Your bladder is an important part of the urinary tract system. It is a balloon-like organ that holds on to urine until it’s expelled from your body.
Just like any other organ in your body, neglecting your bladder’s health can lead to bladder inflammation, known as cystitis, as well as a few more immediate, unwelcome side effects such as:
- A strong urge to urinate
- The need to urinate frequently
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Burning sensation with urination
- Nighttime urination
- Bladder spasms
- Urine with a strong odour or cloudy appearance
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary incontinence
It is therefore important to take the proper steps to care for your urologic health and its proper functioning.
This includes opting for a healthy diet that’s rich in a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins, such as non-acidic fruits and vegetables.
What you eat and drink has an enormous effect on your bladder health. Certain bothersome foods become the source of bladder discomfort, while there are others that have the opposite effect.
Being mindful of your eating and drinking habits can play a significant role in reducing bladder discomfort.
Keep reading to learn what foods you can eat to find relief, and what foods you should try to avoid.
Berries
Everyone has heard that berries — strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries and other berries — are good sources of bacteria-fighting flavonols and vitamin C, which can help your bladder stave off bad bacteria.
They also have high water content, which can help flush out your bladder throughout the day to avoid UTIs.
Green beans
Green beans are another excellent option for people with sensitive bladder.
They’re rich in nutrients and serve vitamin A, C and K, along with plentiful fibre. They are easy on your urinary tract and effects of problems like bladder infection can be relieved by adding green beans to your diet.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower, the cruciferous veggie is rich in vitamin C, meaning it will increase the acidity of urine, which comes in handy in times of infection.
It also provides plenty of folates and fibre along with anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, which can help control inflammation in your urinary tract.
Pears
Pears are bladder-friendly fruits, loaded with dietary fibre, which can help facilitate bladder health.
Pears contain a significant amount of malic acid that could warrant protection against stone formation.
Egg white
Considered as the superfood for protein, eggs make up for not only a healthy breakfast but also help control an overactive bladder and maintain its health.
Egg whites are considered some of the least bothersome foods for many bladder conditions.
Potatoes
If you’re looking for food that is non-irritating to the bladder, potatoes are the best option.
They’re extremely versatile and high in magnesium which helps your bladder to fully empty.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps to fend off UTIs and makes sure that your bladder is as healthy as possible.
Bananas
Rich in potassium and loaded with fibre, bananas can help encourage regular bowel movements and relieve pressure on urine flow.
They are loaded with potassium, fibre, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, among many other enriching nutrients that facilitate the immune system by releasing antibodies to combat UTI-causing microbes.
Water
Most important and unfortunately one of the most overlooked drinks for your urinary health is the simplest: uncarbonated water.
Drinking plenty of water — one to two litres daily — can dilute any irritants found in food or beverages and flush bacteria out of your urinary tract.
Drinking plain water (and consuming meals that are high in water) is one natural remedy to prevent incontinence issues or bladder problems.
Foods that irritate the bladder
An uncontrolled bladder can affect your urinary tract beyond imagination. Some of the foods that are recognized as being bladder irritants include:
- Coffee & tea
- Carbonated beverages
- Acidic foods
- Spicy foods
- Citrus foods (lemons, limes, grapefruits & oranges)
- Fried & processed foods
Final thoughts
Remember, there is no ‘one size fits all’ bladder diet. A good rule to keep in mind is: If they’re not good for your bladder, they won’t feel good while being eliminated by way of urination.
In addition to making inferred changes to your diet, you can reduce urinary problems by changing your lifestyle. Peeing as soon as you need to and not holding it in are examples of such practises.
Furthermore, opt for regular health screening. It can provide you with relevant insight into your overall health, allowing you to take necessary preventive measures to maintain your well-being.