Foods to avoid in case of urinary leakage

Foods to avoid in case of urinary leakage

Foods to avoid in case of urinary leakage
Urinary incontinence is defined as any complaint of involuntary loss of urine. Although its prevalence remains difficult to establish precisely, it is estimated that nearly 5% of the population is affected. It is therefore considered today as a public health problem throughout the world, even if it is not a disease, but a symptom most often linked to a physical disorder. Although this symptom is never directly related to diet, in some cases it can be aggravated by the consumption of certain risky foods.

Caffeinated and carbonated drinks

Caffeine consumption, equivalent to two cups of coffee per day, is significantly associated with urinary incontinence in both men and women1-3 . Coffee, tea, but also chocolate, energy drinks and cola-type soft drinks contain caffeine.

Green tea, however, seems beneficial: there is indeed an inverse association between the usual consumption of green tea in middle-aged people and urinary incontinence.4.

To another extent, there is an association between alcohol consumption and urinary incontinence in middle-aged women.5.

In any case, it is important not to reduce the amount of fluids that you usually drink. Drinking enough is important. Otherwise, the urine may become very concentrated and irritate the bladder, which can lead to urge incontinence (or urge incontinence). Instead, opt for these different tips:

  • Avoid drinking large amounts in a short period of time.
  • Reduce fluid intake in the evening in case of nocturnal incontinence.
  • Do not drink too much in risky circumstances (away from home, away from the toilet, etc.).

Unfermented dairy products

An association has been identified between the consumption of milk (especially cow’s milk) and certain types of constipation6,7. Their richness in calcium could be one of the explanations of the phenomenon even if the mechanism is not yet well understood.8.

However, in the context of urinary incontinence, aggravating factors that expose the bladder to permanent pressure, such as constipation, must be avoided. On the contrary, it is recommended to adopt a diet rich in fiber, soluble (psyllium, oats, barley) or insoluble (fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains). Fiber absorbs a lot of water, which stimulates contractions in the intestines, and helps prevent constipation.

Irritating foods

People with urinary incontinence, that is to say linked to an overactive bladder, would be well advised to reduce their consumption of “irritating” foods.

The citrus (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, tangerine, etc.), consumed whole or in the form of juice, the chocolate, the sweet drinks or containing sugar substitutes, tomatoes, strong cheeses, spicy dishes are among the products likely to irritate the bladder and therefore stimulate its contraction.

References

1. Fumi Hirayama and Andy H. Lee. Is Caffeine Intake Associated With Urinary Incontinence in Japanese Adults ? J Prev Med Public Health. 2012 May; 45(3): 204–208.

2. Davis NJ, Vaughan CP et al. Caffeine intake and its association with urinary incontinence in United States men: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-2006 and 2007-2008. J Urol. 2013 Jun;189(6):2170-4.

3. Gleason JL, Richter HE et al. Caffeine and urinary incontinence in US women. Int Urogynecol J. 2013 Feb;24(2):295-302.

4. Hirayama F, Lee AH. Green tea drinking is inversely associated with urinary incontinence in middle-aged and older women. Neurourol Urodyn. 2011 Sep;30(7):1262-5. doi: 10.1002/nau.20987. Epub 2011 Mar 14.

5. Lee AH, Hirayama F. Alcohol consumption and female urinary incontinence: a community-based study in Japan. Int J Urol. 2012 Feb;19(2):143-8.

6. A clear association between CM consumption and constipation has been found in more than one third of children. However, analytical parameters do not demonstrate an immunoglobulin E-mediated immunologic mechanism.

7. Irastorza I, Ibañez B, Delgado-Sanzonetti L, Maruri N, Vitoria JC. Cow’s-milk-free diet as a therapeutic option in childhood chronic constipation. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2010 Aug;51(2):171-6.

8. Crowley ET, Williams LT, Roberts TK, Dunstan RH, Jones PD. Does milk cause constipation? A crossover dietary trial. Nutrients. 2013 Jan 22;5(1):253-66.

 

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