If you have an overactive bladder there are specific foods you should avoid. You may be surprised to learn that it is not just what you drink, but what you eat, that can determine how serious your incontinence is. If you are the caregiver for a senior who is dealing with incontinence, it can be helpful to know that there are certain foods that can make it worse. Making just a few dietary changes can go a long way toward reducing or even eliminating, the symptoms of incontinence. Whether seniors are managing their diet on their own, or caregivers are stepping in to help, knowing what foods to avoid can be helpful in managing incontinence and improving quality of life. Here are some foods to avoid when managing incontinence.

Citrus fruits-Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and even pineapples all contain bladder irritating components. While it is crucial that seniors have a well balanced diet, they should avoid eating these fruits if they are experiencing incontinence. The problem with citrus fruits is that they are highly acidic and can irritate the bladder. This will only make the incontinence worse. Keep in mind that citrus fruits should also be avoided in juice form, as well. Rather than give up all juices and fruits; simply replace them with bananas, apples, berries, and pears for great nutritional value and fiber. Fiber can also play a key role in reducing the symptoms of incontinence.

Chocolate-This can be painful for those people who love the dark stuff. However, the caffeine found in chocolate is known to be a bladder stimulant. You should not assume that hot chocolate is any better (In fact it is worse), since the chocolate arrives in liquid form. The best solution is to have 1-2 ounces of truly dark chocolate in order to help with that chocolate craving.

Hot sauce, chili peppers and wasabi-If you like it spicy and are trying to manage incontinence then the news isn’t good. All varieties of spicy foods, from nachos to curry tend to irritate the lining of the bladder and make incontinence worse. If you simply can’t give up your favorite spicy dish then you should consider choosing a cooled down version. You can still use herbs, garlic, and other strong flavors in place of the heat carrying ingredients listed above.

Sugar and honey-You may be surprised to learn that the sweet stuff can have a major effect on the bladder. While it can be challenging to completely cut out sugar it can help the symptoms of incontinence, if you can at least reduce the amount you eat. You can start by not adding those extra spoonfuls to your morning cereal or coffee, and make sure that you are reading labels on everything you buy, since there is a lot of hidden sugar. In addition, it is important to know that for some people even artificial sweeteners have the same effect.

The Caregiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their care giving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers – from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer – as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids.

Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets, nutrition support and also on Incontinence products. Visit the Care Giver Partnership for more info on Male incontinence products

It is important to understand that incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ for more details.

Author Bio: Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets, nutrition support and also on Incontinence products. Visit the Care Giver Partnership for more info on Male incontinence products

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Incontinence products, Adult incontinence products, Male incontinence products, Incontinence supplie