The muscles and nerves of the bladder contract abnormally and frequently, leading to increased urgency<\/a> and urinary incontinence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interstitial cystitis is similar to an overactive bladder because it causes frequent urination<\/a>. However, unlike overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis can also cause pelvic pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the symptoms of interstitial cystitis include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Benign prostatic hyperplasia<\/a> is a common condition among older men. As you age, your prostate can become enlarged. An enlarged prostate puts pressure on your bladder and blocks the flow of urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the common symptoms of BPH<\/a> is frequent urination and a flow of urine that stops and starts.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a tumor on your prostate, it can press into your bladder and disrupt the flow of urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Urinary tract infections<\/a> are less common in men compared to women. They can still happen and can turn into a serious kidney infection if left untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [bensnaturalhealthIinlineLeadGen id =”1″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some foods are more acidic, which can make your urine more acidic. Acidic foods can be bladder irritants and cause an increase in symptoms like pain and urinary urgency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies have found a link between certain vitamins and their relation to bladder health, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your hydration status can also play a role in your bladder health. Dehydration can increase the risk of urinary tract infections while drinking too many fluids can worsen problems like an overactive bladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some foods have anti-inflammatory properties. These foods may help ease inflammation<\/a> and pain associated with bladder irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone is different when it comes to food and drink triggers for bladder problems. The foods and drinks in this list are more common\/potential bladder irritants. However, not all foods and drinks on the list will be triggers for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to track your foods and drinks to better understand how your diet impacts your bladder health. A food & symptom log can be a helpful tool to learn which foods and drinks cause bladder irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common bladder irritants include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not well known why artificial sweeteners are linked with bladder problems. If you notice your bladder irritation increases after eating foods with artificial sweeteners, it\u2019s worth avoiding them to see if your symptoms improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some foods that can have artificial sweeteners include \u201clight\u201d yogurts and other products, things labeled \u201cno sugar added\u201d, and \u201cdiet\u201d products including diet sodas and other beverages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carbonated drinks can be a bladder irritant for sensitive bladders. You may want to avoid carbonated drinks like soda, seltzers, sparkling waters, and other carbonated drinks if you\u2019re experiencing bladder irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more often. If you\u2019re already dealing with an overactive bladder and are suffering from urgency, this is something you probably want to avoid. Coffee, tea, and certain sodas are all potential sources of caffeine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there isn\u2019t a standard diet specifically for bladder health, including whole, unprocessed foods might help. Foods rich in antioxidants<\/a> and healthy omega-3 fatty acids can fight inflammation and might help reduce painful bladder symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Mediterranean-style diet<\/a> is rich in plant-based foods rich in antioxidants. Some particularly beneficial foods that may help with bladder irritation include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blueberries get their rich color from anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant. Anthocyanins are the largest category of water-soluble pigments in plants.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anthocyanins<\/a> have antioxidant, anticarcinogenic (cancer-fighting), and antimicrobial properties. They\u2019re also anti-inflammatory<\/a>, which means they might help fight bladder inflammation<\/a> and the pain associated with bladder problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While all berries are nutritious, blackberries are especially rich in antioxidants. Blackberries have a greater antioxidant content compared to blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foods are classified as acidic or alkaline based on their pH level. The typical pH range of stomach acid falls between 1.5 and 3.5. For reference, the pH of lemon juice is around 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acidic foods are potential bladder irritants, so try to choose fruits and vegetables that are higher on the pH scale, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Salmon<\/a> is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. A study<\/a> on patients with an inflammatory digestive disorder found that salmon consumption reduced markers of inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research shows that people who eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon) are less likely to develop inflammatory conditions, which could include bladder irritation, pain, and bladder cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Salmon is also one of the few natural sources of vitamin D<\/a>, a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for bone health. Three ounces of salmon provides 75% of the daily value of vitamin D for adults under age 70.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, there may also be a link between vitamin D deficiency and urinary incontinence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats<\/a> have pain-fighting properties as opposed to pro-inflammatory saturated fats which are prevalent in a typical Western diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diets rich in saturated fats are associated with chronic inflammation<\/a> and a higher likelihood of developing inflammatory-induced diseases like diabetes<\/a> and heart disease<\/a>. On the other hand, a healthy, bladder-friendly diet rich in foods like olive oil has a lower risk of inflammation-related diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial if you\u2019re struggling with incontinence or have had bladder or prostate surgery<\/a>. A physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation can help you strengthen muscles in your pelvic floor<\/a> in order to improve bladder control<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Losing weight if you\u2019re overweight may help improve your bladder health, especially if you have stress urinary incontinence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scheduling restroom trips can help get you into a good routine for emptying your bladder instead of waiting until you feel the urge to urinate.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have control of the muscles needed to hold in urine, practice waiting to go to the restroom for a few minutes beyond when you feel the urge to go. This can help strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor and allow you to reduce the number of times you have to use the restroom for an overactive bladder. These techniques may also help prevent bladder leaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bladder problems in men may occur due to an overactive bladder or issues with your prostate. Certain foods act as bladder irritants and should be avoided if they cause symptoms. Keeping a food\/symptom log is the best way to identify your unique food and drink triggers for your bladder health.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInterstitial cystitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prostate cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Urinary tract infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The link between the bladder and your diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Foods and drinks to avoid that may irritate your bladder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common bladder irritants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Diet, light, and no sugar added products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Carbonated beverages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Caffeine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Foods to include in your diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Berries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Non-acidic fruits & vegetables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Low-Acidic Vegetables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Salmon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Olive oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other natural remedies for bladder problems\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Physical therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Weight management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bladder training & scheduled restroom trips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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