Incontinence isn’t about drinking too much water, but your loved one’s diet could be affecting his or her incontinence symptoms. The following foods and beverages may irritate the bladder, and should be reduced or avoided by those who experience incontinence:
- Caffeine
- Citrus fruits
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Artificial sweeteners
- Spicy foods
- Carbonated beverages
Bladder-Friendly Foods
The following foods have been shown to promote bladder health and should be incorporated into the diet of a person with incontinence:
- Cranberries and cranberry juice: The acidic nature of cranberry juice has been known to improve bladder function, and cranberry juice cocktail can prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.
- Purple and blue fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, plums, figs, eggplants, and purple cabbage: These foods contain compounds that reduce inflammation and improve urinary tract health.
- Yogurt and sauerkraut: The probiotic bacteria found in yogurt and sauerkraut helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, inhibiting overgrowth or infection by pathogens.
- Coriander: These seeds of the cilantro plant have a cooling effect that alleviates irritation from urinary tract infections.
For more helpful dietary tips to maintain a happy bladder, click here.
At Live Free Home Health Care, we can plan bladder-friendly meals, shop for the right foods, and prepare meals for your loved one. We can also monitor fluids and make sure he or she avoids foods and beverages that may irritate the bladder. Give us a call today at 603-217-0149 for more information about how our in-home care services can help.