Diet to Overcome Incontinence

Amy Taylor December 13, 2016

Loss of bladder control, also called ‘incontinence’, is a common and embarrassing problem. It’s characterised by the frequent need to pass urine. The urge to urinate is so sudden and strong that the person may not be able to get to the toilet on time. It also involves leaking urine when laughing or sneezing.

Many people think that incontinence is caused by too much fluid intake. While it could trigger frequent urination, it isn’t the culprit. An overactive or irritable bladder is usually the cause. What happens is that the bladder will register the need to urinate when there is not much urine in there. Incontinence may also be caused by stress. This particular type of incontinence affects mostly women in their menopause, as their oestrogen levels start to drop. This causes the bladder muscles to lose their strength and flexibility.

Incontinence can be overcome by gradually increasing the time frame in between toilet breaks. You can begin by allowing yourself one trip to the toilet every hour for one week, and then extending it to one and a half the following week, until you have a normal toilet breaks.

Apart from this, it is also helpful to make healthy changes in your diet. Below are some of the best foods that can help you overcome incontinence:

Vitamin C

Increasing your intake of foods that are high in vitamin C can help you fight incontinence. Vitamin C is essential in the build-up of collagen which is essential in maintaining the elasticity in the tissues that support the bladder and vagina. Make your plate colourful by putting fruits and vegetables of different colours. Not only does this ensure that you get enough vitamin C, it’s also a way to up your intake of bioflavonoids - water-soluble plant pigments that are essential to your bladder health too.

Cucumber

Yes, cucumber is mostly water. But they also contain a valuable nutrient called ‘silica’. This natural component is said to be helpful in fighting incontinence because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Silica also helps preserve connective tissues. Apart from cucumbers, you can also get silica from peanuts, flaxseeds, almonds and sunflower seeds.

Dark Leafy Vegetables

You also want to increase your intake of dark leafy vegetables, particularly broccoli, kale, spinach and cabbage. That is because they have loads of essential nutrients that boost not just the health of your bladder but also the rest of your body. Among the nutrients found in green leafy vegies that are specifically essential in overcoming incontinence is magnesium. that is because it has a special role in muscle and nerve function.

Herbs

Herbs are a wonderful addition to your pantry. Not only do they flavour your home-cooked meals. They also provide your body with amazing compounds that boost your overall health.

While you can benefit from eating these foods, there are some foods that you may want to avoid as well. First, you may want to reduce your alcohol intake as it may interfere with the neurological signals from your brain to your bladder, making you less in control. You also want to lower your caffeine intake as it has diuretic effects. High levels of caffeine have been associated with incontinence. One more thing to avoid are sugary foods. Sugar is not just bad for your bladder, but for your overall health too.

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