5 Foods That Can Help Overactive Bladder

5 Foods That Can Help Overactive Bladder - slide 1

Overactive bladder is a problem with bladder storage function that causes a sudden urge to urinate. The urge may be difficult to suppress, and overactive bladder can lead to the involuntary loss of urine (incontinence). While there's not a special diet to treat an overactive bladder, the foods you eat can have a significant impact.


Nuts, seeds and legumes

Nuts, seeds and legumes

Build a higher percentage of one's daily intake of food from plant foods like whole grains, beans, vegetables, nuts, and fruits. The closer to a natural, unprocessed source, the more effective these food groups can be. The kinds of beans you should eat are black beans, split peas, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, and pinto beans. A single, half-cup serving of each carries 6- 8 grams of fiber.


Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables

Virtually any noncitrus fruits are good for you in addition to vegetables. Those highest in fiber are peas, sweet potatoes with skin, and broccoli.


Breads, cereals and rice

Breads, cereals and rice

Opt for non-ground wheat bran. And eat it as cereal, not in sugary muffins. Whole wheat pasta (one cup cooked) is packed with 6 grams, but brown rice has half as much.


Water

Water

The best beverage for your bladder is water. Many people who have an overactive bladder reduce the amount of liquids they drink hoping they will need to urinate less often. While less liquid through the mouth does result in less liquid in the form of urine, the smaller amount of urine may be more highly concentrated and thus, irritating to the bladder surface and not an effective overactive bladder treatment.


Meat and fish

Meat and fish

Lean cuts of fresh meat are acceptable, as are fish and shellfish. Nonacidic foods with healthy monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, flaxseed and avocados are quite soothing to the bladder.