Urge incontinence occurs when an overactive bladder spasms or contracts at the wrong times. You may leak urine when you sleep or feel the need to pee after drinking a little water or from hearing running water even though you know your bladder isn’t full. This sensation can be a result of nerve damage or abnormal signals from the nerves to the brain.
Medical conditions and certain medications such as diuretics can aggravate it. If it feels like you plan your life around the proximity of the nearest bathroom, you're not alone. An estimated one in six adults has overactive bladder (OAB).
Common symptoms include waking up twice or more at night to urinate, a sudden, uncontrollable urge to pee: a need to go more than eight times a day; and leakage (incontinence). OAB can make you feel out of control. The result can be discomfort, embarrassment, and anxiety. You may be able to take control over OAB symptoms just by making some changes in your everyday lifestyle. Try these useful guidelines to get started.
1.
Cut back on
coffee, tea and cola: Caffeine irritates the bladder and
acts as a diuretic increasing the need to urinate. Even decaffeinated coffee can contribute
to weak bladder control, so opt for other beverages in place of your
caffeinated drinks. Grape juice, cranberry juice, cherry juice, and apple juice
are thirst-quenchers that usually are not irritating to a normal bladder.
2.
Drink up: Some
women may feel the need to restrict the amount of liquid they drink in hopes of
reducing the need to urinate. Even though drinking less does reduce urine
volume, it actually causes the urine in your bladder to be more concentrated
and more likely to irritate the bladder's
surface, and can result in needing to urinate
even more. Restricting fluids can also cause a bladder
infection because the highly concentrated
urine encourages bacterial growth. To help reduce the urge to urinate while you
sleep, drink the majority of your liquids during the daytime instead of
evening.
3.
Go light on the
spices: Highly spiced foods can upset an overactive bladder. Avoid
making dishes with peppers such as salsa and chili, and always read labels to
see if jalapeños or other chilies are in the ingredients list. When flavoring
your food, opt for fresh or dried herbs, and always start with fresh, quality
ingredients. These naturally have more flavors.
4.
Limit beer,
wine and other alcoholic drinks: Alcohol has a
twofold effect on bladder control. It contributes to dehydration and increased
urination, and it interferes with the brain's signals to the bladder about when
to release urine. If you regularly drink beer, wine or other alcoholic
beverages consider eliminating them from your diet to see if it helps control
your bladder.
5.
Skip the
sweeteners: Sugar, honey, corn syrup and artificial sweeteners can cause
bladder irritation and the urge to urinate. These sweeteners offer few health
benefits, so choose naturally sweet foods such as bananas, apples, and other
non-acidic fruits. (Avoid tomatoes and citrus fruits because their acidity can
irritate the bladder.) This will improve your bladder control by reducing the
sweeteners in your diet. It will increase your fiber intake and help prevent
constipation, which can also contribute to bladder leaks.
“Why does the need to pee intensify when you
are unlocking the door?” (Anonymous)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“5 Diet Tips to Help Control an Overactive Bladder”
by Michele Borboa
·
“Bladder 101: 5 Tips for
Controlling OAB” by Kathryn Matthews
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