Are There Any Foods to Avoid for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Supervised by Kenji Taylor, MD

For overactive bladder, it's helpful to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as high-salt foods, caffeinated beverages, and acidic or spicy items.

Explanation

Certain foods can make overactive bladder symptoms worse by irritating the bladder. Many people find that reducing salt in their diet helps because high salt intake may cause the bladder to feel more uncomfortable. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and some sodas can also worsen the urge to urinate since they stimulate the bladder. Acidic foods and drinks—such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and their sauces—might irritate your bladder further. Spicy dishes can have a similar effect for some people. It is a good idea to watch what you eat and note any changes in your symptoms. Keeping a food diary may help you spot patterns and identify which foods or drinks give you trouble. While these recommendations work for many, every person is different. It’s best to talk with your doctor or a dietitian about making the right changes for you.

(References)

Leron E, Weintraub AY, Mastrolia SA, Schwarzman P. Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Evaluation and Management. Curr Urol. 2018 Mar;11(3):117-125. doi: 10.1159/000447205. Epub 2018 Feb 20. PMID: 29692690; PMCID: PMC5903463.
Matsuo T, Miyata Y, Otsubo A, Mukae Y, Mitsunari K, Ohba K, Sakai H. Efficacy of salt reduction for managing overactive bladder symptoms: a prospective study in patients with excessive daily salt intake. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 18;11(1):4046. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83725-9. PMID: 33603133; PMCID: PMC7893030.
Park J, Lee H, Kim Y, Norton C, Woodward S, Lee S. Effectiveness of Fluid and Caffeine Modifications on Symptoms in Adults With Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review. Int Neurourol J. 2023 Mar;27(1):23-35. doi: 10.5213/inj.2346014.007. Epub 2023 Mar 31. PMID: 37015722; PMCID: PMC10073005.

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