, and thus, help in developing better bladder control.

Fruits and vegetables
One of the best ways to check if you are deriving enough nutrition from your meals is to ensure that your plate is colorful. This means each meal should contain lots of green vegetables as well as healthy fruits. This enables you to get the essential vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, which are required by the body to repair old and worn-out cells and slow down the process of aging. However, make sure not to consume too many citrus fruits since these are highly acidic and can cause irritation to the inner linings of the urinary bladder. Therefore, it is recommended to include foods like broccoli, sweet potatoes, apples, and bananas in your routine, but avoid foods like oranges and tomatoes.

Eggs
Eggs are a great food option for a variety of reasons. They are also considered to be the least irritating food for people suffering from urinary incontinence. Moreover, eggs are rich sources of proteins that play an important role in the proper functioning of our bodies.

Water
Contrary to what people might think, drinking less water is not the solution to manage symptoms of bladder incontinence. In fact, drinking the right amount of water allows your muscles to strengthen and get used to working hard throughout the day to control the urge to urinate. Hydration is one of the most important factors to be considered when it comes to maintaining the health of the urinary tract and excretory system. It is important to ensure that you are drinking at least 8 to 12 glasses of water in a day since it helps flush out the toxins in the body.

Meat
Lean meats, including chicken, fish, and shellfish, are rich in healthy fatty acids, which are essential for the body. These non-acidic foods contain monounsaturated fats, which are said to have a calming effect on the bladder and can help prevent any irritation or inflammation of the bladder wall.

Foods to avoid when experiencing bladder incontinence

Aside from adding these foods to your routine, there are certain foods that must be avoided when managing symptoms of bladder incontinence. These tend to aggravate not just the symptoms of the condition but can lead to other health problems too. Some of these items are described as follows:

Carbonated beverages
Carbonated beverages, such as club sodas and sparkling water, are said to be connected to the symptoms of an overactive bladder. These beverages contain chemicals that can irritate the urinary bladder, which may lead to problems pertaining to urine incontinence. Moreover, as opposed to regular water or other non-fizzy drinks, carbonated beverages are said to cause increased urination since they suppress the effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Caffeine
As most people are aware, caffeine can be harmful to the system if consumed in larger quantities. The stimulant is said to cause water retention in the body, which often leads to frequent urination and can also obstruct your bowel movements. Moreover, caffeine acts as an irritant to the bladder, which then results in getting the frequent urge to urinate. When a person is experiencing symptoms of urinary bladder incontinence, it is important to avoid consuming caffeinated beverages to prevent any unwanted accidents from occurring.

Acidic foods
Certain foods, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits like pineapples, oranges, kiwis, and lemons, are known to be highly acidic. These foods not only irritate your bladder but also increase the amount of water retention in the body, which can lead to frequent urination and an overactive bladder. Additionally, even though cranberries are known to be useful in preventing urinary tract infections, the fruit can worsen your incontinence symptoms.

You can also try these medications to manage the symptoms of overactive bladder.

MYRBETRIQ
This prescription medication is administered as oral tablets in adults to treat overactive bladder. It relaxes the smooth muscles that surround the bladder. MYRBETRIQ also enables the bladder to fill up adequately, thus increasing urine storage.

Vibegron
Vibegron is from a class of medications called beta-3 adrenergic agonists. The oral prescription medication must be taken once daily with or without food, based on your doctor’s instructions. While it does not cure OAB, Vibegron has shown significant progress with regards to managing the condition’s symptoms.

GEMTESA®
An FDA-approved oral treatment option, GEMTESA® contains vibegron as its primary component. It is used to address issues of an overactive bladder. Beta-3 receptors activated by vibegron play an important role in the prevention of bladder contractions. GEMTESA® as an overactive bladder treatment option helps decrease the number and frequency of bathroom visits. However, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking it.