Posted on: 17 Sep 2018
If you have a sensitive bladder, you will not have to miss out on tasty foods this fall. The key is to know which foods are more likely to irritate your bladder and which ones are more likely to soothe. In general, you will want to avoid coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, tomato-based products, artificial sweeteners and spicy foods. Read on to learn about 10 bladder-friendly foods.
October 08,2020 |
Your bladder is an important part of the urinary tract system. It’s an essential pear-shaped organ made out of expandable components that holds on to urine until it’s expelled from your body. The bladder itself is quite impressive and is able to stretch from about two inches to over six inches long, depending on the amount of liquid it’s holding.1 In a typical person, your bladder will reach capacity when it fills up with about 16-24 ounces of urine, but most people start to feel the urge to urinate when it is only 25% full.1 At this point, your body starts to send nerve signals to the brain indicating that it’s time to find a restroom. When you proceed to use the bathroom, there is a mixture of voluntary and involuntary muscles working to lead urine from the bladder, through the urethra, and out of the body. Your bladder works hand-in-hand with your kidneys to filter fluid and wastes from the bloodstream. They are the primary parts of the urinary tract system. The byproduct from this process is urine. When your bladder isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to a number of problems. Normal functioning requires a coordination of neurologic, musculoskeletal, and psychological functions that result in the conscious and voluntary emptying of your bladder.1 Abnormal functioning can result in incontinence issues, leakage, backflow, and other common urinary system problems. To avoid these problems, it’s important to take the proper steps to care for your urologic health. This includes eating a healthy diet that’s rich in nutrients and vitamins. To help you eat foods that help your body, here are 10 foods that are great for bladder health.
Finally, whole grains and bread are great options to give you healthy carbohydrates without causing bladder problems. Quinoa, rice, and oats are good options for whole grains and most breads can be eaten without an issue. If you have celiac or any gluten sensitivities, talk to your doctor about a healthy alternative. Choosing Healthier Drinks Another thing that can severely impact your bladder health is the types of drinks you’re consuming on a regular basis. Caffeine, while helpful in the mornings, is a bladder irritant and can cause disruptions in your body’s communication signals. Sugary drinks like soda pop or sports drinks can cause stress on your bladder and lead to irritation. Alcoholic beverages have been shown to worsen bladder problems, so only drink in moderation to stay healthy. If you’re not a fan of plain water, there are still plenty of healthy drinks you can choose from. Different Types of Tea To avoid excess caffeine, try switching to herbal tea of fruit-based teas. You can slowly ween yourself off caffeine-heavy teas to avoid any withdrawal symptoms, but eventually it’s well worth the effort. There are plenty of different varieties of fruit and herbal teas to choose from. If you’re not a fan of drinking hot tea, make a pitcher of iced tea and flavor it with some lemon, mint, or cucumber. Kohli tea has also been shown to have a protective effect on your bladder and is recommended for those who are currently struggling with bladder problems.1 Certain Fruit Juices Some fruit juices are filled with excess sugars and are bad for your bladder, but others have some great benefits. Cranberry juice can help keep your bladder’s bacterial levels balanced and can prevent urinary tract infections. Pear or apple juice is also a good alternative, especially if you dilute it with water. Pomegranate juice is another alternative as it’s filled with plenty of beneficial antioxidants and helps to enhance your immune system. Just stray away from juices with high sugar contents. Lemon Enhanced Water While plain water can help prevent incontinence issues or bladder problems, a lot of people have trouble drinking enough. To help you increase the amount of water you’re drinking, try enhancing it with lemon or other fruits. Lemon is great as it’s filled with plenty of vitamin C and helps alkalize your body. Lemon is also a great diuretic, which helps to flush out toxins from your body. Conclusion Eating for bladder health doesn’t have to be boring. By incorporating a wide variety of healthy, nutritious foods, you’ll find yourself with more energy, fewer problems, and an overall healthier lifestyle. If you feel like you’re having problems with your bladder, or have other symptoms that raise concern, call your doctor immediately. For more information on maintaining a healthy bladder or if you’re looking for a way to better manage a chronic condition, make sure you’re getting the most out of your health insurance benefits. Sources: 1 https://www.cxbladder.com/us/blog/a-guide-to-keeping-your-bladder-healthy/ |