What are bladder irritants?
Do you ever get a really strong urge to go the toilet that you struggle to put off? Do you sometimes run to the toilet only to leak on the way? Have you noticed that after eating or drinking certain foods or drinks that you need to go to the toilet more?
If so, the problem could be bladder irritants!
Bladder irritants are substances that trigger urgency – a strong urge to go to the toilet that is difficult or impossible to put off.
Do you ever eat or drink something that makes you need to wee more than usual?
What are some common bladder irritants?
Caffeine
Ever had a tea or coffee and notice that you need to run to the loo? Caffeine is probably one of the most common bladder irritants that I see in the clinic.
Common sources of caffeine include:
- Black tea
- Green tea
- Coffee
- Dark chocolate
- Coke
- Energy drinks
Alcohol
Alcohol is a very typical bladder irritant, that can wreak havoc on even the strongest bladder.
It’s pretty obvious that alcohol is found in alcoholic drinks, some of which include:
- Beer
- Wine
- Spirits
- Cocktails
Carbonated drinks
Did you know that carbonated drinks can irritate the bladder? Even soda water or mineral water can be enough to increase urgency in some people.
Common examples of carbonated drinks include:
- Soft drinks
- Soda water
- Mineral water
- Energy drinks
Spicy foods
Yes, even spicy food can be a bladder irritant for some people. These include things like:
- Curry
- Chillies
- Pepper
- Jalapenos
- Hot sauce
Artificial sweeteners
Ever think that artificial sweeteners are better for you? They may have less calories on average, but they can also irritate your bladder.
Some common foods/drinks artificial sweeteners are found in include:
- Diet soft drinks
- Chewing gum
- Diet/low calorie snacks or protein bars
Acidic foods & drinks
Another really common source of bladder irritation is acidic food & drinks.
Common acidic foods/drinks include:
- Citrus fruit
- Fruit juice
- Tomatoes
- Tomato juice
- Tomato soups
By minimising these common bladder irritants, you could reduce the urgency you experience and reduce urgency-related leakage.
If you are experiencing concerning bladder symptoms, it’s always best to touch base with a pelvic health physiotherapist or your GP. If you currently don’t have a pelvic health physio, you can get in contact with me here.
